800-784-1361
My son was here he was so happy because he received a lot of affection and they were very attentive with him when I was not there.
About Banner Children’s at Desert
Banner Children’s at Desert (previously Cardon Children’s Medical Center) is an adolescent hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Among the departments in their 206 bed facility are behavioral health specialists providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment. This facility offers whole family support, including counseling for parents.
Banner Health locations like this one accept most major health insurance plans. Financial assistance may be available, too.
A Facility Made with Children In Mind
Visiting a hospital can be a scary experience for anyone, but for adolescents, it’s especially daunting. Between the new environment and unfamiliar faces, some kids can feel overwhelmed by the experience.
What’s special about this location is that it was designed with youth in mind. The setting is warm and welcoming and was built to feel less like a medical institution. It combines professionalism from staff with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Where Kids Can Be Kids
To further make their location welcoming for adolescents and families alike, this hospital features several areas for play therapy and general relaxation. These areas may be incorporated into the mental health treatment plan, and they also offer a place for fun during extended stays.
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
Latest Reviews
We love Banner we went in today for my daughters first MRI recently diagnosed with epilepsy and has gone through some testing which had previously caused anxiousness. The staff here is amazing! From today’s visits from the nurse who was with other staff who were students and there were many people in the room. They all were so pleasant including the anesthesiologist and made my daughter feel so very safe leaving me to get her MRI done under sedation with the nursing staff. From waking up from anesthesia to educating me on what to look for at home. I was so pleased. She sees the neurology team there too and they’ve been so wonderful as well.
I am writing to express my concern regarding the care my 12-year-old son received during our recent visit to your emergency department. He had been experiencing severe, debilitating hip-to-knee pain for five days. We had already been evaluated at another emergency room and by his pediatrician, both of whom advised us to return to the ER if his symptoms worsened—which they did.
Despite this, the only diagnostic test performed was an X-ray. Your team acknowledged that an MRI might be necessary, yet we were told that no MRI could be ordered and that we would need to wait for an orthopedics appointment. As someone who works in healthcare, I know this is not accurate. Ordering an MRI is entirely within the capability of ER physicians when medically justified. Suggesting otherwise felt misleading. If the true barrier was insurance documentation or workflow, that was not communicated.
My son was discharged in significant pain and told to take ibuprofen and acetaminophen around the clock for weeks while we waited for a specialty appointment. Not only is prolonged NSAID use unsafe, particularly for a child, but it is not an adequate substitute for proper diagnosis. This experience reflects a growing issue in healthcare: patients are left to suffer because the system prioritizes administrative barriers over clinical judgment and patient well-being.
For further context, I was able to get him evaluated elsewhere, where his symptoms and history were thoroughly reviewed. That provider suspected a nerve or ligament issue and initiated a steroid treatment. By the second day, he was nearly pain-free, relief we were never offered at your facility.
This situation is deeply disappointing. My son was sent home without answers, without appropriate treatment, and without a plan that reflected the severity of his condition. I am requesting that this feedback be reviewed seriously so other families are not placed in the same position
My experience has been noneshort of amazing came in with badly abscess teeth stress for a long time how to get them removed well Dr. Kirchhoffden and his staff have been absolutely amazing amazing fourth teeth removed a major abscess drained still lots of pain expected one day clear of surgery but this hospital and staff simply amazing and low and behold ends up im across the nurses desk from my aunt Rena and cousin joe and nice surprise
Rehab Score
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7.2 / 10
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Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.
Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.
Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.
Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.
Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.
Rehab aftercare programs support clients' successful reintegration into their home, workplace, and community. Drug rehab aftercare presumes that recovery requires life-long support. These programs typically offer a wide variety of services customized for the clients' unique and evolving needs. Clients may receive vocational training and career counseling, housing assistance, legal aid, peer coaching, and 12 step program induction, among other services. Clients' case managers often play a lead role in rehab aftercare planning.
12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
The initial phase of recovery treatment typically includes 24-hour clinical care in Arizona. This constant supervision ensures a safe detox process, which helps the individual physically stabilize from substance use. Patients will receive medications to curb withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as other necessary medical treatment. This period typically lasts up to a week, then the individual will receive medical clearance to begin inpatient or outpatient rehab.
Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.
Treatments
Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.
Clinical Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.
Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.
In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.
Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.
Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.
Nutrition therapy helps reduce the discomfort of detox and reduces cravings during drug rehab in Arizona. It helps you navigate nutrition, teaching you how to plan and prepare meals that meet your nutritional needs.
Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.
Amenities
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Residential Setting -
Private Setting -
Wifi
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Amy Perry
President and Chief Executive Officer
Marjorie Bessel, MD
Chief Clinical Officer
Staci Dickerson
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Julie Ann Alvarado-Dubek
Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer
Jean Fitterer Lance
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
Scott Nordlund
Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
Michael Reagin
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
Accreditations
State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.
State License: Arizona
License Number: OTC5630
The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.
Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 9476
Contact Information
1400 South Dobson Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
Get Help Now - 602-900-1258
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