About Us

Iraj has a doctorate degree in psychology and is licensed as a marriage and family therapist. He is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of addiction recovery and is currently the program director at ARI.

His personal story with addiction is incredible. Iraj himself was once an addict and went into recovery in 1993. With sheer determination, absolute resolution and “not being afraid of getting help from others”, he became sober and pursued a career in education. He has since dedicated his entire professional life to helping others with addiction.

Iraj worked in a number of addiction treatment centers for years before becoming the program director at ARI. Gaining immeasurable experience, he was also able to sharpen an outlook on how to approach this disease somewhat differently.  The program Iraj overseas at ARI is rather intense. It involves a diverse variety of support groups with extensive family involvement. It is based on “connection” rather than “control”.

Dr. Shamsian deeply believes that the most effective approach to prevention and recovery from addiction is public awareness and open discussion of the subject. He has been extensively featured in several Radio and TV programs and is very well known to the Farsi speaking community.

Sohrab Simon Dahi is a licensed marriage and family therapist at ARI.   In addition to individual therapy, he also conducts a weekly signature group session called “The Life Assessment Group”.  Simon brings 24 years of personal and professional experience in the field of recovery and mental health to his clients at ARI.

Simon obtained his doctoral degree in molecular biology From the University of Sussex in U. K. and his masters of clinical psychology from Philips Graduate Institute.  In addition to a thriving private practice, he is the former director of therapeutic services and program coordinator at several treatment centers in Malibu.

Understanding that substance abuse is in part a response to other mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, traumas etc., Simon has developed a unique clinical perspective with his clients.  These include exploring underlying issues related to substance abuse/dependency by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.   Using Narrative and Gestalt modalities, Simon often takes up an interpersonal approach to facilitate individuation and a healthy adult identity; hence, bringing creativity and personal experiences into groups.

Shahla received her Doctor of Chiropractic in 1987, and practiced in that field for several years. In 2013, she attended American Jewish University for a two-year program certification as a paraprofessional counselor. After completion of the program, she stayed on as a teacher’s assistant and co-facilitated numerous groups for adults with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In 2014, she joined ARI to complete her field work hours and has been with the group ever since.

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist and I believe there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” treatment plan. I passionately follow cutting edge research in multiple fields (including neuroscience) to best equip myself in meeting my client’s needs. I find that keeping up with the scientific community contributes significantly to my practice. I believe mental health literacy is a systemic issue, and I do my best to contribute to my community by speaking in community centers, as well as utilizing social media for greater outreach. I work with my patients to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness through creativity, wether that be problem solving skills or outlets for stress reduction.

Hesou Abnos Masihi is a Marriage and Family Therapist associate at ARI. Hesou earned his bachelor degree from California State University, Northridge in psychology and masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition to individual therapy, Hesou conducts weekly process groups and psychoeducation groups on relationships, sex, and intimacy. He is a trilingual therapist, fluent in English, Farsi, and Armenian.

Hesou has experience facilitating parenting, sexual abuse, domestic violence, anger management, and substance use groups from various community mental health centers working with LA county, and Department of Child and Family Services. 

He has a passion for helping families and youth who are suffering from substance use. He incorporates and utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Existential, humanistic, and family systems approaches to therapy to address issues of substance use, childhood trauma, dual diagnosis, and systemic issues within the family.   

I did not begin my journey as a therapist. I was a successful fashion designer and business owner. Then one day I was in a terrible motor vehicle accident that left me without vision.  I fell into a depression after and was struggling to come out. I got therapy and I began teaching at the Braille Institute. I was asked by staff to speak to a 30-year-old female who had lost her eyesight. Her parents wanted her to attend the school, but she refused. After speaking with her I convinced her to come to school. We became close and she began opening up. I found myself unofficially counseling her for 2 months. I soon began studying Marriage and Family therapy to help others overcome life’s issues. Lili was also working as a school counselor and later as an adult therapist at weight finder family before joining ARI.

Roland is a U.S. Army veteran and an incredible musician. He plays several instruments fluently and has a grate voice to match this talent. Roland has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He has gone through a rough time in his life but was eventually able to overcome his addiction and PTSD. He was senior staff for different sober livings and finally settled down at ARI. He is a Drug Court graduate and has an amazingly positive attitude towards life. He is passionate in helping other addicts achieve recovery.

Sahar struggled with her own addiction for many years and was lucky enough to work in treatment facility after her own treatment. As a woman and a mother, she understands and enjoys helping others who have been through the same struggles. She is passionate about offering help and support to others trying to find their inner strength.