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The Benefits of Alternative Mental Health Treatment in Sedona Arizona

Last Updated on March 8, 2025 by Diane Ridaeus

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD

Mental health treatment is now emerging out of the “dark ages” and into the bright sunshine in Sedona, where you’ll find evidence-based, alternative, drug-free protocols that work. The beauty of Sedona’s majestic red rocks envelopes ATMC’s pristine residential mental health facility in beautiful, calm surrounds, making it an ideal location for recovery.

Over 40 professional doctors and therapists are dedicated to assist you in designing your unique personalized program. Based on orthomolecular and environmental medicine, we provide our clients with a full complement of inpatient therapies and comforts optimized to help you attain your mental wellness goals.


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We have documented ATMC’s high rates of success over many years. We attribute our clients’ success to orthomolecular-based strategies, environmental medicine, interwoven with a wealth of healing therapies. Many of our professional staff have recovered using these protocols and are passionate about helping others do the same. Long ago, ATMC’s founder, Lyle Murphy originated the idea of handling the underlying causes of symptoms, not merely drugging the symptoms. Though we are based in Sedona Arizona, our client base has expanded internationally and we are proud of the level of care we provide to everyone who comes to us for help.
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Why Sedona Arizona is an Ideal Setting for Alternative Mental Health Treatment

According to our clients, there are many reasons why they chose Sedona for residential treatment. A fundamental pillar of our approach is to look for the root causes of symptoms. In contrast, the overprescribing of medication has become nearly epidemic in the medical field, according to an extensive 2019 research paper on the subject.1

At Alternative to Meds, safe and medically supervised medication tapering 2 is combined with orthomolecular (nutrition-based) and other alternative therapies to ensure minimum discomfort and maximum healing. The services we offer have provided consistently positive outcomes for thousands of our clients over close to 20 years.

Making these alternative services for mental health benefits available at a pristine residential facility in Sedona, itself a legendary place of healing, is only fitting.

The top 10 reasons clients give for coming to ATMC in Sedona:
  • Sedona hiking trailsATMC’s groundbreaking philosophy of natural, alternative mental health treatment
  • Consistent results, exceptional success rate
  • Wealth of practical tools to manage symptoms without drugs
  • Caring, compassionate & professional staff for counseling5 and other services
  • Aftercare program
  • Vital education components
  • Access to hiking trails, swimming, biking, Qigong, trainer-led exercise 6,7
  • The “Detox Shoppe” where real healing happens
  • Warm & social atmosphere, no judgemental eyes
  • Chef-prepared delicious meals from clean, organic & whole foods

Alternative Mental Health Therapies at ATMC

A person may suffer anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood swings, and many other mental health troubles. The philosophy of treatment at Alternative to Meds Center is to discover the underlying causes for symptoms like these, equine therapy for mental healthnot to simply and blindly numb them with drugs. But pharmaceutical drugs have co-opted an alarming percentage of clinics, hospitals, and even the GPs who are tasked with helping people cope. Our programs are designed to safely and comfortably walk back overuse of prescription drugs, and provide alternative treatments to reduce and eliminate such symptoms without relying on drugs.

You can find detailed descriptions of the wealth of alternative mental health therapies offered inpatient at ATMC on our services overview pages. Some of the most popular options include holistic detox, medically supervised medication tapering, equine therapy, sound healing, cold plunge therapy, art therapy, nebulized glutathione, IV + NAD therapy, deep cleansing sauna, massage & spa services, acupuncture, Qigong classes, and much, much more.

These strategic therapies are blended into a personalized program that fits each client’s immediate and longer-term needs and goals. After initial assessments and lab tests are completed, you will meet your team of coordinators and begin walking through your transformative journey.

Benefits of Residential Alternative Mental Health Treatment & Recovery

benefits of residential alternative mental health treatmentEvery day at the center can be transformative, in a stress-free environment surrounded by beautiful nature and warm and caring professionals. One of the many benefits of an inpatient setting, is that all your therapists are close at hand and ready to assist you each step of the way. Therapeutic activities fill the day with opportunities for rest and reflection built in to your daily schedule. Your room is well-appointed and inviting.

In a comfortable social setting, peer support is also near at hand, providing encouragement and support as you progress on your journey. The stresses of “normal” life do not intrude as you settle into your healing space, nurtured through the day with chef-prepared delicious meals, snacks, and smoothies so you easily re-energize and focus on each healing segment of your program.

A correct diet3 along with a personalized supplementation regimen are powerhouse tool to ensure blood sugar levels are regulated naturally,8 as well as the entire breadth of what a person needs to nutritionally accelerate and support normalization of neurochemistry.

Clearing toxic load from the body is another service offered in the program, which is absolutely essential for nutrients to be able to be absorbed into the cells.9

Throughout your program, your feedback and input is vital and you will regularly meet with your team of coordinators as you proceed and ensure your progress is smooth, positive, and productive in all areas.

ATMC Peer Support Programs

When one has struggled for long periods with mental health symptoms, or the chaos of managing psychiatric medications, it can be both isolating and exhausting. Peer support can be encouraging and empowering, as shared successes can build confidence. Alternative mental health treatment benefits from peer support groups and activities. These experiences allow for new ways to interact, build trust and relate in meaningful ways with others who are overcoming their own similar battles. This creates a truly valuable family-like support network that is often lacking in the hecticness, time constraints, and pressures of daily life. Peer support is a clinically proven asset in mental health recovery.4

Sedona Highlights

Alternative to Meds Center is located in the extraordinarily beautiful Sedona ArizonaThere is no place on earth like Sedona, Arizona, your destination city for its world-renowned majestic Red Rock mountains, mineral springs, energy vortexes, and consistently warm sunny days. A quaint town with panoramic views, the area is a mecca for artists, healers, energy workers, and nature lovers. There is a healing spirit about the place that you feel on arrival to the area that many describe as inner peace and well-being.

From magical walks through ancient, sacred sites, to the numerous galleries, art and music festivals, and breathtaking vistas, it provides many vibrant and unforgettable experiences. It’s no wonder many call Sedona the most beautiful place on earth. And no better place to call ATMC home, where our residential alternative mental health treatment center is based.

Find Out How Easy it Can Be to Come to ATMC for Residential Alternative Mental Health Treatment in Sedona

You are invited to call and find out more about coming to ATMC for your transformational alternative mental health treatment program. We are insurance friendly and can assist you to find out what your coverage provides. We’re here to answer all your questions, and help you understand more about how our services could be what you have been searching for to reach your mental wellness goals. Call us today! We are here to help.

1 (800) 301-3753 for Help with Residential Alternative Mental Health Treatment

Sources:

1. Safer DJ. Overprescribed Medications for US Adults: Four Major Examples. J Clin Med Res. 2019 Sep;11(9):617-622. doi: 10.14740/jocmr3906. Epub 2019 Sep 1. PMID: 31523334; PMCID: PMC6731049. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

2. Horowitz MA, Taylor D. Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Jun;6(6):538-546. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30032-X. Epub 2019 Mar 5. PMID: 30850328. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

3. Bremner JD, Moazzami K, Wittbrodt MT, Nye JA, Lima BB, Gillespie CF, Rapaport MH, Pearce BD, Shah AJ, Vaccarino V. Diet, Stress and Mental Health. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 13;12(8):2428. doi: 10.3390/nu12082428. PMID: 32823562; PMCID: PMC7468813. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

4. Repper J, Carter T. A review of the literature on peer support in mental health services. J Ment Health. 2011 Aug;20(4):392-411. doi: 10.3109/09638237.2011.583947. PMID: 21770786. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

5. Nakao M, Shirotsuki K, Sugaya N. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. Biopsychosoc Med. 2021 Oct 3;15(1):16. doi: 10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w. PMID: 34602086; PMCID: PMC8489050. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

6. Wang F, Man JK, Lee EK, Wu T, Benson H, Fricchione GL, Wang W, Yeung A. The effects of qigong on anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:152738. doi: 10.1155/2013/152738. Epub 2013 Jan 14. PMID: 23401706; PMCID: PMC3557628. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

7. Mahindru A, Patil P, Agrawal V. Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus. 2023 Jan 7;15(1):e33475. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33475. PMID: 36756008; PMCID: PMC9902068. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

8. Katon WJ, Young BA, Russo J, Lin EH, Ciechanowski P, Ludman EJ, Von Korff MR. Association of depression with increased risk of severe hypoglycemic episodes in patients with diabetes. Ann Fam Med. 2013 May-Jun;11(3):245-50. doi: 10.1370/afm.1501. PMID: 23690324; PMCID: PMC3659141. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

9. Genuis SJ. Toxic causes of mental illness are overlooked. Neurotoxicology. 2008 Nov;29(6):1147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Jun 24. PMID: 18621076. [cited 2025 Mar 6]

Originally Published March 8, 2025 by Diane Ridaeus


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Samuel Lee

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

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