I entered this facility voluntarily due to anxiety and depression which I now know is due to cptsd, although they did not diagnose this here. This is not a place for trauma survivors, they will traumatize you. I disclosed wanting to leave privately to my therapist, later a s ...
About Sierra Tucson
They’re staffed with medical professionals who are master’s level graduates and have various credentials. From your arrival to your departure, you can expect to receive care 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Clients who present with drugs in their system will start their recovery with medical detox. Health professionals will monitor the patient as they go through the process of detoxification. When clients have completed this process, they’ll generally begin receiving treatment at the residential facility. Sierra Tucson provides medication management for those with co occurring disorders who may need to take mental health medication as a part of their recovery. Clients will meet with a primary therapist who is assigned to them based on their concerns and the specific training that the therapist has.
Group therapy provides you the opportunity to meet with a group of peers who are going through the same treatment. The topics that will be discussed in these group sessions include anger management, healing anxiety and relapse prevention. Therapeutic activities will be a part of your treatment plan to help you increase your confidence and build stronger self esteem. Therapeutic activities you may participate in include expressive art, adventure therapy and yoga.
Fact checked and written by:
Eric Owens
Edited by:
Anna Spooner
Latest Reviews
Sierra Tucson is a place of refuge and healing. I came here in February 2026. I worked hard with my professional team, using them and my process group, to unhinge the deep core of trauma that created such sadness, depression, and anxiety. It felt so freeing to heal here and unexplainable peace enveloped me.
The problem was that my professional team did not believe I was ready to go home. Despite their advice, I returned home, thinking I could handle things. I thought my own team of professionals could prevent me from disaster. I was wrong. At the beginning of May, I knew I needed to return to Sierra Tucson.
Today, at the beginning of June I am able to return home with my team of professionals’ blessing. In addition, I could not have done this without the help and support of my process group, I am leaving again, but this time I know my hard and painful work is done. I can leave proud of the person I have become—or actually the person I was so very long ago.
Thank you, Sierra Tucson, for saving my life not once, but twice. ❤️
Response from the owner1 week ago
Thank you for your kindness in sharing this feedback! We aspire to be a place where lasting healing is found through our ability to provide clinically excellent treatment in a safe and comforting environment.
I'm alive and doing well! just wanted to say hi to everyone here! you are all so awesome, i wish i could say hi and see how your all doing! i think about each one of you and how you gave your time and heart to me and others! i know its tough dealing with people like me and i want to say im super grateful for you.... i wish i could say hi to a specific a few but i dont want to leave anyone out. just know im so grateful for everyone of you.
I also wanted to say to everyone else that was here with me...I am really grateful for you too! more than you probably will ever know.
Of All the Stars and Planets in the universe, you are all like them to me. Like memories that cant be seen, it is the most important thing to me...why you would choose to truly save others can only mean one thing, that you are all good people! The miracle is you!
thank you
Response from the owner1 week ago
Thank you for this generous feedback and for taking the time to share your sentiments! Sierra Tucson stands true to its goal of being an industry leader by providing superior care in an atmosphere of compassion, dignity, and respect.
Life changing... as a disabled veteran who served on submarines, my PTSD, anxiety and depression had impacted every area of my life and all that I had built was disintegrating. I was at the point of despairing of my own life and tired of it all... until my psychiatrist and the VA helped me to get to Sierra Tucson (ST). The staff, modalities and the Red White and Blue (RWB) program at ST were so encompassing and caring. ST provided classes that filled the full gambit of psychological approaches, TMS, Ketamine therapy, Integrative services (incorporating healing of the nervous system and body), and moral injury, among other support and restorative methods. By far the gold for me was in the Process Group work, work with my Primary Therapist (Kris Davis), Psychodrama with Adena Bank Lees, Ketamine therapy and how the peer support system is setup as a whole. I have learned how to give place and support others in their feelings and beliefs and more importantly how to access, sit with, and integrate my own emotions. My inner critic is being freed to support me and show me what I fear, and now I am equipped to be present in that fear and authentically choose to act in truth and love. Don't get me wrong... no place is perfect and the staff is spread thin, yet the staff care and the structure is the best I have seen. Thank you ST for your support and for fostering and nurturing my healing and authentic identity. Forever grateful!
Response from the owner1 week ago
Reading your kind words means the world to us! We strive to be a leader in everything we do – from providing clinically excellent care to delivering it with compassion that inspires hope. 
Rehab Score
Our Methodology
Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology
7.9 / 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.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
The safest way to remove addictive substances from your body is done under the care of licensed medical professionals. Known as medically assisted detox, this level of care is typically in an inpatient setting with a team of medical experts that may include doctors, nurses, and mental health clinicians. Medications like Suboxone, methadone, or Vivitrol may be administered to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient rehab is designed primarily for persons in early recovery and those who are exiting detox programs. It's ideal for clients in crisis or at an elevated risk of relapse. Inpatient treatment centers provide housing and meals, allowing clients to focus on their recovery away from distractions and addiction triggers. Clients engage in intensive psychotherapy, and many inpatient programs feature recovery-focused life skills training and/or complementary therapies like meditation, creative arts therapy, and other holistic treatments.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.
Many clients who enroll in an outpatient rehab program are exiting intensive inpatient care and no longer require such high-level clinical supervision. Outpatient programs typically follow a step-down structure, with treatment frequency and intensity decreasing as clients progress in their recovery journey. Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) levels of care are the most time-intensive and are designed primarily for clients who have just left inpatient treatment or who are at an elevated risk of relapse.
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a short-term alternative to inpatient treatment or a step-down option after a residential program. With PHP treatment, you'll receive 6 to 8 hours of daily support, up to 5 days a week. The duration of a partial hospitalization program can vary with the average length being 90 days. While commuting is necessary, some programs also offer telehealth options. PHP treatment is often covered by insurance and typically offers medication management, relapse prevention techniques, and behavioral therapy.
If you're struggling with adjusting to daily life after inpatient rehab, a sober living home in Arizona may be a good option. These residences offer an in-between option where you can practice the skills you learned in rehab in a structured, drug-free environment. This transition can help you prepare to face the "real world" after treatment. You'll live with others in recovery and follow house rules such as contributing to chores and paying rent.
Telehealth in Arizona lets you speak with your health care provider online via smartphone or computer. You can call, video chat, or send messages from wherever is convenient for you, rather than seeing your provider in person.
Treatments
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also referred to as alcoholism and alcohol addiction, is a chronic condition that involves craving alcohol and an inability to control drinking. A person with AUD must drink greater and greater amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects and experiences withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking alcohol. Several evidence-based methods are available to treat AUD through alcohol rehab in Arizona. This treatment can occur on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
Drug rehab in Arizona is the process of treating individuals who are dependent on a particular addictive drug. Because addiction is complex, this treatment typically includes a variety of interventions that address the many physical and emotional issues involved.
Opioid AddictionArizona's substance abuse treatment centers can provide tailored treatment for individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Treatment programs may include medically assisted detox, 12-Step recovery, intensive outpatient programs, and aftercare support. Addiction experts employ evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and talk therapy to uncover and reframe unhelpful patterns. By graduation, you'll have developed new coping strategies, learned new stress management techniques, and have the capability of sustaining your recovery.
Programs
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
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.
Equine therapy, aka equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions and activities with horses. It does not necessarily involve riding horses, but all activities related to horses, such as feeding, grooming, haltering and leading them. A mental health professional frequently oversees the activities (often in conjunction with a horse professional), and helps patients process their thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns during and/or after the interaction.
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.
The goal of motivational interviewing in Arizona is to enhance your confidence in your ability to make changes in your life. It encourages you to commit to change and plan for the process of making those changes that will allow you to reach your goals.
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.
Residents of Arizona who are experiencing relationship problems may benefit from couples therapy. This form of psychotherapy helps couples express their feelings, resolve conflicts, and increase intimacy and affection.
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.
Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.
Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health. There is a personalized nutrition plan for each individual. Additionally, complementary therapies such as Naturopathic medicine, and vitamin/herbal supplements are provided.
Many holistic centers incorporate recreational therapy into addiction treatment to offer you a chance to rediscover joy in movement and motion and build social connections. Activities can include dance, group games, and yoga, which all help improve mental health, reduce stress, and develop positive lifestyle habits. These holistic approaches help sustain long term recovery.
Amenities
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Gym -
Yoga Studio -
Wifi -
Residential Setting -
Private Rooms -
Spa
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Tim Palus
CEO
Amy C. Fritton Grudinschi
Group CFO
Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MD, CPE, DFAPA
CMO
Ryan Drzewiecki, PsyD, LP
CCO
Accreditations
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: 942
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) is a professional association that represents organizations in the field of addiction services. Founded in 1978, NAATP's mission is to advance addiction services and ensure that high-quality addiction treatment is available and accessible.
NAATP Member: Yes
Member ID: 1342
Contact Information
39580 South Lago Del Oro Parkway
Tucson, AZ 85739
Get Help Now - 520-428-0475
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