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Teen Mental Health Treatment in Arizona

Teen group home near Mesa, AZ: residential care.

Nexus Teen Academy runs two licensed houses for Mesa families, Oak for boys in north Scottsdale and Mesquite for girls in Cave Creek, ordinary homes carrying daily therapy, psychiatric care and an accredited classroom, for ages 12 to 17.

Talk privately with admissions

Leave a number and a licensed admissions adviser calls back, usually within minutes, to talk through the fit for your teen, the drive from the East Valley and what your plan actually covers.

License and accreditation you can check yourself: AZDHS, Joint Commission, LegitScript.

Go straight to the issuing bodies: Joint Commission · AZDHS registry · LegitScript.

Two houses, one East Valley drive

Group homes nearest Mesa: Oak for boys, Mesquite for girls.

Both houses sit in Maricopa County, licensed by AZDHS as behavioral health residential facilities and Joint Commission accredited. Open the 3D walkthroughs now, then drive out and see the real thing before you decide.

Oak · the boys’ residence

8611 E Cholla St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, about 25 minutes from Mesa, 17.1 miles up the Loop 101.

Boys · ages 12 to 17North Scottsdale
View this facility

Mesquite · the girls’ residence

2695 E Saddle Mountain Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, about 55 minutes from Mesa, 41.7 miles via I-17 and Carefree Highway.

Girls · ages 12 to 17Cave Creek
View this facility

Single-gender houses keep the living side calm, and one admissions line covers both, (480) 485-3424, answered around the clock.

Same house, different license

Group home vs residential treatment: the licensing difference.

A group home describes a setting, not a standard of care. What decides whether your teen is supervised or actually treated is the license class the house holds and who delivers the therapy inside it.

Same setting, two very different licenses

What the label hides, and what the license makes plain.

The settingA group home

A licensed house, trained staff, shared routines, and round-the-clock supervision. Clinical depth varies widely from house to house; some run therapy on-site, many arrange it outside.

The Nexus modelA therapeutic home

The same home-like setting carrying a full treatment program inside it, AZDHS behavioral-health licensure, daily therapy, psychiatric care and accredited school under one roof. Group home in shape, treatment center in substance.

What you get here

Ask any East Valley facility two questions, which license it holds and who delivers the therapy. Both answers for Nexus Teen Academy sit on this page, sourced.

Call (480) 485-3424 and ask both

Why Mesa teens are placed

Conditions treated: anxiety, trauma and mood disorders.

Placement starts with a diagnosis, and the treatment plan aims at it. Intake confirms the whole picture, because depression rarely arrives alone and ADHD rarely arrives without substance use.

Intake confirms the whole picture, and one plan covers all of it, because treating one condition while the others run untouched is why teens cycle through program after program.

Every condition below is treated inside the same home, by the same clinical team.

Before you place anyone

Who qualifies for placement: criteria and four checks to run.

Admission is clinical and parent-led, ages 12 to 17, where trauma, depression, ADHD, anxiety or substance use that has outgrown weekly therapy. Settle the fit first, then vet the facility, ours included.

Teens are placed by parents or treating clinicians after outpatient care, PHP, or IOP stopped holding, or step down straight from psychiatric hospitalization. A teen in acute crisis stabilizes at a hospital first, and admissions times the transfer so treatment starts at discharge.

Foster and state placements run through DCS and its contracted providers, a separate system with its own group homes. When ours is not the right door, admissions points families and caseworkers to the one that is.

In a mental health crisis tonight, place the checks second, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room first.

Then run four checks on any East Valley facility before you place your teen.

Start with the license class

Pull the facility up in the AZDHS provider registry before anything else. A behavioral-health residential license carries treatment obligations. A plain group-home license carries supervision obligations. The word on the sign does not tell you which one you are looking at.

Ask who is actually in the building

Therapy delivered by employed, licensed clinicians is a different service from therapy arranged with a visiting contractor. Ask for names and license numbers, then check them yourself in the state registry.

Settle the school question in writing

A Mesa teen mid-semester cannot afford a placement that pauses coursework. Ask whether the classroom is accredited, who the teachers are, and how credits move back to the sending district.

Insist on a record you can verify

Accreditation, license, certification, each one should trace to an issuer you can query without calling the facility back. Anything you cannot check yourself is marketing.

What it costs

Cost and insurance for Mesa families: verification before admission.

Most Maricopa County families never pay the sticker figure. Residential care runs through behavioral-health benefits, and the only number that matters is the one your own plan produces once somebody checks it.

  1. 1You send your plan detailsTwo required fields, member ID optional. About a minute.
  2. 2We verify with your insurer directlyIn-network or out-of-network, free and confidential, usually the same day.
  3. 3You get the number in plain EnglishDeductible, out-of-pocket maximum and any prior authorisation, before you commit to anything.

Out-of-network, or unsure what the plan says? Call anyway. Single case agreements and out-of-network benefits often cover a licensed group home placement.

Coverage numbers in about two minutes

See what your plan pays toward the group home program, in-network or out. Free, private, decides nothing.

HIPAA-protectedNo obligationNever sold or shared

Group home admissions

Admissions process: how a placement begins.

Our promise while you decide

1

The first call

A licensed counselor hears what has been happening, what has been tried, and where your teen stands on safety, then gives a plain read on whether a therapeutic group home is the indicated level.

2

Coverage, in writing

With your authorization we query the insurer directly and hand back the numbers, residential benefits, network status, and the realistic out-of-pocket.

3

Clinical evaluation

A licensed clinician assesses the condition behind the placement, screens safety, reviews prior treatment, and recommends the level of care the findings support.

4

Preparing move-in

One named coordinator handles school records, current prescriptions, what to pack, and the arrival time, discreetly and in writing.

5

Move-in day, kept calm

A fixed arrival sequence, orientation, introductions, medications checked in with the prescriber, and your first family update on the calendar before you head home.

Inside the group home program

What the program includes: psychiatry, therapy and academics.

Every admission carries a treatment center’s clinical program inside a home’s setting. Each element below is reviewed weekly against measurable progress on the admitting condition.

Evaluation & individualized plan

A DSM-5 evaluation opens every stay, and an individualized treatment plan follows from the actual diagnoses rather than the loudest symptom.

Daily individual & group therapy

Licensed clinicians run CBT-based individual sessions and twice-daily groups, on the posted weekly schedule.

Psychiatric & medication care

A prescriber manages any medication with parents consulted at every change, and medication administration is supervised daily.

Weekly family therapy & Saturday group

Family involvement is built in as a requirement, weekly family therapy in person or by secure video, plus the Saturday Family Empowerment Group with other parents.

Accredited on-site school

Small classes with transferable credit keep the semester alive, coordinated with your district for the return.

Structured group living & life skills

Chef-prepared shared meals, chores, and life-skills practice, cooking, gardening, and time management, run as daily social training.

Equine, arts & outings

Friday equine therapy, art and music interventions, regular outings, and daily movement in the desert air.

Discharge & return plan

An outpatient team is booked near home, school re-entry is staged with your district, and the family plan is rehearsed before the drive back home, ensuring continuity.

The treatment layer

Therapies used in the homes: evidence-based clinical models.

Evidence reviews rate family-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy as the best-supported treatments for the conditions these homes admit. Residential living turns both from a weekly hour into daily practice, with TF-CBT and EMDR added where trauma drives the case.

Teen in a one-on-one therapy session1

Individual CBT

Daily one-to-one work on the thoughts and triggers driving the admitting condition.

daily sessions
Teens in a clinician-led group session2

Group therapy, twice daily

Clinician-led groups at 9:00 and 11:00, where the house itself becomes the practice ground.

9:00 & 11:00
Family therapy session with parents3

Weekly family therapy

In person for metro families, secure video beyond, rebuilding the system your teen returns to.

in person, metro
Prescriber reviewing a treatment plan4

Psychiatric & medication care

Prescriber-led medication management, supervised daily, inside the home rather than across town.

on-site
The on-site academic room5

Accredited academics

Credit-bearing classes on-site every weekday, coordinated with your district for re-entry.

credits transfer
Teens in an outdoor experiential activity6

Equine & experiential

Friday equine sessions, art and music work, and regular outings, the structured outlets a house full of teenagers needs.

equine Fridaysart & music

Daily schedule in the homes

Daily schedule: 6:30 AM wake-up to 9:30 lights out.

Both homes run the same posted rhythm, school, therapy, meals, movement and sleep, so a teen always knows what comes next.

MorningAfternoonEvening
A teen bedroom filled with natural morning light inside a Phoenix-metro group home6:30 - 8:00 am
Morning

Hygiene, meds & breakfast

Hygiene and meds from 6:30 to 7:30, then breakfast from 7:30 to 8:00.

The common living area where the day opens with a gratitude journal8:00 - 8:20 am
Morning

Gratitude journal

The day opens with a gratitude journal from 8:00 to 8:20.

The on-site accredited classroom inside a Nexus Teen Academy group home8:30 - 10:45 am
Morning

Education

Education from 8:30 to 10:45, then a snack at 10:45.

Teens in a clinician-led group session inside the home11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Morning

Group therapy

Clinician-led group therapy from 11:00 to 12:00.

The shared kitchen and dining room where residents cook and eat together12:00 - 1:00 pm
Afternoon

Lunch & mindfulness

Lunch together from 12:00 to 1:00, run with a short mindfulness practice.

The group room used for afternoon group sessions2:00 - 4:00 pm
Afternoon

Group therapy

Group therapy from 2:00 to 3:00, a snack at 3:00, then group therapy again from 3:15 to 4:00.

The backyard and mountain view at a Nexus Teen Academy group home4:15 - 7:00 pm
Afternoon

Movement, dinner & evening activity

Movement with nursing from 4:15 to 5:00, dinner at 5:00, then evening activity and meds from 6:00 to 7:00.

The game room with a ping-pong table used for evening free time7:00 - 9:30 pm
Evening

Free time & lights out

Free time from 7:00 to 8:30, evening hygiene from 8:30 to 9:00, gratitude journal at 9:00 and lights out at 9:30.

Weekends run differently

Family phone calls 4:00 - 6:00 pm, every day

Saturday and Sunday follow a lighter routine than the weekday schedule above, with the Saturday Family Empowerment Group for parents.

Schedule the free consultation Or call (480) 485-3424 and admissions walks you through a full weekend in the homes, answered 24/7.

Awake clinical staff are on-site every hour, including overnight, in both Phoenix-metro homes.

Inside the house

Daily life and house rules: chores, meals and phone access.

House rules cover chores, screens and bedtime, and the rhythm repeats every day, shared meals, school, downtime and a wind-down at night. Awake staff hold it around the clock.

Chef-prepared meals & life skills

A dedicated kitchen team led by Chef Melissa Stockmar cooks the shared meals, and residents build life skills daily, cooking, gardening, cleaning, and time management.

Family contact, every day

The 4:00 to 6:00 PM phone window runs daily, weekly family therapy happens in person for metro families, and visits are scheduled with the clinical team.

Outings, equine & activities

Friday equine therapy, regular outings, and in-house activities from art and music work to game-room evenings, structure that feels like living, not confinement.

Parents stay in it

Family therapy for Mesa parents: weekly work with the whole family.

A 17-mile drive up the Loop 101 is the quiet advantage of placing an East Valley teen close to home. Weekly family therapy happens in the room rather than on a screen, the 4:00 to 6:00 PM call window runs every day, and visits are scheduled with the clinical team instead of squeezed around a long haul.

Licensed clinical team

Clinical staff: licensed and verifiable by name.

Licensed clinicians and a psychiatric prescriber run the program. Every Arizona license below is verifiable in the AZBBHE registry, and the house team running education, family services and meals follows in the same row.

Hannah Carr-Unquera, Executive Director at Nexus Teen AcademyLPC, BC-TMH

Hannah Carr-Unquera

Executive Director

Leads the clinical program across both homes, licensed in Arizona and board certified in telemental health.

Dr. Tyler White, Director of Adolescent Clinical Services at Nexus Teen AcademyLCSW, DSW

Dr. Tyler White

Director of Adolescent Clinical Services

Sets the treatment plan each resident’s team works to, and supervises the clinicians who deliver it.

Alexandria Penner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Nexus Teen AcademyDNP, PMHNP-BC

Alexandria Penner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Runs psychiatric evaluation and medication management on-site, so prescribing stays inside the house.

Ashley Daniels, Director of Family Services & Education at Nexus Teen AcademyHouse team

Ashley Daniels

Director of Family Services & Education

Runs family services and education across both homes, after directing theatre and teen programs and building liberal-arts residential summer camps for Mount Holyoke College and Bryn Mawr College.

Jennifer Inderberg, Education Supervisor at Nexus Teen AcademyHouse team

Jennifer Inderberg

Education Supervisor

Twenty-five years in education, supervising the accredited school that runs inside each house and the credit transfers back to your district.

Melissa Stockmar, Director of Food Operations at Nexus Teen AcademyHouse team

Melissa Stockmar

Director of Food Operations

Leads the kitchen team behind the chef-prepared meals, and runs the cooking group where residents learn to feed themselves.

Arizona-licensed clinical team. Every clinician running the homes is licensed in Arizona. Verify any license in the AZBBHE public registry.

Verified parent reviews

Google reviews: unedited and verifiable.

Google
Carol Trombino profile picture
Carol Trombino
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Nexus Academy was a wonderful place for my daughter. The staff were amazing and so supportive. They worked with our entire family. Highly recommend Nexus.
Google
Hemella Sweatt profile picture
Hemella Sweatt
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sending your child or teen to a residential treatment facility is a difficult and heart-wrenching decision. The team at Nexus Teen Academy was exceptional. Our daughter's therapist was a great fit for her and played a significant role in helping us grow as a family. Family therapy is a crucial part of your child's recovery, and Nexus does an excellent job of involving the family in the healing process. We are grateful for their support in guiding our daughter toward a path of recovery.
Google
S H profile picture
S H
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The program at Nexus was a lifesaver for my 15-year-old daughter. After a tough year in and out of different levels of care, my husband and I had truly hit a breaking point and knew a residential facility was needed, but we were adamant about finding a place that was safe, respectful, and loving for our daughter. The entire team at Nexus was caring and engaged from day one, despite my daughter NOT making that easy for the first couple of weeks. There were definitely days in the beginning where we wondered if this was even working, but the team encouraged my husband and me to stay the course, and thank goodness we did. After completing Nexus residential and PHP programs, our daughter has done a complete 180. Her mental health struggles aren't 'magically gone' - but she has learned not to let them control her and our family dynamic is leagues better than where we started. Maybe the craziest part of this whole experience was when she recently acknowledged that she was really struggling before and thanked me for sending her to the program - I almost fainted. All this to say, I can't recommend the team at Nexus enough to any family with a teen who is going through a hard time.
Google
Amanda Hayes profile picture
Amanda Hayes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our 12 year old attended Nexus in summer of 2025. I opted for this location due to the reviews from other parents regarding similarly aged children. It's a whole different ballgame when a parent is trying to figure out what is best for their tween, knowing they will have exposure to older teenagers and older problems. That sad, Nexus is such a cohesive program. Our experience has been nothing short of wonderful, given the impossible circumstanes. All staff seems to be personally invested in each child's recovery and wellbeing. Our child left Nexus in a much more healed state than when they went in. I was so nervous about taking this huge step after poor hospital experiences and previous PHP's not being as helpful as we hoped. The staff is on top of relational dynamics in the house, and there is some separation between the younger residents and older ones, while still promoting overall cohesiveness. I feel they did a tremendous job supporting our 12 year old developmentally, bringing out a sense of childhood again. They also masterfully navigated our complicated family dynamic, going above and beyond to ensure our child's needs were met, the program requirements were met, in alignment with our family's needs. In a way, our child's time away at Nexus brought them back to us in a way we hadn't seen in a long time. I am so grateful. The PHP program, as well, is top notch and operates from heart. I would recommend both Nexus RTC and their PHP program to any parent in a similar situation. I have offered to connect with any parent in a similar place, so feel free to inquire about connecting with the staff. I know how terrifying this all is, and while we're not totally out of the woods, our child is currently attending school full time again with 2 evening therapy sessions each week. I attribute this assimilation into developmentally typical structure entirely to the care and support we all received from Nexus staff, from intake to therapy to medical and everyone else involved. Thank you, nexus, for helping our child- and our family- in our healing. I am forever grateful.
Google
Alisha profile picture
Alisha
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When we realized we needed a place for our teen to go longer term it was one of the hardest, scariest things I have been through as a mother. Nexus really made it easier and not quite so scary. They have a really caring staff, the kids love the staff. They truly care about your child, it’s not just another kid in and out of their house. I felt like our family was important and they were focused on what my child needed to help her through this difficult time. There was a lot of ups and downs with this process and we had some really hard times and conversations but the staff was always there to help guide us. I would truly say if you are struggling and your teen needs residential Nexus is an amazing place for treatment. The house is beautiful and it is truly comfortable for the kids. I would definitely recommend Nexus.
Google
Vanessa Anaya profile picture
Vanessa Anaya
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would like to share that we had a great experience at Nexus Teen Academy. All of the staff is great with communication and assisted us through the process. I am very grateful for all of the resources, help and treatment for my teen throughout their stay. The have an amazing team and would recommend to anyone who needs the help.
Google
Sean Hayes profile picture
Sean Hayes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Nexus Teen Academy. The structure, support, and care they provided made a significant impact on my child, and it was also maintainable post-residency. During the residency, I attended a parent group led by the therapists who worked with the kids; where we learned critical skills and distinctions which helped with life afterward. It was also great to be in contact with other parents during this time, and the parenting group was great for this.
Google
Zane Bedford profile picture
Zane Bedford
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Four years ago at the age of 13 my daughter completely stopped participating in school and started to display symptoms of major depression anxiety and an unknown mood disorder.Her attendance at school was greatly impacted in such a way that attending once or twice a week became standard until the age of 16.Alcohol addiction and juvenile legal troubles followed and became common issues up until the moment my daughter entered into Nexus Teen Academy.To be completely honest as a completely broken single parent,after trying many attempts at therapy/medications I had lost hope and had given up on expecting anything could fix the crisis we had been living in for the last for years. Nexus Academy changed my perspective, my daughter completed 33 days and for the first time in years I saw the spark and light come back to her eyes and soul.She left Nexus displaying insight and a desire to get back on track with her education. With all professions , one will find flaws and opportunities for improvement .I believe Nexus understands this and showed an openess to suggestions and constructive criticism.
Google
lily henderson profile picture
lily henderson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Nexus was a life changing experience. I went in at 17 and experienced my 18th in there, to which the staff and residents all made sure I felt special. My goals were formed around gaining a better sense of self identity, self respect, and healing myself from the inside out. All of which happened in ways I never expected. I was shown how healthy communication, empathy in your home life, and phone-free relationships, all shape you as a person. Each and every one of the staff and administrators at Nexus are solely devoted to the children’s lives and well being. If there was ever an issue, i felt confident to go to them about it and it was swiftly handled. It was one of the most difficult goodbyes I have ever experienced in my life, as I grew family-life bonds with every person there. Thank you all!!!!! I appreciate every way you showed up for me and how you supported me in my stay. I will carry this experience with me forever.
Google
Jasmine Carter profile picture
Jasmine Carter
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My daughter was referred here after her various visits to psychiatric hospitals.I was so scared to be apart from my child but Nexus made me feel better about my decision because of their loving and welcoming environment. I love everything about this place, they really love the kids and support parents along the way. I appreciate everyone that loved and supported my child while she was at her lowest. I recommend this place to anyone that may feel like they have tried all they can and they do not know what to do next because Nexus will help you with the next steps in your journey.

4.7/ 5

★★★★★34 verified Google reviews · Oak & Mesquite homes
Read them all on Google

★★★★★

“Nexus Teen Academy was a wonderful place for my daughter. The staff were amazing and so supportive. They worked with our entire family. Highly recommend.”
CCarol T.Verified Google review

★★★★★

“I highly recommend Nexus Teen Academy. The structure, support, and care they provided made a significant impact on my child, and it was also maintainable post-residency. During the residency, I attended a parent group led by the therapists who worked with the kids; where we learned critical skills and distinctions which helped with life afterward. It was also great to be in contact with other parents during this time, and the parenting group was great for this.”
SSean H.Verified Google review

★★★★★

“My daughter was referred here after her various visits to psychiatric hospitals.I was so scared to be apart from my child but Nexus made me feel better about my decision because of their loving and welcoming environment. I love everything about this place, they really love the kids and support parents along the way. I appreciate everyone that loved and supported my child while she was at her lowest. I recommend this place to anyone that may feel like they have tried all they can and they do not know what to do next because Nexus will help you with the next steps in your journey.”
JJasmine C.Verified Google review

★★★★★

“I would like to share that we had a great experience at Nexus Teen Academy. All of the staff is great with communication and assisted us through the process. I am very grateful for all of the resources, help and treatment for my teen throughout their stay. The have an amazing team and would recommend to anyone who needs the help.”
VVanessa A.Verified Google review
31 more reviews on GoogleUnedited, public, and open for any family to add their own.Read every review →

These come straight from our public Google Business Profile, anyone can read all 34 and add their own.

What comes after

Discharge and aftercare for Mesa teens: what happens after discharge.

Discharge is designed in the first fortnight, not the last week. The plan names the step-down level, the outpatient clinician who picks the teen up in the East Valley, the prescriber who continues the medication, and the date the sending school expects them back in class.

Related reading

Teen mental health guides: conditions explained for parents.

These guides cover the conditions that bring most Mesa families to a therapeutic group home, written by the clinicians who run the houses. Every guide names the treatment the condition responds to, and each links through to the residential program that delivers it.

Every guide names the treatment the condition responds to, and each links through to the residential program that delivers it.

The statewide picture

Arizona teen mental health, the statewide picture

Adolescent depression and anxiety have risen sharply across Arizona, and for a growing number of families weekly outpatient therapy is no longer enough. The state’s own data shows why a middle level of care, residential treatment, exists.

Aerial view of a Nexus Teen Academy residential center in Arizona

4 in 10

Arizona high-schoolers reported their mental health was not good most or all of the time.

3 in 10

Seriously considered suicide, and about 1 in 10 attempted.

97%

Rise in adolescent depression diagnoses in Arizona, 2016 to 17 to 2020 to 21.

55%

Rise in anxiety diagnoses over the same period.

Arizona’s 988 and Teen Lifeline lines meet the emergency, but a crisis call is stabilization, not ongoing treatment.

Residential care is the step between outpatient therapy and the hospital, the middle is what has been missing.

Sources: Arizona Department of Health Services, Adolescent Mental Health Report; Arizona Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2021); National Survey of Children’s Health.

Talk to an Arizona counselor, 24/7

Mesa questions

Mesa parent FAQ: cost, licensing and family contact.

Mesa answers

Placement questions from Mesa parents

Credits, curfew, cost and the drive up Loop 101, the things East Valley families actually ask before they agree to anything.

Something here not covered?

An admissions adviser in Maricopa County can take the question live. Nobody is enrolled on a phone call.

Call now and ask our teamAnswered 24/7 at (480) 485-3424

Distance & the houses

Oak, the boys’ house at 8611 E Cholla St in north Scottsdale, is the nearer of the two, Google Maps puts it 17.1 miles and roughly 25 minutes from Mesa on the Loop 101. Mesquite, the girls’ house on E Saddle Mountain Rd in Cave Creek, is 41.7 miles and about 55 minutes on the same freeway. Admissions answers both lines at (480) 485-3424.

From Eastmark, Las Sendas or anywhere off Power Road you are still inside the same 25 to 35 minute band, because the Red Mountain 202 feeds straight into the 101. Distance almost never decides placement for a Mesa family; the license class and the clinical staffing do.

Yes, and the schedule is built for it. Family therapy runs weekly, the daily call window is fixed at 4:00 to 6:00 PM, and a parent who cannot make a weekday session joins by secure video without losing the slot.

Two 3D walkthroughs sit on this page and you can open them right now. In-person tours are booked with the clinical team, and most East Valley families do the drive on a Saturday before they decide anything.

They are. Boys live at Oak in north Scottsdale, girls at Mesquite in Cave Creek, both ages 12 to 17. Single-gender living is a deliberate clinical choice, not a capacity one.

No. Every placement here is clinical and arranged by a parent or legal guardian. DCS and its contracted providers run a separate licensed group-home system, and admissions will point a Mesa caseworker to the right door rather than pretend to be it.

School, care & paying

Schooling continues on-site in an accredited classroom with certified teachers, so the semester keeps running instead of stopping. Records transfer both ways, and the academic coordinator works to the sending district’s requirements so re-entry is a transfer, not a repeat year.

Residential care is usually billed to behavioral-health benefits rather than paid flat. Send the plan details and we verify with the insurer directly, in-network or out, and hand back the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and any prior authorisation in writing before you commit.

Depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, self-harm and suicidal thinking, mood instability and co-occurring substance use, treated together rather than one at a time. A teen whose anxiety drives the substance use does not get two disconnected treatment plans here.

Typically 30 to 90 days, set by the clinical picture and reviewed as it changes. The discharge plan is drafted in the first fortnight, not the last week, so a Mesa family knows what step-down looks like before it arrives.

Where the fit is right and coverage clears, move-in can follow within days of the first call. Speed never replaces the evaluation, a bad fit helps nobody, least of all the teen.

License & safety

Search Nexus Teen Academy in the AZDHS provider registry, confirm the Joint Commission accreditation at qualitycheck.org, and check the LegitScript seal. Every credential claimed on this page routes back to the body that issued it.

Safety comes before placement. Call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department; Banner Desert and Mountain Vista both sit inside Mesa. A teen in acute crisis stabilises in hospital first, and admissions times the transfer so treatment begins the day they are discharged.

Beyond the East Valley

Placement across Arizona: intake from all fifteen counties.

Both houses sit in central Maricopa County, inside a day’s drive of nearly every Arizona family. Admissions answers 24/7.

From beyond the Valley

Count roughly two hours from Tucson via I-10, 2½ hours from Flagstaff down I-17, 90 minutes from Prescott, and three hours from Yuma on I-8, with Sierra Vista and Lake Havasu City close behind.

Family sessions by secure video

When the drive is long, the weekly family session runs over secure video, and arrivals route through Phoenix Sky Harbor for out-of-metro and out-of-state families.

The return, arranged locally

Before discharge we book an outpatient team near your home and stage school re-entry with your district, whether that is a Valley district, Tucson Unified, or Flagstaff Unified.

Oak · boys’ group home, North Scottsdale

8611 E Cholla St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Admissions 24/7

Mesquite · girls’ group home, Cave Creek

2695 E Saddle Mountain Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Admissions 24/7

See a center on the map

Tap Cave Creek or Scottsdale below to load its interactive map right here.

Google Maps loads only when you choose, so nothing is shared with Google before you opt in.

Explore each Nexus Teen Academy home

Scottsdale (boys)

North Scottsdale, 85260 · off Loop 101

Cave Creek (girls)

Saddle Mountain Rd, 85331 · 20 min north

Phoenix metro

Served from both centers

Yuma & SW Arizona

Travel, telehealth & aftercare