Mesa, Arizona’s Preferred Older Adult Inpatient Program for Behavioral Health


Opening May 2024

Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital in Mesa, Arizona, offers inpatient behavioral health and substance abuse care for older adults age 55 and older. Our older adult program is designed for individuals who are in crisis and need immediate help to regain a sense of safety. We provide each patient with clinically excellent care that can help them learn skills for coping with their symptoms. Our goal with our older adult programming is to help each patient stabilize so that they can return home or transition to a lower level of care as soon as possible. 

Learn About Our Older Adult Inpatient Programming in Mesa, Arizona

The older adult inpatient program at Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital provides a brief yet impactful care option for older adults who need round-the-clock supervision and focused support. Patients typically stay in this level of care for five to 13 days, but each patient’s length of stay depends on their individual progress. Our comprehensive care team, which includes psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers, behavioral health specialists, licensed professional counselors, recreational therapists, and dietitians, delivers expert care for patients. 

In our older adult inpatient program, we help older adults stabilize so that they can return to their daily routines or transition to a less restrictive program. Our approach to care involves addressing the mental, physical, social, and emotional needs of the older adult population. We firmly believe that this comprehensive approach to care can be life-changing for our patients. 

Our hospital near Phoenix serves older adults who are struggling with the following behavioral health concerns: 

  • Anxiety  
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
  • Bipolar disorder 
  • Depression 
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  
  • Personality disorders 
  • Psychosis  
  • Schizophrenia 
  • Schizoaffective disorder  
  • Self-harm  
  • Suicidal ideation  

We also provide detoxification and inpatient care for older adults who have addictions to the following substances: 

  • Prescription painkillers 
  • Methamphetamines 
  • Benzodiazepines 
  • Heroin 
  • Fentanyl 
  • Alcohol 

If you believe that you or a loved one could benefit from participating in inpatient programming at our hospital, we encourage you to get in touch with our team. Our dedicated admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about our services. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. 

Who Can Benefit from Participating in Our Older Adult Inpatient Program?

By participating in an inpatient program, older adults who are struggling with behavioral health concerns can begin to build a strong foundation for lasting healing. Our state-of-the-art hospital in Mesa provides patients with a safe and welcoming environment where they can receive the support they need and make strides toward a happier life. We recognize that older adults might suffer from certain age-specific challenges, and our programming is designed to help these individuals learn tools for managing their emotions in productive ways. 

To qualify for admission at our older adult inpatient hospital, you must meet the following criteria: 

  • You are age 55 or older. 
  • You are at risk for harming yourself or others.  
  • You feel like you need acute, intensive behavioral healthcare. 
  • You are struggling with job performance, personal relationships, and self-esteem. 
  • You need assistance from qualified experts. 
  • You need to detox from drugs and alcohol. 

Our specialized programming addresses age-related challenges older adults might face, which may include concerns related to memory, reasoning, and other cognitive functioning. Additionally, we provide compassionate care for older adults who are struggling with grief and bereavement concerns. Coping with loss can be a complex emotional process, and our programming can help older adults learn skills for navigating these challenges effectively. If someone experiences a significant life change like losing a loved one, an employment change, or a health complication, they may benefit from receiving therapeutic support as they enter this new season of life. 

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we also understand the unique challenges caregivers can face. If an older adult is caring for aging loved ones and dealing with stress due to the combined responsibilities of caregiving, work, and other obligations, our programming can address their need for emotional support.  

Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital Older Adult Inpatient Programming Overview

Each older adult who takes part in our programming receives expert care from a team of seasoned professionals. At our center, we seek to understand each patient’s unique needs and goals and continuously monitor their progress. 

Before they enter our inpatient program, each older adult completes a comprehensive evaluation with one of our team members so that we can learn about their medical history, current symptoms, substance use history, and therapeutic goals. Our team then creates a personalized care plan for them, making sure that their care aligns with their specific needs. 

In our adult inpatient program, an older adult’s care plan may include:  

  • Basic medical care: Qualified physicians and nurses can provide basic medical care for patients who need it.  
  • Medication management services: Some patients may have medication included in their care plans. Patients who need these services can meet with a psychiatrist and receive medication from our nursing staff. 
  • Detoxification services: If a patient arrives at our facility with drugs or alcohol in their body, they can receive medical detoxification services before transitioning to our inpatient program. Detoxification typically lasts between seven and 10 days, and our team of addictionologists, physicians, and nurses ensures each patient’s safety and comfort throughout the withdrawal process. 
  • Group therapy: Group therapy is the main care method at our hospital, and patients take part in multiple groups each day. In group sessions, patients can support one another and learn skills that can help them heal and grow. 

At our hospital, our counselors use many different methods during therapy sessions, including:  

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based therapy method that can help patients identify and change harmful or unhelpful thought processes. Using CBT, patients can learn how to reframe negative thoughts so that they can begin to heal. 
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Through DBT, patients can learn mindfulness skills and how their behaviors are impacting their well-being.  

Features of Our Adult Inpatient Program 

Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital is conveniently located in Mesa, Arizona, less than one hour from Phoenix. Our spacious facility offers a secure and inviting environment where patients can focus on their mental health and overall well-being. 

Key features of our older adult inpatient program include: 

  • Straightforward admissions process: We offer a streamlined admissions process so that patients can get the help they need in a timely manner. 
  • Comprehensive assessments: Each patient in our inpatient program for older adults takes part in a thorough evaluation, which allows our team to gain insight into their background, symptoms, and specific needs. 
  • Round-the-clock supervision: At our hospital, we prioritize each patient’s safety and comfort. Our nursing staff and behavioral health technicians provide 24/7 monitoring to keep patients safe throughout their stay. 
  • Peer support: In the inpatient setting, older adults can connect with their peers, share their experiences, and build relationships with others. 
  • Expert staff: Our multidisciplinary team of professionals specializes in delivering therapies and services that address the unique needs of older adults. 
  • Structured care: Each patient follows an individualized care plan that includes the therapies and services that can benefit them the most. 
  • Personalized aftercare planning: Before discharge, our team works with each patient to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan. This plan may include referrals to outpatient services and recommendations for community resources. A thorough aftercare plan can help promote a patient’s ongoing success. 

At our hospital, we collaborate closely with patients and their families to develop care plans and assess postdischarge needs. We recognize that it takes tremendous courage and determination to heal from a behavioral health concern, and we are committed to supporting patients every step of their healing journey. 

Admissions Process 

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we are dedicated to delivering clinically excellent behavioral healthcare for our community. Our streamlined admissions process allows patients to access the care they need quickly. To begin the admissions process, prospective patients, their loved ones, and referral sources can call our hospital and complete an initial screening. This can help us determine if our programming aligns with the person’s needs. If we believe that our programming would be helpful for them, we will schedule them for an in-person assessment at our Mesa hospital. 

Upon arrival at our hospital, each potential patient fills out paperwork and completes a comprehensive assessment with a member of our staff. Your assessment will allow us to gain insight into your background, current symptoms, and therapeutic goals. If we believe that inpatient care would be beneficial for you, you will be admitted to our hospital. Our team will then develop a customized plan that outlines which services you may receive while in our care. 

If you have questions about our programming or would like to begin the admissions process, please contact our team today. Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to help you complete an initial screening and begin your wellness journey. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital.