Online reviews are opinion pieces and reflect only the experience of the person writing them. That said, I went to Sierra Tucson after a particularly bad time in my life and I can honestly say that I am much better for the experience. I was desperately seeking treatment that would help me and I found many treatments that helped.
I found the team to be professional, respectful, caring, intelligent, and kind. From the groundskeepers to the CEO, the residents were in an environment where people cared about them. You will be led by professional therapists from all walks of life who also experienced the same things that bought you to Sierra Tucson.
This healing program is a mix of group sessions, classes, and one-on-one. The classes are led by Residential Therapists who have BEEN there, too. They know how to relate complicated topics of therapy and theory to us the residents.
As mind and body are a system, there is also physical therapy for those enduring physical complications; the PT team is AMAZING.
As with much in life, you must work hard at your own treatment and the staff will help you find what works for you. The pictures make it look like this is some sort of resort, but it's not. It's an environment for healing, but you will WORK: Mentally, emotionally, physically. You will work on yourself and WITH your peers. You will cry. You will laugh. Some of us screamed. You will be better for this
Veterans and first responders will find particular care given to their circumstances due to the unique circumstances they found themselves in life. They are not kept apart from the community, but they have a couple of special sessions/groups setup for only them.
In conclusion, I am better and I can continue my recovery with a better understanding and outlook.
When I walked into Sierra Tuscon, I saw a Sign that said, "Miracles Happen Here." I read the sign, and thought, I don't think so, nothing has worked for me. So, I definitely did not believe their sign. Sierra Tuscon, proved me wrong! I saw so many miracles happen here, so many lives changed, and lives saved. I saw people connecting, healing and understanding trauma, and a willingness to move forward. I was so thankful for the whole experience, a place where I was safe and could start and have support for my new healing journey.
The support continues, after discharge. Sierra Tuscon has an Annual Alumni Retreat Event held in Tuscon each year. They also have Alumni Support Group Meetings.
These meetings have become my backbone of support, connection and understanding. The Support Group Meetings have been so beneficial to me. I find the continued support, and safety to be the best tool in my healing. I hold Sierra Tuscon close to my heart, My Sierra Tuscon Alumni meetings have been a number one tool in helping me process, relate to others and move through the difficult times.
Miracles Do Happen Here. The best one for me is entering their doors! I am thankful everyday and know that this was my lifesaver for healing and belonging, a place that brought me understanding and love.
Sierra Tucson – Where Change Begins
Mental health is a big challenge for people, both as a society and as individuals. Most people on the recovery side of the fence view the change of recovery as life enhancing, life changing, lifesaving. Yet people outside of the mental health circle look askew at what happens here, at Sierra Tucson, where change begins.
My own road led to Sierra Tucson in late 2023. With episodic trauma including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and a basket full of addictive behaviors, I was checked in by my family and psychiatrist. Something was wrong, very wrong, and self-isolation to my bedroom was not the solution.
The experience of being institutionalized, even in a very upscale environment and the caveat “you can leave at any time”, is a shock to the system (both mental and physical). While I was with a bunch of nice people (fellow patients), professionals, therapists who know your name, food was good and served on a regular schedule, interactions choreographed to insure my day was full of activities, there is still the nagging question of ‘why am I here’? What is going on between the ears that causes the mind to shut down, cloister itself from reality, literally close shop and disappear? These questions and more arise as one spends more time sharing one’s feelings, listening and providing feedback to your new best friends, and time spent pondering the universe under the wide-open skies of the Arizona desert.
There are many benefits to finding a place to go, pausing the ongoing cycle of circumstances that caused my mental breakdown. From the simple approach like a digital disconnect to the more complicated dynamics of work and family, the gift I received from Sierra Tucson was the gift of time to pause, reflect, and decide if I wanted to continue down the path I had been on. Was now the time to strike a new course, plot a different path, journey to a new place, a place where my head could comfortably be with my surroundings.
Time is a wonderful treasure. When I found myself overwhelmed by reality, my family and psychiatrist found a place for me to go, a place of safety, a place of peace, a place of learning. Was it perfect? Time will tell. That said, the friends (my tribe) I have today as a result of this rest are priceless. Thank you, Sierra Tucson.
Now to find a way to give back.
Addiction has affected me in my personal life, and I wish everyday that my family member was given the opportunity to come to Sierra Tucson to heal.
I am incredibly grateful to work with such caring staff who I see going above and beyond everyday to make the patients more comfortable. Our staff are our greatest asset.
Sierra Tucson is amazing! The therapists, the nurses, the BHA’s, the amazing housekeeping team, they all care about their residents and unlike other programs, Sierra Tucson has Connect365. You get a Recovery Coach for an entire year post-discharge! Life saving, life changing!
