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Welcome to Balanced Mental Health of Arizona

“ Jennifer Peterson is great! Love her and the ease of maintaining my mental health. She really listens and has gotten me on less medications, and I feel better than 2 years ago! ”
~ Katrina B
Woman practicing yoga at sunset.

Welcome to Balanced Mental Health of Arizona, your premier center for psychiatric care in the heart of Phoenix, AZ. Led by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Jennifer Peterson, we bring a unique, holistic approach to mental health care. With a focus on providing individualized, compassionate care, our practice not only addresses your mental health needs but integrates a variety of cutting-edge medical techniques into our approach.

We are committed to treating the whole person, beyond just symptoms, with a wide range of both medication and non-medication options to promote overall wellness and resilience. Jennifer is happy to offer comprehensive psychiatric services to adults and children alike, accepting patients ages 6 and up. Join us in revolutionizing mental health care with personalized attention and a holistic approach.

Conditions

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ADHD

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Anxiety

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Depression

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Eating Disorders

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Mental Health

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Mood Disorders

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OCD

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Perinatal Mood Disorders

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Postpartum Depression

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PTSD

Services

Psychologist listening to patient and making notes during therapy session.

Psychiatric Evaluations

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Medication Management

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Telehealth Psychiatry

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Testing and Treatment for ADHD

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Substance Use Disorder

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Genetic Testing for Medication Efficacy

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

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Spravato (Esketamine)

Our Providers

Lead provider at Balanced Mental Health of Arizona, Jennifer Peterson.

Jennifer Peterson FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C

Provider at Balanced Mental Health of Arizona, Daniel Garcia.

Daniel Garcia PMHNP-BC

Michelle North, PMHNP-BC.

Michelle North PMHNP-BC

Shannon Leonard, PMHNP-BC.

Shannon Leonard PMHNP-BC

Our Location

In our mission to make healthcare accessible for our patients, our beautiful office is conveniently located in Phoenix, AZ.

  • Address
  • 14122 W McDowell Road
  • Suite #203
  • Goodyear, AZ 85395

Phone: (623) 349-1711

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Read Our Blog

Learn about what’s happening in the field of mental health and with our practice.

Spravato for Treatment-Resistant Depression: How It Works

December 5th, 2027

Woman holding a nasal spray while sitting on a couch at home.

Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. Learn how it works, what an appointment involves, and who may qualify.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Depression

Grief and Depression: Telling Them Apart

November 5th, 2027

Woman sitting alone on a couch looking away, with a tired expression.

Grief and depression overlap and are not the same thing. Learn the differences, when grief needs treatment, and why the holidays can sharpen both.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Depression

Relapse Is Not Failure: How Substance Use Treatment Adjusts

October 5th, 2027

Clinician holding a medication bottle while talking with a patient at a desk.

Relapse is common in substance use recovery and it is not the end of treatment. Learn what a return to use signals and how a plan gets rebuilt.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Substance Use Disorder

When a Child's Anxiety Needs More Than Reassurance

September 5th, 2027

Child sitting on a couch talking with a therapist in an office.

Reassurance helps until it becomes the routine. Learn how anxiety looks in children, when it needs treatment, and what help actually involves.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Anxiety

How Long Does Psychiatric Medication Take to Work?

August 5th, 2027

Hand holding daily pills next to a weekly pill organizer.

Some psychiatric medications work in hours and others take weeks. Learn realistic timelines and what to do while you wait for relief.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Depression

Men and Mental Health: Why Waiting Makes It Harder

July 5th, 2027

Man covering his face with both hands while sitting indoors.

Many men wait years before asking for help. Learn how depression and anxiety show up differently, what delay costs, and how to start the conversation.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Depression

Is It ADHD, Anxiety, or Both? Why the Distinction Matters

June 5th, 2027

Woman sitting at a desk looking at a phone with a worried expression.

ADHD and anxiety look alike on the surface and often occur together. Learn how a proper evaluation separates them and why the difference matters.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: ADHD, Anxiety

Finding Your Mental Health Provider: What to Expect During Your First Psychiatric Evaluation

May 5th, 2027

Psychiatrist taking notes on a clipboard while a patient talks in an office.

A first psychiatric evaluation is a conversation with structure. Here is what a provider asks, why, and how to prepare for your first appointment.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Therapy

Mental Health for the Whole Family: Why Balanced Mental Health Treats Children and Adults

April 5th, 2027

Three generations of a family laughing together on a patio.

One practice for parents, children, and grandparents. Learn how treating a family across generations changes mental health care for everyone in it.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Therapy

Complex PTSD: How It Differs From PTSD and How It Is Treated

March 5th, 2027

Man sitting on a couch with his head in his hands during a therapy session.

Complex PTSD comes from prolonged or repeated trauma. Learn how it differs from PTSD, why the distinction shapes treatment, and what recovery can look like.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: PTSD

Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Triggers, and Evidence-Based Treatments

February 5th, 2027

Laptop screen displaying the word anxiety on a desk with notebooks, coffee, and a tablet.

Anxiety disorders are more than everyday worry. Learn how they show up in the body, what keeps them going, and which treatments actually help.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Anxiety

Telehealth Psychiatry: Accessible Mental Health Care From Your Home

January 5th, 2027

Woman sitting at home holding a tablet during a video visit with a psychiatrist.

Telehealth psychiatry brings evaluation, medication management, and follow-up visits into your home. Here is how virtual psychiatric care works.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Therapy

Psychiatrist, Therapist, or Psychologist? Who to See for What

December 1st, 2026

A therapist with a notebook speaking with a client in a plant-filled office.

Psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist? Compare what each one is trained to do, who can prescribe, and how to choose the right professional in Arizona.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Therapy

PTSD Recovery: Compassionate Care and Personalized Treatment Plans

November 1st, 2026

A man speaking with his psychologist during a therapy session.

PTSD recovery is possible with compassionate, personalized care. Learn how trauma-focused therapy, medication, and ongoing support work together.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: PTSD, Therapy

Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Health

October 1st, 2026

A pill bottle and loose capsules on the floor in front of two people seated on a couch.

Substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions often go together. Learn how MAT and integrated psychiatric care support lasting recovery.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Substance Use Disorder

Breaking Down Barriers: Mental Health Care for Spanish-Speaking Communities

September 1st, 2026

Habla Español?

Mental health care for Spanish-speaking communities is vital. Learn how Balanced Mental Health of Arizona breaks down barriers to accessible psychiatric care.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Therapy

ADHD in Children vs. Adults: Key Differences Parents Should Know

August 1st, 2026

Girl at a desk with letter blocks spelling ADHD.

ADHD looks different in children and adults. Learn key differences parents should know and how testing and treatment for ADHD works at our Arizona clinics.

Read Full Story »

Posted in: ADHD