OUR TEAM

COMPASSIONATE CARE PROFESSIONALS

Alter Mental Health is all about making people feel that they are welcome and in very good hands. From the receptionist to the primary care professionals, our team is empathetic and understanding of the unique needs that come with neurodivergent conditions. From start to finish, we will make sure every person that steps through our door seeking treatment feels welcome and at home.

Dr. Araz Tawfique, MD

MEDICAL DIRECTOR / PSYCHIATRIST

Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D. is an award-winning, Board Certified psychiatrist in La Jolla, CA with over ten years of experience working with people with of diverse needs. He pursued his true passion for psychiatry and completed his psychiatric residency training at the University of Reno, Las Vegas, A San Diego native, he returned to Southern California to receive additional training in mental health, and start his private practice. His specialties are psychiatry and psychotherapy, which are techniques that facilitate a better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and motivations. His approach explores the interplay of biology, psychology, and sociology in shaping individuals and their relationships.

Dr. Tawfique’s experience includes delivering comprehensive addiction treatment at substance abuse centers in San Diego County, work as the Medical Director of Consultation/Liaison Psychiatric Services at Sharp Coronado Hospital, providing psychiatric emergency evaluations at San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital, and private practice experience.

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Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D.

Medical Director/Psychiatrist

Stacy Dawish, PMHNP

PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER
 
Stacy is compassionate, patient-centered, and a highly dedicated professional with extensive experience as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She graduated from Saddleback College with an Associate Degree in Nursing and went on to gain a Masters of Science at Walden University.
Stacy brings to Alter the ability to assess complex medical cases, improving quality care, and develop consultative strategies for superior patient outcomes and case efficacy.
She provides health education and essential emotional support to patients’ families. As an articulate communicator and team player, effective at building positive relationships with patients, family members, and professionals of all levels, she is a welcome addition to the Alter team.
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Stacy Dawish, PMHNP

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Amber Ontiveros, CADC3

PROGRAM MANAGER

Amber began her journey in behavioral health by obtaining a degree in Psychology and becoming a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Amber has a passion for helping people move forward and achieve their goals. Amber considers it an honor to provide a safe environment for people to explore their needs and reach their highest potential. Amber leads with integrity, empathy, and understanding.

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Amber Ontiveros, CADC3

Program Manager

Niloufar Nekou, LMFT

VP - EXECUTIVE CLINICAL DIRECTOR
 
Niloufar Nekou is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with several years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults. Niloufar’s therapeutic approach is to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space to address the difficulties that bring clients to therapy.
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Niloufar Nekou, LMFT

VP - Executive Clinical Director

William Lemme

OPERATIONS MANAGER
 
Will graduated from Fresno Pacific University with his bachelor's in Business Administration and Management. Will has worked in a variety of different industries, from banking to human resources, but found his passion in serving others. Before being a part of the Alter team, his work for a non-profit amplified his desire to help others facing addiction.
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Willliam Lemme

Operations Manager

Benjamin Maxson, AMFT

PRIMARY THERAPIST
 
Benjamin is passionate about assisting individuals in their journey to heal, recover, and become the best version of themselves. Benjamin emphasizes a focus on empathy, restoration, redemption, and optimism. Benjamin works to equip each individual with an adaptive mindset and the necessary tools to accomplish their unique goals. Benjamin is trained in CBT, EMDR, intergenerational family therapy, family systems, addiction, and mental health. Benjamin finds joy and fulfillment in collaborating alongside individuals, couples, and families to find the resources to overcome life's hurdles and live happy, joyous, and free.
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Benjamin Maxson, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Tracy Foust

OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
 
Tracy graduated from MIU with her bachelor’s in communications. Before coming to Alter Health Group, Tracy worked as a paralegal. She was drawn to the mental health and recovery field after discovering her desire to help others heal. Tracy is committed to serving the community and clients of Alter Health Group
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Tracy Foust

Operations Supervisor

Teralyn MacArthur

CASE MANAGER
 
Teralyn has worked in the mental health field for several years and takes a compassionate approach when working with her clients. She uses a dynamic process to improve client care by assessing treatment needs, developing, monitoring, and evaluating treatment plans and progress, and facilitating interdisciplinary approaches. Teralyn promotes active listening, reliability, and problem solving skills. She uses evidence-based practices to build trusting relationships and empower her clients. When she's not working, Teralyn enjoys spending quality time with her son.
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Teralyn MacArthur

Case Manager

Eva Norton, MSW, ACSW

PRIMARY THERAPIST
 
Eva Norton has over 12 years of experience working with culturally diverse families and individuals in various social work settings including outpatient mental health, vocational rehabilitation, educational mentoring for young adults, veteran healthcare as well as homeless prevention. She offers trauma-informed care by empowering clients to be resourceful, to take action through decision making and by encouraging accountability. She aims to help clients learn to analyze and resolve issues and change behavior through deep exploration of identity and self-esteem. Eva promotes a holistic approach to recovery, helping clients to improve coping skills and increase capacity for developing satisfying relationships with themselves and others. Eva Norton received her BSW with a concentration in Psychology in 2014 and MSW with a focus on Community Organization and Leadership from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2018. She enjoys playing golf, cooking Italian food, live music, art and currently learning to surf!
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Eva Norton, MSW, ACSW

Primary Therapist