Clinical Leadership - Active Path Mental Health in OR and WA

Y Pritham Raj, Md, FACP

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Dr. Pritham Raj is board certified in internal medicine and psychiatry, specializing in the connection between the mind and body. Dr. Raj earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed his Combined Residency Training in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center where he served as a clinical rater for early TMS trials and continues to operate under a consulting faculty appointment.

Dr. Raj brings a wealth of knowledge about TMS therapy from his time as medical director of the Adventist Health Portland’s Emotional Wellness Center, where he led a team that delivered a full spectrum of mental health services, including TMS.

He also serves as an associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in the departments of Internal Medicine and Psychiatry.

Dr. Raj served as Medical Director of the Internal Medicine practice (IMC at Marquam Hill) in OHSU’s flagship hospital for over seven years, leading 80 strong faculty and residents. He served on several vital committees at OHSU, including the Admissions Committee of the School of Medicine.

Over his career, Dr. Raj has focused his clinical research on obesity, depression in the critically ill, and mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Drawn to how emotional wellness affects physical health, Dr. Raj completed Chief Wellness Officer training at Stanford University’s WellMD Program in 2019. He has provided multiple expert presentations on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals both physically and mentally.

In his spare time, Dr. Raj enjoys spending time with his three children. He is the president of DARK to Light, a nonprofit he founded to support children whose families are going through separation and divorce.

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Ryan Dozler

PMHNP, BSN, RN

Ryan Dozler is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at our Tigard location, specializing in TMS. He earned his first bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University, going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Belmont University, and completed his advanced nursing degree at Vanderbilt University.

With over five years of clinical experience, Ryan recognizes the path to wellness can take many forms and looks forward to providing an additional avenue in TMS. Ryan joined Active Path Mental Health with training in providing medication management and psychological support to complex patients across the lifespan. He has additional experience in critical care including providing hospital support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in substance abuse treatment settings.

Ryan is a member of the Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). In his free time, he enjoys fishing in Oregon’s coastal rivers, camping, snowboarding, supporting the Portland Trail Blazers, and spending time with friends and family.

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Zach Nelson

DNP, PMHNP-BC

Zach Nelson is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at our Kirkland location, specializing in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Spravato (esketamine), and psychiatric medication management. Zach earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Washington State University College of Nursing.

Zach has experience with adolescent and adult inpatient behavioral health. He also has two years of psychiatric medication management experience treating a variety of mental health conditions. Along with his clinical experience, he received the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership from Washington State University College of Nursing.

At Active Path Mental Health, providers take the time to understand a patient’s mental health history and current medications to allow for informed decision-making on the best depression and/or anxiety treatment plan moving forward, whether that is TMS, therapy, or medication.

In his free time, Zach enjoys backpacking, kayaking, and bird-watching.

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Laura Dillard

DNP, FNP-C, CARN-AP, PMHNP-BC

Laura Dillard is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at our Tigard and Hillsboro locations, speacalizing in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato . She is well-versed in patet care and brings a wide-ranging knowledge about addiction treatment and primary care to her role. Her experience includes conducting compehensive assessments, prescribing medications for acute detoxification, managing acute medical issues, and addrerssing chronic medical needs.

Laura has been a guest lecturer at the University of Portland for their Family Nurse Practicioner DNP Program as well as a guest lecturer for Duke University’s School of Nurse Population Care Coordinator Program. She holds certifications from the American Association of Nurse Practicioners, the American Nurse Credentialing Center, and the Addictions Nursing Certification Board.

In her free time, Laura enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son, trying new restaurants, reading (especially fiction), listening to podcasts in the car, and relaxing in front of Netflix.

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Kyle pernula

PA-C

Kyle Pernula is a Certified Physician Assistant at our Tigard and Hillsboro clinic locations.  He completed his Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

At Active Path Mental Health, Kyle specializes in providing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, Spravato (esketamine), and medication management to patients. These services are designed to provide comprehensive support to patients on their mental health journey. 

Kyle’s experience ranges from providing emergency medical care as a Combat Medic in the United States Army to leading statewide initiatives such as the National Guard COVID-19 Vaccine program and medical PPE delivery program. In addition to his clinical experience, Kyle also holds a certification as an EMT. 

In his free time, Kyle enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding, golfing, trying new restaurants, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

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Mason Spong

PA-C

Mason Spong is a NCCPA Board Certified Physician Assistant at our Portland and Vancouver clinic locations. He completed his Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans and earned his Bachelor of Science in Neurodiagnostic Technology from the University of Holy Cross College.

Mason has over five years of hands-on patient care experience, recognizing that everyone’s mental health journey is unique and can bring their own challenges. His psychiatric experience ranges from inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on obtaining histories, performing physical examinations, interpreting diagnostic evaluations, creating treatment plans, and patient education.

At Active Path Mental Health, Mason specializes in providing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, Spravato (esketamine), and medication management to patients. These services are designed to provide comprehensive support to our patients on their mental health journey. 

In his free time, Mason enjoys hiking, competitive gaming, spending time with loved ones, and supporting Tulane Green Wave baseball. 

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Jenna Lander

LCSW

“I am passionate about supporting people along life’s journey and being a listening ear in one’s time of need.”

Jenna Lander is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a strong background in counseling diverse populations of adults, juveniles, couples, and families. Jenna earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and brings 12 years of experience to Active Path Mental Health as a licensed therapist.

Jenna leads the Active Path Mental Health psychotherapy program, managing our group of therapists as well as helping treatment-resistant patients with depression on their journey to recovery. Using a short-term evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model, each session focuses on a specific problem in an effort to guide patients toward results in a shorter timeframe than traditional talk therapy.

As a licensed therapist, Jenna has experience working with patients in crisis intervention, providing psychotherapeutic services to adults and teens, and completing psychosocial assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge planning. Her areas of specialty include behavioral health, anxiety, and depression.

When she’s not helping patients, Jenna enjoys traveling, spending time with family, listening to country music, and being outdoors.

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