1. The Grove Comprehensive Psychiatry and Wellness
Credentials: Team includes Dr. Nead and other psychiatrists and therapists. Medical doctors with specialized training.
Specialization: OCD, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, phobias.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mind-Body Medicine Experience program.
Populations Served: Children (as young as age 4), adolescents, and adults. Those with treatment-resistant conditions.
Background: Utilizes CBT as cornerstone of treatment philosophy, therapy developed in 1960s by psychiatrist Aaron Beck. ERP focuses on reducing anxiety by gradually confronting fears in supportive environment while resisting compulsive behaviors. VRET uses virtual reality technology for anxiety-related disorders including phobias, social anxiety, agoraphobia, and PTSD. Offers 8-session Mind-Body Medicine Experience program designed by medical doctors.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Mesa office.
Location: Mesa, AZ
Contact: https://www.thegrovepsychiatry.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule.
2. Freedom Psychological Center
Credentials: Licensed therapists with evidence-based training.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, trauma, phobias, depression.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness, individual and couples therapy.
Populations Served: Adults and couples dealing with anxiety.
Background: Believes freedom from anxiety is possible. Therapy is about learning to see all parts of self without shame or judgment and bringing pieces together in way that heals body, mind, and soul. Holistic approach addresses whole person promoting deep healing and lasting change. Personalized sessions focus on unique anxiety triggers and coping mechanisms.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Mesa office. Online therapy across Arizona and some PSYPACT states.
Location: Mesa, AZ (serving East Valley: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert)
Contact: https://www.freedompsychcenter.com
Initial Consultation: Free consultation available. Book online or contact practice.
3. Family Care Center Mesa
Credentials: Board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, psychologists, licensed counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants. Team includes Paul, PMHNP-BC (board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) from Brigham Young University-Idaho and Georgia College.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, relationship challenges.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), neurofeedback, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Populations Served: Children, teens, adults, seniors. Individuals, couples, families, and groups. Specialists in child play therapy, child psychiatry, and geriatric psychiatry.
Background: Part of Family Care Center network. Comprehensive mental health assessment at first appointment creates personalized treatment plan. Over 90% of patients show positive mental health outcomes with comprehensive care model, significantly better than national benchmark of 52%. Accepts VA benefits.
Insurance Accepted: In-network with most Arizona health insurance plans. Accepts VA benefits, out-of-network, and self-pay.
Session Format: In-person at Mesa location. Telehealth available.
Location: Mesa, AZ
Contact: (720) 792-9490 | https://fccwellbeing.com/clinic-locations/arizona/mesa-clinic/
Initial Consultation: Call to schedule or book online. Currently accepting new patients.
4. Inner Balance Counseling
Credentials: Team of trauma-informed licensed therapists.
Specialization: Anxiety, trauma, stress, depression.
Therapy Approaches: Modern evidence-based therapy practices tailored to individual needs.
Populations Served: Adults seeking anxiety and trauma support.
Background: Private practice Phoenix counseling center with therapists who guide clients through individualized journey using modern therapy practices. Offers free download “How to Decrease Anxiety” for immediate relief strategies. Understanding that asking for help is hard, practice focuses on making process easy.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Mesa/Phoenix area office.
Location: Mesa/Phoenix, AZ
Contact: https://innerbalanceaz.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule.
5. Calmpsych (Arizona Healing Art Services)
Credentials: Licensed therapist with holistic integrative training.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, grief/loss, adjustment, chronic/long-term illness, self-esteem, ADHD, stress and chronic stress.
Therapy Approaches: Multiple evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies combined with somatic and mindful-based practices. Therapeutic arts integration.
Populations Served: Adults seeking holistic mental health care.
Background: Offers both mental health counseling and life/wellness coaching. Counseling practice specializes in holistic care for various diagnoses. Coaching practice specializes in holistic integrative strategies for stress utilizing therapeutic arts with natural, somatic, and mindful-based practices focused on stress reduction.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Mesa office. Online therapy available.
Location: Mesa, AZ
Contact: Contact through Psychology Today or practice website
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule.
Mental Health Industry in Arizona
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Mesa range from $100 to $175 per session depending on provider credentials and experience. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) typically charge $90 to $150 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $150 to $225 per session.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Arizona, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate supervised professional experience including predoctoral internship and postdoctoral supervised hours. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum passing score is required. The Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners administers licensure. Continuing education requirements apply for license renewal.
Telehealth Regulations
Arizona permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Arizona is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Freedom Psychological Center notes availability for PSYPACT states.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Arizona law requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans.
Professional Organizations
The Arizona Psychological Association (AzPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Mesa and the East Valley have a growing mental health workforce with proximity to Arizona State University and other institutions. Wait times for new patients typically range from one to three weeks. Family Care Center notes they are currently accepting new patients.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Mesa, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma/PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and concerns related to desert climate and seasonal mood changes. The area’s significant retirement population creates demand for geriatric mental health services.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) provides Medicaid coverage for mental health services. Maricopa County Behavioral Health oversees community mental health programs. Arizona Crisis Line offers 24/7 support at 1-800-631-1314.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy?
The Grove Comprehensive Psychiatry and Wellness offers Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), a form of CBT using VR technology. It is commonly used for anxiety-related disorders including phobias, social anxiety, agoraphobia, and PTSD. VRET allows controlled exposure to feared situations in a safe therapeutic environment.
Are there child psychiatrists in Mesa?
Yes, Family Care Center Mesa has specialists in child psychiatry and child play therapy. The Grove also treats children as young as age 4, with Dr. Nead noted for work with young children experiencing OCD and ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder).
Does Mesa have geriatric mental health specialists?
Yes, Family Care Center Mesa includes specialists in geriatric psychiatry providing care tailored to the unique needs of older adults.
Can I get therapy for OCD in Mesa?
Yes, The Grove Comprehensive Psychiatry and Wellness specializes in OCD treatment using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. They track outcomes and help clients understand OCD and its common misconceptions.
What areas does Mesa therapy serve?
Mesa practices serve the East Valley including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, and Gilbert. Freedom Psychological Center specifically lists these communities and offers online therapy throughout Arizona.