Meet The Team

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  Jacob Moussai, MD

  Psychiatrist

  Dr. Moussai is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatric training at Yale School of Medicine. He has been providing direct patient care for more than two decades specializing in adults with a variety…

  Dr. Moussai is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatric training at Yale School of Medicine. He has been providing direct patient care for more than two decades specializing in adults with a variety of psychiatric conditions. 

  He is a former Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA School of Medicine and a former Assistant Clinical Professor at USC School of Medicine and has provided direct supervision to trainees over the years. 

  He was a Medical Director at the VA providing care to our returning combat Veterans and later worked in the commercial healthcare sector as the Regional Medical Director overseeing substance abuse and eating disorder treatment. 

  He has knowledge and expertise in providing care using various treatment modalities including medications, psychotherapy, and other approaches such as TMS and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy

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  Melanie Jimenez, PMHNP-BC

  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

  Melanie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with seven years of nursing experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Marcos, and worked as…

  Melanie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with seven years of nursing experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Marcos, and worked as a Registered Nurse at Huntington Hospital and UCLA. Her commitment to psychiatric medicine grew from personal experiences and recognizing the unmet needs in mental health.

  To broaden her impact, Melanie obtained a Master's degree in Nursing from Maryville University. She has experience in treating patients with treatment-resistant mental health conditions, including the use of innovative therapies like ketamine infusion. Melanie is passionate about destigmatizing mood disorders and advocates for alternative treatments like ketamine and psychedelic medicine. She finds great fulfillment in working closely with patients, helping them take control of their mental health and confidently navigate their treatment journey.

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  Joshua Poole, MD

  Psychiatrist

  Joshua Poole, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist who brings a highly integrative, evidence-based approach to mental health care. His clinical work is grounded in advanced psychopharmacology and multiple modalities with…

  Joshua Poole, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist who brings a highly integrative, evidence-based approach to mental health care. His clinical work is grounded in advanced psychopharmacology and multiple modalities with a focus on delivering thoughtful, individualized treatment that addresses the complexity of each patient's lived experience.

  An expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Poole utilizes cutting-edge, evidence-based strategies to treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions. He works closely with patients to identify the appropriate medication or combination of treatments, with careful attention to effectiveness, tolerability, and long-term outcomes. In addition to medication management, Dr. Poole is trained and certified in psychoanalytic and relational psychotherapies as well as psychedelic-assisted and integration therapy.

  Dr. Poole is deeply committed to holistic, patient-centered care and values the mind and body connection in mental health treatment. His therapeutic style is collaborative, reflective, and grounded, and emphasizes meeting individuals where they are. His goal is to provide helpful insight and support meaningful, sustainable change for his patients. At Stella Mental Health, he works to deliver comprehensive psychiatric care that prioritizes clinical excellence, compassion, and individualized attention.

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  Patrick Wester, PMHNP-BC

  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

  Patrick is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is well-versed in the fields of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and interventional psychiatry. Before joining Bespoke Treatment, Patrick…

  Patrick is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is well-versed in the fields of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and interventional psychiatry. Before joining Bespoke Treatment, Patrick worked in New York City at an outpatient clinic specializing in Treatment Resistant Depression, where he was responsible for complex medication management, overseeing IV ketamine and Spravato (esketamine) sessions and providing TMS. He also served as Clinical Director of the practice's Intensive Outpatient Program, overseeing a team of psychiatrists, PMHNPs and therapists. Prior to his work as a PMHNP, Patrick worked as a Registered Nurse in emergency, trauma and psychiatric emergency settings primarily in New Jersey and California – and is very happy to be back in Los Angeles!

  Patrick holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Fordham University, where he worked in the Mood and Behavior Lab, conducting and publishing research on topics related to non-suicidal self-injury. He also has a bachelor's degree in nursing from Seton Hall University, where he was the recipient of the Nursing Excellence Awards in both Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Research for his graduating class. While completing his Masters in Advanced Nursing Practice at Wilkes University, Patrick completed a year-long internship at a community outpatient psychiatric practice, addressing a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns for patients of all ages. Patrick prides himself on providing individualized and compassionate care to all his patients, empowering them to be active participants in their healing journey. Patrick believes that this healing journey should be viewed holistically, treating the underlying causes of mental health challenges and not just the symptoms. With a passion for patient education and advocacy, Patrick strives to create a trusting relationship with patients to ensure that those he works with feel heard, optimistic and understood.

   

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  Dr. John How. MD

  Medical Director, DSR SGB Provider

  Dr. John How is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over a decade of experience in the emergency department. He has a special interest in treating musculoskeletal and mental health conditions in people…

  Dr. John How is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over a decade of experience in the emergency department. He has a special interest in treating musculoskeletal and mental health conditions in people who work or live in high-stress jobs and environments.

  Dr. How received his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California and completed a residency in emergency medicine at Ascension St. John Hospital in Michigan. He is particularly interested in the use of modern ultrasound to diagnose and guide treatment for various conditions.

  Through extensive training with doctors in a range of specialties, Dr. How has developed expertise in precision ultrasound-guided interventions for conditions such as peripheral nerve entrapment and soft tissue injuries. In addition to running the Stella San Diego clinic, Dr. How is also passionate about teaching and has joined the clinical faculty for the primary care sports medicine fellowship at UHC SoCal MEC, where he focuses on ultrasound guided diagnosis and treatment and regenerative medicine.

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  Jessie Davis, AMFT

  Therapist

  Jessie is an associate therapist who earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. Jessie is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and is certified in Trauma-Focused…

  Jessie is an associate therapist who earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. Jessie is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Jessie is passionate about helping patients build resilient relationships, heal from past traumas, and develop meaningful, connected lives through a warm and empathetic approach. As a clinician, Jessie is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and affirming environment for a diverse range of patients.
  
  

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  Gavin Dawson, PA-C

  Director of Clinical and Medical Operations

  Gavin Dawson is a board-certified Physician Assistant, founder of the medical education company Global Emergency Medics, a Lead Instructor of wilderness medicine courses, and a dedicated researcher to the…

  Gavin Dawson is a board-certified Physician Assistant, founder of the medical education company Global Emergency Medics, a Lead Instructor of wilderness medicine courses, and a dedicated researcher to the ever-expanding world of psychedelic medicine. After double majoring with honors at the University of Colorado in Neuroscience and Integrative Physiology plus a minor in Philosophy, he went on to complete his graduate studies at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Gavin's ability to create an environment of trust and support sets him apart in the world of medicine. Gavin is a true team player who thrives working in collaboration with his patients, always remaining focused on empowering his patients to take charge of their health and find vitality.

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  Kathleen San Filippo, LMFT

  Therapist

  Kathleen is a licensed MFT and certified as a Clinical Trauma Specialist. She has spent the last 20+ years working in a variety of capacities serving the mental health community through private practice, residential…

  Kathleen is a licensed MFT and certified as a Clinical Trauma Specialist. She has spent the last 20+ years working in a variety of capacities serving the mental health community through private practice, residential treatment facilities, sober living facilities, non-profit organizations, schools and colleges, and outreach opportunities. Kathleen has extensive experience with both youth and adults, with particular specialties in anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, and addiction. She is often told that she is easy to talk to, and yet still straight forward and challenging in a way that promotes progress. She has developed a reputation for finding success with clients who have failed to thrive in the traditional "office therapy" environment.

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  Ben Spielberg, M.S., PhD Candidate

  Neuroscientist & Managing Director, California

  After working in behavioral health for a decade and finding mental healthcare to be splintered and inaccessible for many patients, Ben founded Bespoke Treatment in 2019 which was acquired by Stella in 2025. Ben attended…

  After working in behavioral health for a decade and finding mental healthcare to be splintered and inaccessible for many patients, Ben founded Bespoke Treatment in 2019 which was acquired by Stella in 2025. Ben attended graduate school at Columbia University and received a Master of Science degree in Neuroscience and Education. During graduate school, Ben developed a specialty in clinical neuromodulation and neuroimaging, where he used brain scans to predict off-label uses for TMS, neurofeedback, and Ketamine. Ben's research has been published in prestigious journals such as Brain Stimulation and ACR Open Rheumatology, and presented at The Clinical TMS Society, The International Neuropsychological Society, and the NYC Neuromodulation Conference. As a Cognitive Neuroscience Ph.D. candidate, Ben is currently researching ways to continue to personalize and optimize brain stimulation and medical psychedelic use.  Ben serves as the Psychedelic Medicine Association's Chapter Head of the Neurology Special Interest Group and has been honored as a 2023 Future Leader Under 40 by Behavioral Health Business and a Top 10 CEO to watch out for by Entrepreneur.com.

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  Tara DiPino, AMFT

  Therapist

  Tara DiPino holds a master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. Tara is a dedicated AMFT therapist committed to empowering individuals on their path to personal growth and fulfillment. Her…

  Tara DiPino holds a master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. Tara is a dedicated AMFT therapist committed to empowering individuals on their path to personal growth and fulfillment. Her organic approach and passion for healing form the foundation of her practice, creating a safe space for transformation and self-discovery.

   

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  Nima Fahimian, MD

  Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, Psychiatrist

  Dr. Nima A. Fahimian, the Chief Medical Officer at Bespoke Treatment, brings over two decades of expertise in psychiatry and integrative medicine. A graduate of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, with dual…

  Dr. Nima A. Fahimian, the Chief Medical Officer at Bespoke Treatment, brings over two decades of expertise in psychiatry and integrative medicine. A graduate of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, with dual bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Biochemistry from UCLA, he completed his Psychiatry Residency at UCLA's Semel Institute, serving as Chief Resident in Adult Inpatient Psychiatry. Triple board-certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Fahimian has held significant academic roles, including Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UC Irvine and UC Riverside. His clinical leadership includes positions as Medical Director at Cedars-Sinai and Chief Psychiatrist at various VA medical centers, where he pioneered innovative treatment programs for Veterans.

  At Stella, previously BeSpoke, Dr. Fahimian leverages his extensive experience to offer tailored, evidence-based treatments, embodying the clinic's mission to provide compassionate, individualized care. His dedication to advancing mental health care is reflected in his ongoing research, teaching, and numerous accolades for excellence in medical education. Dr. Fahimian's holistic approach and deep empathy make him a trusted and respected figure in the field of mental health. With a head for research and a heart for clinical care, Dr. Fahimian ensures that his patients are treated with the most effective, up-to-date, and safest treatments available.

   

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  Sarah Kaamoush, RN, BSN

  DSR / SGB Registered Nurse

  I'm an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student with over 12 years in emergency, step-down, and clinical observation care. At Stella Mental Health, I work in…

  I'm an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student with over 12 years in emergency, step-down, and clinical observation care. At Stella Mental Health, I work in collaboration with Dr. John How assisting with dual sympathetic reset (DSR) of the advanced stellate ganglion block (SGB) procedures. As an RN, I provide trauma-informed care and support for patients undergoing SGB/DSR treatments. Outside of work, I enjoy studying mycology and following emerging research in psychedelic-assisted therapies.

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  Cristina Azevedo-Reis, AMFT

  Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

  Cristina Azevedo-Reis, AMFT, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who brings a grounded, compassionate presence to her work with teens and adults. She earned her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Antioch…

  Cristina Azevedo-Reis, AMFT, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who brings a grounded, compassionate presence to her work with teens and adults. She earned her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, where her training emphasized trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally responsive care.

  
  Cristina specializes in supporting clients who are navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, gender-affirming care, and LGBTQIA+ experiences. Clients often describe her as attuned, calm, and straightforward—someone who listens deeply, asks meaningful questions, and offers insights that foster clarity and emotional growth.

  
  Her therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based work, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and emotionally focused, compassionate techniques. Cristina helps clients understand how past experiences shape current patterns, strengthen their capacity for connection, and develop practical tools for emotional resilience.

  
  Cristina is committed to creating a collaborative, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their inner world safely and work toward healing at a pace that feels right. She believes that therapy is not about "fixing" what's wrong but uncovering what's possible—and empowering clients to build lives and relationships that feel authentic, stable, and fulfilling.

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  Danielle Sarno, AMFT

  Therapist

  Danielle is an associate therapist who earned her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is dedicated to working with adults and young people with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues…

  Danielle is an associate therapist who earned her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is dedicated to working with adults and young people with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues and is passionate about guiding individuals through trauma processing to foster a happier and more peaceful life. Her experiences have provided her the ability to understand life's challenges and she is always there to listen, validate, and provide support in a non-judgmental setting. Danielle enjoys working with people of all ages, families, and couples and specializes in addressing various issues utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and The Gottman Method for Couples, and practices a person-centered approach to therapy.

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