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Navigating mental health treatment in Arizona can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to find care that aligns with your insurance coverage. If you’re searching for mental health treatment that takes Arizona Medicaid and wondering what Arizona insurance providers offer effective mental health coverage, you’re in the right place.
In this guide Global Healthcare Magazine will walk you through the major Medicaid providers in Arizona that cover mental health services, including those offering coverage for co-occurring disorders. We’ll also explore key aspects of eligibility, treatment types, and how to access care under Arizona’s Medicaid system.
Understanding Arizona Medicaid and Behavioral Health Coverage
Arizona’s Medicaid program, known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), provides a comprehensive range of services, including mental and behavioral health treatment.
If you qualify for AHCCCS, you’re eligible for services such as therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
This makes it a critical resource for those looking for mental health treatment that takes Arizona Medicaid, especially if you or a loved one needs integrated care for multiple diagnoses.
Major AHCCCS Health Plans Offering Mental Health Treatment
Arizona Medicaid partners with several Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to deliver physical and behavioral health services. These MCOs vary by region but are all contracted to provide effective mental health coverage and are required to ensure access to services for individuals with co-occurring conditions. Here are the key insurance providers offering AHCCCS mental health coverage:
Arizona Complete Health (AzCH)
Operating statewide, Arizona Complete Health is a major AHCCCS MCO known for integrating physical and behavioral health. It provides a full range of mental health services and is especially supportive of members with its coverage for co-occurring disorders.
AzCH covers individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, residential treatment, and substance use programs. Their network includes outpatient clinics, crisis centers, and inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
Mercy Care
Mercy Care is another leading provider that delivers mental health treatment for AHCCCS members in Maricopa County and parts of Pinal County. Notably, Mercy Care has specialized programs offering coverage for co-occurring disorders, including medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder combined with mental health therapy.
They work closely with community mental health centers, mobile crisis teams, and long term care programs to ensure continuity of care.
Banner – University Family Care/ALTCS
This provider serves the southern part of the state, including Tucson. Banner University’s behavioral health network provides both outpatient and inpatient mental health services, as well as substance use recovery programs.
They also support integrated care, which means if you’re looking for mental health treatment that takes Arizona Medicaid and also includes physical health coordination, this could be an excellent option.
Health Choice Arizona
Serving rural and tribal communities, Health Choice Arizona provides broad mental health and substance use treatment access across underserved populations. Their commitment to cultural competency and trauma-informed care makes them a strong choice for individuals and families dealing with complex behavioral health needs, including co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
This AHCCCS provider offers a wide network of behavioral health professionals and facilities. UnitedHealthcare emphasizes preventive mental health care, as well as early intervention services for youth and adults.
They are among the providers offering coverage for co-occurring disorders, ensuring patients receive holistic care that includes mental health counseling and addiction recovery services.
What Types of Mental Health Services Are Covered Under Arizona Medicaid?
One of the most important aspects of accessing mental health treatment that takes Arizona Medicaid is understanding what services are actually covered. AHCCCS provides a broad menu of behavioral health services through its managed care organizations, including:
Therapy and Counseling
Outpatient individual, group, and family therapy sessions are covered. Services may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma informed therapy, and more.
Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management
Members can access psychiatric assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and ongoing medication management, often crucial for managing conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
Crisis Services
24/7 mobile crisis units, crisis hotlines, and walk-in urgent psychiatric care centers are covered. These services help stabilize individuals in immediate distress and connect them to ongoing treatment.
Inpatient and Residential Treatment
When outpatient treatment is not enough, Arizona Medicaid will cover short term inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and longer term residential behavioral health programs. These programs are particularly helpful for individuals with co-occurring disorders requiring structured, supportive environments.
Substance Use Treatment
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), detox, outpatient recovery programs, and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are available for AHCCCS members. Many providers integrate these services with mental health therapy to support dual diagnosis recovery.
How to Qualify for AHCCCS Mental Health Coverage
To access mental health treatment that takes Arizona Medicaid, you must first be enrolled in AHCCCS. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and other factors such as disability status or pregnancy.
If you meet the criteria, you’ll be assigned to a health plan depending on your location and specific needs. Once enrolled, you’ll receive information on how to schedule appointments, choose a provider, and access behavioral health care.
Addressing Co Occurring Disorders with Medicaid Coverage
An essential aspect of effective mental health coverage is the ability to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders together. Individuals with dual diagnoses often face barriers in finding integrated care, but AHCCCS requires that its MCOs provide access to evidence-based treatment for both conditions. Programs offering coverage for co occurring disorders typically involve:
- Comprehensive assessment and treatment planning
- Simultaneous treatment for mental health and substance use
- Access to peer support and case management
- Coordination of physical health, housing, and employment support
All of the major AHCCCS health plans mentioned earlier provide access to such integrated care programs. This is especially important for people in recovery who need continuity between detox, therapy, and long term psychiatric care.
How to Find a Provider Who Accepts Arizona Medicaid for Mental Health Treatment
If you’re looking for a therapist, psychiatrist, or behavioral health clinic that accepts AHCCCS, start by checking your specific MCOs provider directory online. You can also call the plan’s member services department for personalized assistance.
Behavioral health providers typically identify themselves as AHCCCS approved, and many offer sliding scale services while you’re waiting for enrolment. Local community mental health centers, tribal health organizations, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are also reliable resources for Medicaid covered care.
Challenges and Tips When Seeking Medicaid Mental Health Services
While AHCCCS does offer broad coverage, some challenges remain:
Wait Times
High demand can lead to delays in getting appointments with specialists or in certain regions. To speed things up, ask your health plan about urgent care options or telehealth availability.
Provider Fit
Not every therapist is a perfect match. It’s okay to request a change if you’re not comfortable or don’t feel progress with your current provider. Your MCO can help with this process.
Complex Needs
If you’re dealing with homelessness, severe trauma, or incarceration history, it’s critical to work with an integrated team. Case managers through your AHCCCS plan can help coordinate care, connect you to housing, and support recovery.
Final Thoughts on Finding Mental Health Treatment That Takes Arizona Medicaid
Arizona’s Medicaid system is a powerful tool for accessing behavioral health care. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, addiction, or a combination of these, AHCCCS provides access to comprehensive services through reputable providers across the state.
From Arizona Complete Health and Mercy Care to UnitedHealthcare and Banner University, you have several options when exploring what Arizona insurance providers offer effective mental health coverage.
If you or a loved one is struggling and needs mental health treatment that takes Arizona Medicaid, don’t wait. Reach out to your MCO or local health center today, and ask specifically about programs offering coverage for co-occurring disorders. With the right support and treatment plan, recovery is not only possible, it’s within reach.
Also Read: Who are The Leading Behavioral Health Insurance Providers in the US?
