MIRECC / CoE

The Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services across 10 different hospital/clinic sites, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. Our health care facilities operate 808 inpatient beds, including three Community Living Centers and a 100-bed homeless domiciliary, and over 50 primary care and specialty outpatient clinics, serving over 67,000 enrolled Veterans.  The Psychosocial rehabilitation Interprofessional Fellowship accepts Social Work and Psychology post- graduates.  The Fellowship operates on a three-rotation model. Inpatient Acute Psychiatry serves as the initial immersion site for all fellow rotations placing fellows in immediate contact with veterans diagnosed with severe mental illness.  Veterans Recovery Center (VRC) is the second core rotation due to its strong emphasis on the recovery model.  The VRC immersion supports the fellow in understanding and applying recovery-oriented practice principles.  The third rotation is selected on the individual Fellow’s self-identified training needs and interests.

co-director name

Co-Director, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Fellowship

Professional Interests:mental health recovery.

Claire Hebenstreit, Ph.D

Co-Director of PSR Fellowship; Attending Psychologist, Acute Inpatient Psychiatry

Professional Interests: Severe Mental Illness, Forensic Issues, Ethical Considerations in Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment, Patient Advocacy, Person-Centered Mental Health Care.

The Fellowship Class of 2025 - 2026

Lisa Lin, Ph.D.

Psychology Resident
Professional Interests: I am dedicated to utilizing an integrative recovery-oriented approach that draws from various evidence-based treatments to support Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occuring diagnoses. I enjoy working collaboratively with Veterans to leverage their strengths, passions, and values to make strides toward meaningful and personal goals. I am particularly passionate about collaborating with multi-disiciplinary and interdisciplinary teams to reduce mental health related stigma and promote resiliency, empowerment, and hope through joint advocacy and support efforts.

Nicole Soong, MSW

Social Work Fellow
Professional Interests:Strong interest in the intersection of complex trauma with serious mental illness, PTSD, sleep disturbance, and related treatment modalities. Dedicated to being a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive, and strengths-based clinician who utilizes evidence-based interventions. I am passionate about assuming a holistic, person-centered and PSR approach, and striving to support Veterans in restoring a life with dignity and stability.

Sarah Nazmy, Psy.D.

Psychology Resident
Professional Interests:I have a strong interest in a range of therapeutic approaches, particularly in addressing serious mental illness (SMI) through a recovery-oriented lens. I utilize strength-based approaches to support Veterans, encouraging them to take an active role in their recovery. I am also dedicated to trauma-informed care, with a focus on supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and on reducing stigma surrounding mental health. My work emphasizes understanding the complexities of comorbidity between trauma and SMI, while fostering safe, supportive environments for patients to explore their challenges and work toward healing and recovery. I also greatly value interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive care for Veterans.