Aura and Aurora—two words often mistaken for one another—share more than just a few letters. Aura refers to the subtle energy that surrounds each person, the emotional and spiritual atmosphere we carry. Aurora, on the other hand, describes a radiant natural light show in the sky—a phenomenon that illuminates the darkness with color and wonder. At Aurora Behavioral Health, we honor both concepts: tending to the emotional energy of our patients while offering the kind of light that brings hope in difficult times.
As Arizona’s leading free-standing psychiatric hospital, Aurora Behavioral Health’s mission is “to inspire hope and wellness in every patient through exceptional individualized care.” With campuses in Tempe and Glendale, Aurora provides a full range of behavioral health services, including inpatient acute stabilization, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. We care for individuals aged 12 and older and are the only facility in Arizona with a Specialized Needs Unit for youth aged 8–17 with intellectual disabilities.
Our approach centers on treating the whole person
Through adjunctive therapies like art, music, equine, and horticulture, we ensure every patient feels seen, heard, and felt. Beyond clinical care, Aurora offers something unique—voluntary chaplain services available at both campuses, offering emotional and spiritual support during their most vulnerable moments.
When speaking with Josh, Aurora’s Glendale chaplain, he shared that his role is rooted in empathy and connection. “Helping them see the value in themselves, not through your belief system, but through who they are,” he says. “Meeting someone where they are at” is central to his work. No two people walk the same path, and no healing journey is identical.
The chaplain’s role is not based in preaching or proselytizing—it’s built on presence. At Aurora, chaplain services are open to patients of any belief system—or none at all.
Group sessions are offered in a multi-denominational setting to foster community while respecting all backgrounds. If a patient requests a spiritual leader from a specific tradition, the chaplain will work within their network to find the appropriate person.
Chaplain services are entirely optional, but for many patients, they become an essential part of the healing process. We have the understanding that people have the power within themselves to conquer whatever it may be that they are facing. They may need support to find the strength and courage to do so. That is exactly what we are here for—to be a guiding light through the dark.
A chaplain’s day at Aurora is never predictable—some days are full of individual sessions, others are quiet, and some bring requests from nearly every patient. Whatever the need, the chaplains remain available and open.
Josh shared a lesson from his mother that continues to guide him: “To live his life inconveniently, because you will never be surprised and you will always be ready to help.” That mindset of constant readiness and quiet service defines the chaplain presence within our hospitals, embodied daily by Joshua Rivera, Fred Fiocco—our chaplain at the Tempe campus—and Donald Priddy, who serves as both Director of Chaplain Services and Director of Social Services. They don’t force their way into a patient’s life—they wait for the invitation.
In an inpatient environment where emotions often run high and transitions can be overwhelming, the chaplain offers something steady. Their presence reminds patients that they are not alone—not just in terms of staff and support systems, but in spirit. As Josh put it, “It is important for us to empower every patient, not because of any specific reason, but just because they are.”
At Aurora, we know that healing doesn’t begin and end at the hospital doors. We offer a 24/7 patient services line at 480-345-5420 to ensure that help is always available.
Whether seeking care for themselves, a family member, or a friend, our team is ready to listen, guide, and support. If Aurora isn’t the right fit, we provide referrals and help navigate the next steps—because care should never stop at a single option.
We also work closely with outside organizations to find the best step-down programs and resources for patients once they leave our care. We believe that every person deserves individualized care, and we do everything we can to reduce the fear and stress that often comes with seeking mental health treatment.
Josh left me with a final thought—a line from a Keith Green song that he carries with him: “Don’t close your eyes, don’t pretend the job is done.” It’s a simple reminder that healing is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing journey. And for many who walk through Aurora’s doors, chaplaincy becomes part of that journey.
At Aurora Behavioral Health, we do more than treat mental illness. We hold space for connection. We listen. We wait. We guide. Like the light in our name, we hope to bring color, comfort, and clarity to those who need it most.
For more information or a tour of our facilities, please reach out to our Senior Director of Business Development, Katie Rasmussen, at katie.rasmussen@aurorabehavioral.com. Visit our website https://www.auroraarizona.com.
