In this article, Lean Start Life will review the types of AHCCCS plans that cover mental health treatment, including how to find the right provider, what types of services are included, and how to access care under specific plans like Banner University Family Care and AZ Complete Health.
Along the way, we will also clarify the role of accredited treatment programs and highlight providers such as Purpose Healing accepts AZ Complete for treatment to help ensure you find safe, effective, and insurance-compliant care.
Understanding AHCCCS And Mental Health Coverage
AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program, providing health insurance to individuals and families with low income. Mental and behavioral health services are a major part of the coverage AHCCCS offers. The state uses several health plans sometimes referred to as Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to deliver these services to eligible members.
These plans are geographically assigned and often include behavioral health options as part of an integrated model. Most AHCCCS plans offer mental health coverage that includes therapy, crisis services, medication management, and in some cases residential or intensive outpatient treatment.
If you are seeking help for conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, or more severe psychiatric diagnoses, AHCCCS likely covers much of what you need. The key is identifying which health plan you are enrolled in and what providers are in-network.
Which AHCCCS Plans Cover Mental Health In Arizona?
Arizona uses several AHCCCS-contracted health plans across different regions. Some of the main insurers offering behavioral health coverage include:
● Banner – University Family Care
● Arizona Complete Health (AZ Complete Health-Complete Care Plan)
● Mercy Care
● Care1st Health Plan Arizona
● Health Choice Arizona
Each plan includes mental health and substance use treatment services. However, the provider network may vary, which means the specific facilities or therapists available to you depend on the plan you’re enrolled in.
For example, accredited programs that take Banner Family such as inpatient rehab or outpatient therapy centers must be contracted with Banner’s provider network and meet Arizona’s standards for behavioral health care.
What Types Of Mental Health Services Are Covered?
The scope of coverage includes a wide range of behavioral health services, such as:
● Individual and group therapy
● Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
● Substance use disorder treatment
● Crisis stabilization
● Case management and peer support
● Intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs
● Residential treatment services These services may be provided through community health centers, outpatient clinics, telehealth platforms, or inpatient facilities, depending on the severity of symptoms and your specific needs.
An important note: AHCCCS plans require services to be medically necessary and usually provided by licensed or credentialed professionals. This is where accredited facilities come in; they meet state and national standards for clinical quality, safety, and evidence-based care.
Accredited Programs That Take Banner Family
If you are covered by Banner University Family Care, you are part of one of Arizona’s most comprehensive Medicaid plans. This plan serves several counties and includes behavioral health services through its integrated care model.
For those looking for accredited programs that take Banner Family Care, it is important to verify that the facility is both state-licensed and in-network with Banner. Accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) indicates that the treatment center follows rigorous quality standards.
The Banner Family Care provider directory and the AHCCCS online provider search tool can help you identify local programs. Many centers specialize in trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment (mental health and substance use), and culturally competent services tailored to Arizona’s diverse populations.
Common settings include:
● Outpatient counseling centers
● Inpatient psychiatric hospitals
● Youth and family-focused behavioral health agencies
● Substance use recovery programs that integrate mental health treatment
Accredited programs are often preferred not only for insurance compliance but also for ensuring patient safety and long-term treatment outcomes.
Purpose Healing Accepts AZ Complete For Treatment
Another significant AHCCCS provider is Arizona Complete Health. This plan covers physical and behavioral health services under the same umbrella and works with a broad network of mental health providers across the state.
A longstanding leader for Arizona treatment centers, Purpose Healing accepts AZ Complete for treatment, making it a valuable option for individuals seeking integrated recovery support. With locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, Purpose Healing provides behavioral health and addiction treatment services, including detox, residential treatment, and outpatient care.
By accepting AZ Complete Health, Purpose Healing ensures that clients with Medicaid coverage can access services without the barrier of high out-of-pocket costs.
Importantly, facilities that work with AHCCCS plans like AZ Complete are also required to maintain licensure and uphold care standards set by the Arizona Department of Health Services and other regulatory bodies.
If you are considering treatment through Purpose Healing or similar providers, you will want to:
● Confirm eligibility through AZ Complete
● Check whether prior authorization is needed for certain services
● Schedule an assessment to determine the level of care that’s appropriate for you or your loved one
How To Find A Mental Health Provider That Accepts Your AHCCCS Plan
Finding a provider can be straightforward once you know your AHCCCS health plan. Most plans have online directories where you can search by zip code, specialty, and language preferences. Here are a few helpful tips:
● Use the AHCCCS Provider Directory: Available on the official AHCCCS website, this tool allows you to filter by health plan and provider type.
● Contact Member Services: Every AHCCCS plan has a member support line where you can ask for help finding mental health services near you.
● Ask About Accreditation: While not all facilities need accreditation, it is a strong signal of quality. Ask if the provider is accredited by the Joint Commission, CARF, or another recognized body.
● Verify Coverage Details: Even within a plan like Banner Family or AZ Complete, some services may require prior authorization or have limits on session numbers.
What If You Need A Higher Level Of Care?
Sometimes outpatient therapy isn’t enough. For more severe or complex conditions like co-occurring disorders or persistent mental illness you may need intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), or residential care. AHCCCS covers these levels of care when medically necessary.
Both accredited programs that take Banner Family and facilities like Purpose Healing that accept AZ Complete often provide these higher levels of care. It is crucial to get a clinical assessment through a licensed provider to determine eligibility and ensure that your treatment is fully covered under your plan.
Can You Switch Plans If Your Provider Isn’t Covered?
If you discover that your preferred treatment center isn’t in-network with your current AHCCCS plan, you may have options. AHCCCS allows changes during specific enrollment periods or for qualifying life events. Additionally, certain behavioral health crises or clinical needs may justify a plan switch to access appropriate care.
You can speak with your AHCCCS plan's case manager or call the AHCCCS Enrollment office directly to discuss your options. When choosing a plan, consider not only medical care but also the behavioral health network, especially if you or a family member need ongoing mental health services.
AHCCCS Offers Support For Mental Health Recovery In Arizona
Arizona residents covered under AHCCCS have access to a wide range of behavioral health services, from basic counseling to residential treatment.
Whether you are looking for accredited programs that take Banner Family or you are exploring options where Purpose Healing accepts AZ Complete for treatment, there are pathways to receive quality, affordable care.
Understanding which AHCCCS plan you are on, what services are covered, and which providers are in- network helps remove the guesswork from seeking help. With the right information, you can make empowered decisions for yourself or a loved one, and access the care that supports your mental wellness and long-term recovery.
If you are just beginning this journey, start by confirming your AHCCCS plan, exploring accredited treatment providers, and reaching out for an assessment. No matter where you are on the path, help is available and with the support of Arizona’s AHCCCS system, it’s often just a call or click away.
