Mental health care is very important for our overall well-being, addressing conditions that affect our emotional, psychological, and social health.
Hospitals specializing in mental health play an essential role in providing comprehensive care, support, and treatment to individuals facing various mental health challenges.
In this article, we will explore some of the best mental health hospitals in Arizona, highlighting their services, facilities, and contributions to the community.
These institutions are dedicated to offering top-notch care, ensuring patients receive the help they need to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Arizona Mental Health Statistics
Mental health issues are prevalent in Arizona, posing significant challenges for the state’s healthcare system.
According to Mental Health America, Arizona ranks 49th out of 51 states, highlighting a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower access to care compared to other states.
This ranking reflects Arizona’s struggles with both insurance coverage and treatment availability.
In 2023, 35.8% of adults in Arizona reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, which is higher than the national average of 32.3%.
Among these adults, 30.2% reported needing counseling or therapy but not receiving it, highlighting the gap in mental health services.
Additionally, only 8.5% of the need for mental health professionals is met in Arizona, significantly lower than the national average of 27.7%.
These statistics highlight the need for improved mental health resources and services in the state to address the growing demand and ensure better outcomes for its residents.
List of Best Psychiatric Hospitals in Arizona
Following are some of the best psychiatric hospitals in Arizona:
1. Phoenix Medical Psychiatric Hospital
Phoenix Medical Psychiatric Hospital, a member of the NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals network, offers comprehensive in-patient psychiatric stabilization for adults aged 18 and older.
Specializing in the treatment of neurocognitive disorders and a wide range of medical issues, the hospital provides both emergency psychiatric services and outpatient care to patients.
Their dedicated team of professionals develops individualized treatment plans, focusing on the needs of each patient.
This personalized approach allows the hospital to tailor care effectively, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Accepting major insurance plans, including all Arizona AHCCCS plans, Phoenix Medical Psychiatric Hospital ensures accessible care for the community.
2. Arizona State Hospital
Arizona State Hospital, situated on a 93-acre campus at 24th Street and Van Buren in Phoenix, provides long-term inpatient psychiatric care for Arizonans under court order for treatment.
Operating within a 260-bed funded facility, ASH offers the highest and most restrictive level of care in the state, admitting patients who cannot be treated in community facilities or due to their legal status.
ASH delivers comprehensive care and treatment for individuals with mental disorders, personality disorders, or emotional conditions.
The hospital safeguards patient rights, including confidentiality and privacy, and emphasizes recovery and community reintegration.
It is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
ASH collaborates with patients, families, legal representatives, and community providers to deliver interdisciplinary care.
3. Banner Behavioral Health Hospital
Banner Behavioral Health Hospital provides excellent patient care through nationally recognized programs for children, teens, and adults facing psychiatric or chemical dependency challenges.
The hospital focuses on delivering safe, confidential, and compassionate treatment, creating customized treatment plans for patients in the least restrictive therapeutic environment.
They also offer support for patients dealing with co-existing psychiatric and substance abuse issues.
The hospital’s highly skilled and compassionate staff ensures a therapeutic healing environment where patients can develop tools and strategies to cope with life’s stressors.
They offer assessments for outpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programs, aiming to cause minimal disruption to the patient’s life, family, work, or daily routine.
The treatment team, including doctors, nurses, clinical care managers, and behavioral health technicians, emphasizes the importance of the patient as the central member of the team.
Visiting hours are structured to accommodate the varying needs of patients and ensure a safe and supportive environment.
4. Valley Hospital
Valley Hospital, located in Phoenix, Arizona, offers inpatient and outpatient services for adults facing mental health challenges and substance abuse.
The facility specializes in creating customized treatment programs that combine advanced clinical techniques with state-of-the-art medical care to support lasting recovery.
The hospital offers various levels of care under its inpatient treatment program.
This includes the crisis stabilization/psychiatric intensive care unit, an adult mental health program, a detoxification/chemical dependency program, and a rehabilitation program
The outpatient treatment options, designed to support recovery without disrupting daily commitments, feature a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program.
Recognizing the mental health issues women face, their women’s program addresses concerns such as postpartum depression, anxiety related to infertility or pregnancy loss, and relationship issues.
This program empowers women to understand and manage their emotional wounds, promoting healing and recovery.
5. Talas Harbor Behavioral Health Hospital
Talas Harbor at Bullhead City is a 24-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital located in Bullhead City, AZ.
It specializes in providing compassionate and intensive psychiatric treatment for adults and seniors dealing with mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring diagnoses.
Their approach includes medical history, psychosocial evaluations, neuropsychological testing, current physical conditions, and medication assessments.
Their approach ensures that every aspect of a patient’s well-being is considered in the treatment plan.
The hospital offers an acute inpatient psychiatric care program designed for the immediate stabilization of adults and seniors in crisis, including those with chronic mental health disorders.
This inpatient program assists patients suffering from conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and challenges related to grief, family issues, and chronic medical conditions.
Social workers, nurses, and adjunct staff provide group therapy sessions on various topics such as grief and loss, anger and stress management, communication skills, guilt, and shame.
Medication management services are also available to all patients during their stay to support their physical health and stabilize their psychological well-being.
6. Palo Verde Behavioral Health
Palo Verde Behavioral Health, another great facility for mental health and substance use treatment in Arizona since 1960, has built a reputation for providing stable and reliable care.
Open 24/7, Palo Verde offers individualized inpatient and intensive outpatient programs for both adults and adolescents.
Palo Verde Behavioral Health is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services and accredited by The Joint Commission.
Their services encompass acute inpatient psychiatric care, specialized adolescent inpatient services, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and adult substance abuse treatment.
Additionally, Palo Verde extends its reach through telehealth services, ensuring continuity of care for adolescent and adult patients in their PHP and IOP programs.
7. Canyon Vista Medical Center
Canyon Vista Medical Center serves the residents of Sierra Vista, Ft. Huachuca, Cochise County, and surrounding communities, catering to a population of over 131,000 people.
This medical center is dedicated to improving the mental and emotional well-being of its patients through exceptional, evidence-based care.
Their multidisciplinary team consists of psychiatric providers, nurses, technicians, and social service professionals, all trained to treat adults with various mental health conditions.
The hospital’s 19-bed behavioral health unit provides specialized inpatient care for adults aged 18 and older.
This unit offers 24-hour supervised psychiatric treatment and crisis support, ensuring continuous patient monitoring in a medically staffed environment.
Services at Canyon Vista Medical Center include crisis stabilization, medication management, individual and group counseling, discharge planning, and recreational activities.
Their team is committed to addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and other mental health concerns, providing care and support for those in need.
8. Sonora Behavioral Health Hospital
Sonora Behavioral Health Hospital specializes in providing specialized mental health care for children and adolescents in Tucson.
Their youth unit caters to children aged 5-11, while their teen track serves adolescents aged 12-17.
Recognizing the unique needs of young individuals, Sonora offers both inpatient programs for children and adolescents, as well as outpatient services tailored for teens aged 12-17.
Inpatient hospitalization is deemed necessary for children and adolescents exhibiting signs such as suicidal thoughts, disorganized speech or behaviors, psychosis, or aggressive behavior.
The hospital focuses on delivering comprehensive assessments, stabilizing patients, and connecting patients and their families with essential resources post-discharge.
Free Mental Health Services Phoenix, AZ
Numerous organizations in Phoenix offer free mental health services to residents.
NAMI Valley of the Sun, the Maricopa County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), provides extensive support, online groups, resources, and education at no cost.
This organization is dedicated to serving the community and improving mental health awareness.
The State of Arizona also offers free mental health services through their Employee Assistance Program, with resources available on their website.
Additionally, all publicly funded mental health programs in Arizona accept Medicaid and offer low sliding-scale fees for individuals without insurance who meet certain qualifications.
If you qualify, you can access mental health care at a state-funded program for a small co-pay or a low sliding-scale fee.
Arizona’s state-funded mental health emergency response system is available to everyone. In case of a crisis, you can quickly get the necessary help by calling your local crisis line.
Even if you’re not in a crisis, local mental health hotlines can provide information about affordable mental health services in your area.
By calling, you can learn whether you qualify for state-funded services, schedule an assessment or intake appointment, or get free information about other affordable local providers.
The statewide Arizona crisis hotline is (844) 534-HOPE (4673), and the Mental Health of America of Arizona offers a peer support warmline at (602) 347-1100.
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
- Top 6 Mental Health Hospitals in Miami
- 6 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Lexington KY
- 6 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Ontario
Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Facilities in Arizona
In Arizona, numerous hospitals provide specialized inpatient facilities for adolescents, focusing on comprehensive mental health care.
These facilities, including the ones previously mentioned, offer a variety of services designed specifically to address the needs of young patients.
Services such as crisis stabilization and anger management are critical for adolescents dealing with immediate and intense emotional distress.
Additionally, these hospitals provide treatment for abuse issues, stress management, and social interaction skills, ensuring a well-rounded approach to adolescent mental health.
The care provided in these facilities includes 24-hour nursing care, ensuring that adolescents receive constant support and supervision.
Treatment plans often incorporate both group and individual therapy, allowing for peer support and personalized attention.
Family support services are also integral parts of the care process, recognizing the importance of family involvement.
Recreational therapy further enhances the treatment experience, promoting both physical activity and a thorough understanding of patients’ mental health needs.
Adolescent inpatient facilities in Arizona are also dedicated to providing education and therapeutic services that extend beyond traditional mental health treatment.
Parent education, behavior management, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and mind-body medicine are all components of their comprehensive care.
These therapies equip adolescents with coping strategies that can have lasting effects into adulthood, building resilience and emotional well-being.
Moreover, these facilities offer substance abuse treatment for adolescents, addressing a critical aspect of mental health that often intersects with other behavioral issues.
Top Mental Health Doctors & Professionals in Arizona
Arizona is fortunate to have a wealth of highly skilled mental health doctors, dedicated to providing exceptional care to individuals in need.
Some of these mental health professionals are mentioned below.
1. Shakera Kathleen Snelling
Shakera Kathleen Snelling is a dual-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner who diagnoses, prescribes, and utilizes therapy for both mental health and medical conditions.
She emphasizes that conditions such as antisocial personality disorder, anxiety disorders, BPD, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse, psychosis, self-harm, or trauma do not define one’s identity.
She supports individuals on their journey to mental well-being, acknowledging their strengths and encouraging a team-based approach to success.
She is committed to helping her patients realize their potential beyond any labels and considers it an honor to be part of their life journey.
2. Stephen Streitfeld
Stephen Streitfeld is a board-certified psychiatrist in both general and child and adolescent psychiatry.
As a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, he treats each patient as a unique individual, providing a safe and confidential environment for their care.
Dr. Streitfeld offers comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their mental health.
He specializes in psychiatric evaluation, medication treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression, and NEBA testing for ADHD assessment.
His areas of interest include ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dementia, psychotic disorders, developmental disorders, and traumatic brain injury.
3. Mohammad Reza Karami
Dr. Mohammad Reza Karami is a medical doctor trained in psychiatry, capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders in adults.
He stresses that mental health is crucial for coping with life’s challenges and losses.
His specialties include dementia (such as Lewy body and alcohol-related), depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, mood disorders, domestic violence, and eating disorders.
He also offers adult psychiatry, emergent psychiatry, and geriatric psychiatry services, and provides treatment for adult ADD and ADHD.
Dr. Karami is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through mental health.
4. John Garofalo
John Garofalo is a dedicated family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner known for his thorough, compassionate care.
He specializes in helping individuals navigate various challenges, including sleep issues, chronic stress, professional burnout, obesity, depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
John’s holistic approach combines conventional medication with complementary therapies and lifestyle modifications.
He emphasizes the importance of coordinating care with patients’ medical teams to ensure safety and clarity in treatment.
By conducting comprehensive health histories, assessments, and relevant diagnostic testing, he collaborates with patients to establish realistic goals and develop effective treatment plans.
5. Noah S. Horowitz
Dr. Noah S. Horowitz is a board-certified psychiatrist who prioritizes understanding each patient as a whole person rather than just focusing on their immediate concerns.
Following a detailed initial consultation, he provides insights and recommendations specific to each individual’s needs.
Dr. Horowitz offers both individual psychotherapy and medication management, ensuring that privacy and confidentiality are paramount throughout the process.
With extensive experience across various settings, including hospitals, community psychiatry, and crisis intervention, he is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues.
6. Rose Wall
Rose Wall is a licensed professional counselor deeply committed to supporting clients dealing with trauma, grief, and challenging life transitions.
She helps clients manage anxiety and emotional numbness by teaching techniques to calm the nervous system, creating a safe space for deeper therapeutic work.
In her couples therapy sessions, she focuses on enhancing communication and healing past wounds to foster secure attachments.
With advanced training in EMDR therapy, Rose facilitates healing from painful experiences, and she utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy to strengthen intimacy and security in relationships.
Her warm, supportive approach ensures clients feel cared for throughout their healing journey.
7. Sierra Wong
Sierra Wong is an experienced psychiatrist with 29 years of experience, specializing in psychopharmacology and insight-oriented psychotherapy.
A Harvard-trained relational psychiatrist, she emphasizes the importance of a caring relationship in achieving sustained recovery.
Dr. Wong offers thorough independent evaluations for all patients and provides treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals over 16.
She is committed to empowering her clients with education and mindfulness and considers factors like gender identity, sexual orientation, race, class, ethnicity, and culture in her practice.
Dr. Wong does not renew ADHD medication or controlled substances unless appropriate.
FAQ’s:
1. What mental illnesses can you be hospitalized for?
Individuals can be hospitalized for a range of mental illnesses, including but not limited to severe depression or anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
Hospitalization may be necessary when an individual poses a direct threat to themselves or others, or when their symptoms are unmanageable in an outpatient setting.
2. What is guilty except insane in Arizona?
A person may be found “guilty except insane” if, at the time of committing the criminal act, they were suffering from a mental disease so severe that they were unable to understand that their action was wrong.
This legal finding acknowledges the presence of significant mental illness affecting the individual’s judgment and awareness during the crime.
3. What is a 72 hour psychiatric hold in Arizona?
A 72-hour psychiatric hold in Arizona refers to an involuntary evaluation period initiated through an emergency admission application.
If an individual is considered an immediate danger to themselves or others, they can be held temporarily for up to 72 hours.
During this time, they must stay under inpatient care while undergoing evaluation and the necessary court processes to determine further treatment needs.
