About Us
We are dedicated to Professional Excellence,
Powered by Employee-Ownership and Committed to Transforming Lives
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.
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 communities. Our 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
Dr. Christian Small
Medical Director
Peter Hilen
Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Ariel Place
Regional Director
Dr. Place's approach is characterized by her fearless commitment to addressing formidable topics, all while cultivating a sanctuary for her clients to navigate their innermost feelings. Her warm, vibrant energy fosters robust relationships, underpinning transformative personal journeys.
Dr. Place's mission revolves around empowering individuals to uncover and chase genuine life purposes. She's passionate about guiding clients to harness control over their destinies, ensuring their decisions and actions resonate with their genuine ambitions. Her keynote, "Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations: Navigating Conflict for Personal Growth," propels audiences to perceive challenging dialogues as avenues for holistic development.
Dena Santos
Program Director
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
Regional Director
Dr. Place's approach is characterized by her fearless commitment to addressing formidable topics, all while cultivating a sanctuary for her clients to navigate their innermost feelings. Her warm, vibrant energy fosters robust relationships, underpinning transformative personal journeys.
Dr. Place's mission revolves around empowering individuals to uncover and chase genuine life purposes. She's passionate about guiding clients to harness control over their destinies, ensuring their decisions and actions resonate with their genuine ambitions. Her keynote, "Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations: Navigating Conflict for Personal Growth," propels audiences to perceive challenging dialogues as avenues for holistic development.
Paige Centers
VP of Human Resource
Nichole Martinez
Director of Outreach
Pamela Calad
Marketing Director
Our Community Outreach and Admissions Team
Kelly Lynne Harris
Director of Admissions
Nichole Martinez
Director of Outreach
Camille Parsons
Sr. Community Outreach Specialist
Erika Broadbent
Outreach Specialist
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.
"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.