Treatment Model & Philosophy

Sierra Tucson's philosophy of treatment recognizes a simple truth: all of us exist as mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Only when the whole person is healed—not just the symptoms, but the underlying problems—can recovery begin. The Sierra Model® of treatment incorporates this approach.

The Sierra Model® integrates philosophies and practices from the medical, psychological, family systems, and self-help communities. Principles of the Twelve-Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous—the foundation of all our programs—have been broadened to include more intensive psychiatric care. The result is a bio-psycho-social-spiritual foundation for all treatment processes at Sierra Tucson. The Sierra Model® defines disease as a dysfunctional state with characteristic form, whether that form is associated with a mental health disorder, an addiction, or a physical problem. Patients learn to understand underlying causes of emotional and behavioral disorders and recognize how to avoid subsequent addictions and dependencies during the recovery process.

The clinical program, based on a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach, uses treatment modalities that include experiential work such as Gestalt techniques, psychodrama, and focused expressive work, as well as cognitive-behavioral approaches,  psycho-educational groups, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The patient is assessed for his/her ability to participate in appropriate modalities. The group process facilitates the patients in learning how to identify issues that have contributed to their dysfunctional behavior and how to adopt new coping skills and healthy behaviors. Patients also learn about relapse triggers and relapse prevention strategies. Relapse prevention concepts apply to patients with mental health disorders as well as substance addictions and compulsive behaviors.

Group process therapy is a powerful and effective treatment modality. In small groups of six to eight people, individuals sense the privacy, support, and understanding needed to reach new depths of self-discovery. Significant iimpact is also derived from individual therapy, defined as one-on-one time spent between the patient and a clinical staff member, which may include: a physician, nurse, therapist, equine therapist, spiritual therapist, dietitian, or others. In addition, the patient meets weekly with his/her unit therapist to discuss the treatment plan and continuing care options. Patients see the attending medical provider for medical and psychiatric care including pharmacotherapy, when indicated. All treatment interventions are integrated into the Master Treatment Plan.

Integrative therapies such as Acupuncture (Auricular and Full-Body), Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Qi Gong, Reiki, Shiatsu, Somatic Experiencing®, Yoga, and Zero Balancing are used to enhance the patient's treatment and recovery experience.

Part of the Sierra Model® of treatment is founded on the belief that spirituality plays a central role in ongoing recovery. The Twelve-Step Program provides the foundation of spiritual focus, and staff help each patient define, find, or enhance a spiritual connection. Along with individual spirituality consultations, patients find solace and inspiration through nondenominational services, workshops, metaphorical nature walks, talking circles, yoga, meditation, the labyrinth, and our beautiful natural environment.

The Sierra Model® also emphasizes the involvement of family members during the primary patient's treatment. Patients are encouraged to invite family members to the Family Program during their treatment experience. Treating an individual within the context of the family system provides a much stronger foundation for recovery and also gives understanding, support, education, and healing to the family.

Every program we offer is shaped by the philosophy of the Sierra Model®. Because it is designed to treat the whole person, each patient is treated as a unique and valuable individual through open communication and teamwork by an integrated multidisciplinary staff of professionals. Emphasis is on honesty, support, and quality patient care, with regard for the value and worth of each individual and for the rights of each patient served.