About Us

We are dedicated to Professional Excellence,
Powered by Employee-Ownership and Committed to Transforming Lives 

Akua-Mission

Akua Behavioral Health

AKUA is a team of proud community-based owners building strong and healthy recovery communities by providing safe environments for healing through delivery of innovative treatment programs that treat the whole person and give them the tools necessary for healing, transformation and lasting recovery. 

We at AKUA support lasting recovery and will continue to deliver quality treatment to each individual struggling with mental health and/or substance use addiction.

Mission Statement

We ease the pain of human suffering by opening the door to lasting recovery and well-being.

Vision

To be the leading and most trusted mental health and substance use treatment center in California, with the goal of healing the mind, body and soul of those in need.

Akua-Vision

Our Promise

Akua provides evidence-based behavioral services to clients suffering from substance use and mental illness for the very best clinical outcomes. 

Akua aims to provide the highest quality, compassionate health care to our clients, families, and others in need, through a comprehensive array of services anchored in exceptional services, a safe environment and proven tools of healing for people seeking meaningful change. 

Our Team

AKUA is a team of proud community-based owners building strong and healthy recovery communitiesOur team of compassionate professionals’ mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change. 

Our Clinical Team

Meet Our Highly Credentialed, Expertly Trained and Professional Clinical Team with Expertise in Substance Use and Mental Health 

Christian Small, MD

Dr. Christian Small

Medical Director

MD
Sacramento

Peter-CCO.jpg

Peter Hilen

Chief Clinical Officer

MA
LMFT

Dr. Ariel Place

Dr. Ariel Place

Regional Director


Sacramento

Dena-Santos

Dena Santos

Program Director

CADC II
Terra Loma, Sacramento

Our Management Team

AKUA’s Leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual, receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, and is provided with the optimum opportunity to realize a full and rewarding life.

Dr. Ariel Place

Dr. Ariel Place

Regional Director

Sacramento

Paige Centers

Paige Centers

VP of Human Resource



Nichole Martinez

Nichole Martinez

Director of Outreach

MS Psy

Pam Calad

Pamela Calad

Marketing Director


Our Community Outreach and Admissions Team

Kelly-Lynne-Harris

Kelly Lynne Harris

Director of Admissions


Nichole Martinez

Nichole Martinez

Director of Outreach

MS Psy

Camille-1.jpg

Camille Parsons

Sr. Community Outreach Specialist

San Diego

Erika Broadbent

Erika Broadbent

Outreach Specialist

San Diego

Our Philosophy

At Akua Behavioral Health, Inc., we believe that to address drug abuse, addiction, and mental health, one must take into account the entire person – mind, body, and soul. It is our philosophy and goal that through our comprehensive treatment and clinical services, clients will emerge from their treatment experience at Akua Mind & Body feeling ready to engage in their lives and in the world. 

About-Akua
"Akua provides top quality behavioral services to clients suffering from social isolation and help function within the norms of society. Achieving to bring back self-love and confidence."

Akua aims to provide the highest quality, compassionate health care to our clients, families, and others in need, through a comprehensive array of services anchored in exceptional service and deliberate expectations for the very best clinical outcomes. 

Skip to content