Meet the Team
Welcome to Mission Behavioral Health, your premier destination for compassionate psychiatric care in San Diego. Our expert team of practitioners is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services tailored to your individual needs. With a focus on evidence-based treatment and personalized care, we're here to support you on your journey to wellness.
Robert Zalewski-Zaragoza
MD
Dr. Zalewski-Zaragoza graduated from UCSD School of Medicine in 2002 and completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Naval Medical Center San Diego where he was Chief Resident. He has served as the head of psychiatry at the US Naval Hospital in Naples, Italy prior to going into private practice in 2011 where he provides a mix of inpatient and outpatient services. He is certified by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.
Ruchira Densert
MD
Dr. Densert, a board-certified psychiatrist with over 23 years of clinical experience, provides evidence-based, personalized psychiatric care. She offers services including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression and OCD, nasal esketamine (Spravato) for depression, and traditional medication management. Dr. Densert emphasizes understanding each individual's unique story and focuses on holistic care, addressing root causes with personalized plans that include nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification, mindfulness, stress management, sleep, and exercise. She ensures a safe, non-judgmental environment for discussing concerns. Contact her today to begin your journey to lasting mental wellbeing.
Robert McLay
MD, Ph.D.
Robert McLay, board certified in General Psychiatry, Pain Medicine, and Psychosomatic Medicine, specializes in military and high-performance mental health. At this clinic, he exclusively sees patients connected to the U.S. military or similar government service. Dr. McLay earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University, and his Ph.D. and M.D. from Tulane University. With 23 years of service in the U.S. Navy, he holds the rank of Captain in the Navy Reserve. Besides his clinic work, he serves as Lead Psychiatrist for San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital and has authored numerous scientific publications and books on PTSD and combat psychiatry. He's received various awards, including Mental Health Teacher of the Year from Naval Medical Center.
Negean Shahnematollahi
PMHNP
Negean Shahnematollahi is a California Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor's in Nursing from San Diego State University and her Master's in Nursing from California State University San Marcos, specializing as a Family Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Negean completed a two-year clinical residency at UCSD Outpatient Psychiatric Services. Her interests include functional medicine psychiatry, telemedicine for mental health, and interprofessional development. She is actively involved in professional associations including the California Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International.
Milka Galvez
PMHNP
Milka Galvez holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. With a background in acute and outpatient care, she finds fulfillment in working with diverse age groups, spanning adolescents to geriatric patients. Milka specializes in depression, insomnia, sleep-related issues, and relationship-focused challenges. Additionally, she is fluent in Tagalog.
Penny Greaves
PMHNP, FNP
Penny Greaves is a seasoned psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner, specializing in treating depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder. With over a decade of experience, she graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, and National University in San Diego, California. Penny possesses advanced training in addictions, enriching her comprehensive approach to patient care.
Bohan Farrell
PMHNP
Bohan Farrell, a board-certified Doctoral Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric care for adults, prioritizes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual, she tailors treatment plans to encompass mental health, nutrition, physical wellness, and self-care practices, including therapy options. Bohan fosters a collaborative relationship with her patients, aiming to understand their distinct needs and circumstances to optimize their health potential. She creates a safe and open environment for patients to work together in formulating personalized treatment plans.
Robert LaVigne
PA-C
Robert LaVigne, a psychiatric physician assistant since 2011, graduated from D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY, and holds a Master of Arts in Cognitive Psychology from SUNY Buffalo. With experience across various psychiatric settings in San Diego, including skilled nursing and addiction care, he is committed to evidence-based treatments and staying updated on advancements. Known for his calming demeanor, Robert collaborates closely with clients to deliver personalized care. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, and floor hockey.
Shannon Boyce
PA-C
Shannon Boyce, holding a bachelor's in Human Biology from UC San Diego and a master's in Medical Science and Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University, Glendale, specializes in adult mental health conditions. Certified by the NCCPA, she treats anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants, she emphasizes evidence-based medicine and personalized treatment plans. As a contracted PA for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly in San Diego, Shannon fosters collaborative patient relationships and provides transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment through Greenbrook TMS.
Ashley Russell
PA-C
Ashley Russell, PA-C is a physician assistant certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). As a Southern California native, she received her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology at UC San Diego. She then received her Master of Clinical Medical Science from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Prior to her master's's degree, she spent 1 year as a patient aide at a residential treatment center for addiction and mental health, and 2 years as a TMS technician. She strives to build a partnership with her patients to empower them to lead healthy lifestyles. In her free time, she enjoys baking, skateboarding, and spending time with her family.
Lauren Prasek
PMHNP-BC
Lauren Prasek is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, she specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders. She is dedicated to providing personalized care, ensuring each treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of her patients. Lauren believes in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, empowering individuals to achieve mental wellness and lead fulfilling lives. She works with patients of all ages and strives to create a positive impact on their overall well-being.
Dennis Wood
Ph.D.
Dennis Patrick Wood, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Clinical Psychologist in Coronado, CA, specializing in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma, particularly among military personnel. With extensive training in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves, Dr. Wood offers comprehensive evaluations and treatments for various mental health challenges. He is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology and provides psychological disability evaluations for veterans seeking assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs.