Psychiatry Residency
Program Overview
Welcome to the Eisenhower Health Psychiatry Residency Training Program!
We are thrilled to have you consider joining our dynamic training program. Our community-based training is designed to cultivate well-rounded psychiatrists who are prepared to address the diverse mental health needs of the region and beyond. Our program takes a balanced approach, emphasizing comprehensive training in both psychiatric principles and psychotherapy, enabling you to become an expert in multiple modalities of mental health treatment. As a resident, you will engage with patients from varied cultural backgrounds, ensuring you gain invaluable experience in providing care across a spectrum of psychiatric conditions and demographics.
Overview
Our program was accredited in 2025 with our inaugural class starting in the summer of 2026. Our curriculum combines innovative clinical and didactic experiences that foster intellectual growth, hands-on learning, and evidence-based practice. You will be exposed to a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, interventional psychiatry, and integrative care approaches.
You will be primarily based in Rancho Mirage, CA in our clinic that recently underwent a multimillion-dollar expansion to support the growth of the department and this new training program. Our faculty members are experts in their field and committed to mentorship to create an environment that encourages learning through real-world experiences and patient interaction. As part of our unique community-based focus, you will work in diverse settings, from our community mental health clinics, local mental health facilities, mobile care units (“Street Medicine”) and federally qualified health clinics (FQHCs) to critical access and psychiatric hospitals, helping you hone your skills in various levels of psychiatric care.
Additionally, our program serves a diverse patient population with the incredible ability to interface with adolescent patients, a large geriatric community, a sizable LGBTQ+ population, a significant immigrant and Hispanic population, and our local Native communities.
As the trusted leader in healthcare for the Coachella Valley, Eisenhower Health is the region’s premier provider of behavioral health services, offering compassionate, expert-driven mental health care that meets the diverse needs of our community.
Our hospital has earned multiple accolades and is ranked #1 in the Inland Empire and in the top 20 in California. Our facility is an incredible place to learn, and the support for graduate medical education (GME) starts at the highest level of hospital leadership. Our GME department manages over 130+ learners each year through residencies in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Internal Medicine and fellowships in Infectious Disease, Pulmonology/Critical Care, Sports Medicine, Geriatrics and Addiction Medicine.
In addition to the rewarding professional experiences, living in Southern California offers an unparalleled lifestyle. With its beautiful, sunny weather year-round, you will enjoy an ideal balance between rigorous training and ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Whether you prefer hiking in the mountains or Joshua Tree, driving to the coast (proximity to LA and San Diego), or exploring the local arts and food scene, the Coachella Valley provides a perfect backdrop for both personal and professional growth. We're excited you are considering our program on this journey to become a well-rounded, compassionate psychiatrist, all while enjoying the benefits of living in one of the most desirable locations in the country.
Rotation Schedules
| Rotation Name - PGY-1 | Duration |
|---|---|
| Inpatient Internal Medicine | 2 blocks |
| Emergency Department | 1 block |
| Outpatient Family Medicine | 1 block |
| Inpatient Psychiatry | 4 blocks |
| Emergency Psychiatry | 2 blocks |
| Neurology | 2 blocks |
| Rotation Name - PGY-2 | Duration |
|---|---|
| Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | 2 blocks |
| Geriatric Psychiatry | 2 blocks |
| Consult-Liaison Psychiatry | 3 blocks |
| Consult-Liaison Addiction | 1 block |
| Inpatient Psychiatry | 3 blocks |
| Interventional Psychiatry | 1 block |
| Rotation Name - PGY-3 | Duration |
|---|---|
| Outpatient Psychiatry & Psychotherapy | 12 blocks |
| Rotation Name - PGY-4 | Duration |
|---|---|
| Emergency Psychiatry Lead | 3 blocks |
| Consult-Liaison & Community Psychiatry Lead | 3 blocks |
| Ambulatory Psychiatry Lead | 3 blocks |
| Elective | 3 blocks |
Leadership & Faculty
R. Dakota Carter MD, EdD, FAPA
Professional Details
Primary Specialty: Psychiatry*
Years in Practice: 5 years
Years on Staff: 2 years
Languages: English
Professional Education
Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center
Residency: UT Health – McGovern Medical School
Fellowship: UT Health – McGovern Medical School
Board Certification
American Board of IM/Psych & Neuro – Child/Adolesc
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
American Osteopathic Board of Addiction Medicine
*Board Certified Specialty
Message from the Program Director
Greetings,
The Eisenhower Health Psychiatry Residency Program is dedicated to cultivating exceptional psychiatrists who possess a comprehensive understanding of clinical psychiatry, grounded in evidence-based practice and innovative research. We emphasize the importance of well-rounded clinical knowledge, ensuring our residents are equipped to provide the highest standard of care. As a community-based program, we strive to serve the needs of the Coachella Valley, with an emphasis on expanding access to underserved communities.
By cultivating interests in research and scholarly activities, we foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, empowering residents to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the field. We instill a commitment to responsible and conscientious medication management, coupled with a robust education in psychotherapy. Our residents develop keen insights into individual therapy, honing their skills in relationship dynamics and therapeutic treatment planning to provide holistic care to their patients.
Cultural sensitivity and humility, along with wellness and ethical professionalism are core tenets of our program. We challenge bias and promote diversity, ensuring our residents are adept at navigating cultural nuances and delivering equitable care to all patients. Our program promotes a balanced approach to work and life, prioritizing resident health and personal fulfillment.
Furthermore, we foster leadership, advocacy, and engagement in shaping the future of psychiatry. Our residents are empowered to push for change, advocating for policies that promote mental health awareness and access to care.
Ultimately, our mission is to train the next generation of psychiatrists to be outstanding clinicians, educators, and researchers who embody ethical principles, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. We are committed to creating an environment where residents can thrive both personally and professionally, finding fulfillment in their careers while making meaningful contributions to the field of psychiatry.
Core Faculty
Anthony G. Bassanelli, MD
Professional Details
Primary Specialty: Psychiatry*
Years in Practice: 36 years
Years on Staff: 14 years
Languages: English
Professional Education
Medical School: Albany Medical College of Union University
Internship: UCLA /VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare Sy
Residency: Resnick UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
American Board of Psychiatry/Forensic Psychiatry
*Board Certified Specialty
Brian D. Wexler, PhD
Brian D. Wexler, PhD
Professional Details
Primary Specialty: Psychology
Years on Staff: 9 years
Languages: English
Professional Education
Medical School: CA School of Professional Psychology
AHP School: CA School of Professional Psychology
Jordan Weisman, PsyD
Professional Details
Primary Specialty: Clinical Psychology
Years in Practice: 5 years
Years on Staff: 5 years
Languages: English
Marjaneh Rouhani, MD
Professional Details
Primary Specialty: Psychiatry*
Years in Practice: < 1 year
Years on Staff: < 1 year
Languages: English, Farsi
Professional Education
Medical School: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Residency: Beth Israel Medical Center
Fellowship: Beth Israel Medical Center
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
Geriatric Psychiatry
*Board Certified Specialty
Mehdi Goodarzi, MD
Professional Details
Primary Specialty: Psychiatry*
Years in Practice: 2 years
Years on Staff: 2 years
Languages: English, Persian
Professional Education
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Residency: MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
*Board Certified Specialty
Sandy Garcia-Cuevas, LCSW
Sandy Garcia-Cuevas, LCSW
Sandy Garcia-Cuevas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, seeing adult patients at Eisenhower Behavioral Health in Rancho Mirage. Sandy received a Master of Social Work from California State University, Northridge.
Sandy has spent the past ten years providing treatment to both adults and children through several government mental health programs. Working with multidisciplinary agencies, she has created treatment plans that encompass psychological, economic, vocational, socialization, physician, health and housing needs.
She sees patients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and caregiver stress, among other issues. Her focus in providing treatment and care is utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) informed approach while being open and respectful. “I want to hear my patients’ stories and understand why they desire treatment,” states Mrs. Garcia-Cuevas. “I focus on their strengths and drawing upon their natural support systems. I work with my patients on developing self-acceptance, self-compassion and making positive changes in their lives. My goal is to work myself out of a job!”
If needed, Sandy will provide treatment in Spanish.
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