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Sierra Tucson Selected as One of "America's Best Hospitals"

By Kathy Steffens

Sierra Tucson is honored to be ranked among "America's Best Hospitals" in 2009, specifically in the category of Psychiatry. This is the 20th year that America's Best Hospitals has evaluated the country's most sophisticated medical facilities. This valuable tool for patients looks at "how well these institutions do in complex and demanding situations," reports U.S. News' Avery Comorow. "Only 174 hospitals scored high enough to be ranked in even one of the 16 specialties."

Selection in the category of Psychiatry and other specialties is based on reputation. Board-certified physician specialists were surveyed and asked to list five hospitals they consider among the best in their specialty for difficult cases, without taking into account cost or location. Sierra Tucson was recommended by psychiatric specialists as a hospital for challenging cases and procedures.

Since 1983, Sierra Tucson has become an international leader in providing effective treatment for addictions and mental/behavioral disorders. During the last 25 years, the passion, diligence, and proficiency of Sierra Tucson's staff have advanced the treatment industry in many realms. Sierra Tucson has been a pioneer in establishing important therapeutic modalities for holistic treatment such as Equine-Assisted Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training, and Integrative Therapies that include Acupuncture, Yoga, and Somatic Experiencing®, among others.

Sierra Tucson continues to develop its programs and services, having introduced a Pain Management Program that is Accredited by the American Academy of Pain Management. New initiatives in 2009 increase the hospital's neuroscience capability with brain SPECT scanning, which produces vivid, real-time images of brain physiology. This innovative tool provides helpful diagnostic data, enables more targeted therapies, and enhances patient motivation for treatment. Additional advances will include pharmacogenetic testing, biofeedback and neurofeedback, and CNS Response.

The Joint Commission has awarded dual Accreditation to Sierra Tucson—both as a Hospital and for Behavioral Health Care. Sierra Tucson, a member of CRC Health Group, has a 139-bed capacity. Located at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona, the high desert surrounds patients with 160 acres of a beautiful, natural healing environment. Patients receive the highest level of confidentiality and "Compassionate Care and Clinical Excellence" to begin their restoration to a balanced, fulfilling life.