Schizophrenia Treatment Program & Clozapine Consultations in Scottsdale, AZ

Specialized psychiatric care for individuals living with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder — including clozapine consultations for patients, families, and referring providers who need expert guidance navigating this complex, life-changing medication.

Our Schizophrenia Treatment Program

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are among the most complex and misunderstood conditions in psychiatry. They require more than a prescription — they require a provider who has deep experience with antipsychotic pharmacology, an understanding of how psychosis affects the whole person and their family, and the patience to build trust over time.

At Sonoran Sun Wellness, our Schizophrenia Treatment Program is built around the recognition that stability, quality of life, and genuine recovery are achievable goals — with the right combination of medication management, psychoeducation, family support, and coordinated care.

What Our Schizophrenia Program Includes

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and diagnostic clarification
Antipsychotic medication management — including first- and second-generation antipsychotics
Clozapine initiation and ongoing management for treatment-resistant schizophrenia
ANC (absolute neutrophil count) lab monitoring coordination
Psychoeducation for patients and families
Coordination with therapists, case managers, and primary care providers
Relapse prevention planning and crisis support guidance
Telehealth follow-up appointments for stable patients across Arizona

What Is Clozapine — And Why Does It Require Specialized Care?

Clozapine is widely recognized as the most effective antipsychotic medication available for treatment-resistant schizophrenia — the form of the illness that has not responded adequately to two or more other antipsychotic trials. Studies consistently show that clozapine reduces psychotic symptoms, lowers hospitalization rates, and significantly decreases suicide risk in this population.

At Sonoran Sun Wellness, we have providers experienced in the full clozapine management process — from initial candidacy evaluation through REMS enrollment, titration, and long-term monitoring.

Why Choose Sonoran Sun Wellness for Schizophrenia Care?

Board-certified psychiatrist (MD) with experience in complex psychotic disorders
Janina Rotaru, PMHNP-BC — specialist in clozapine consultations for patients, families, and providers
Full REMS enrollment and monitoring support
Family psychoeducation included in the program
Coordination with therapists, case managers, and primary care
Telehealth available for stable patients across Arizona
In-network with most major insurance plans including AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)

Insurance note: Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for schizophrenia are covered by most insurance plans, including AHCCCS. Clozapine itself is covered by most formularies under prior authorization. Our team handles the authorization process. Call 888-792-3001 to verify your specific benefits.

Conditions We Treat

For Patients

If you have been told that standard antipsychotic medications aren't working well enough — or if you have already been on clozapine and need a provider experienced in its management — we can help. Our team will conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation to assess whether clozapine is an appropriate option, explain the monitoring requirements in plain language, and partner with you and your family throughout the process.

For Families

Navigating schizophrenia with a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences a family can face. We offer family psychoeducation as part of our program — helping you understand the illness, what to expect from clozapine treatment, how to recognize warning signs, and how to support your loved one's recovery without burning out yourself. You do not have to do this alone.

For Referring Providers

We welcome referrals and consultation requests from psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, primary care physicians, and other providers who have patients on clozapine or who are considering clozapine initiation. Our consultation services include:

Second-opinion evaluations for clozapine candidacy
Clozapine initiation in patients transferred from other practices
Ongoing management for patients whose previous prescriber is no longer available
Dosing guidance and side-effect management consultation
Cross-taper planning when transitioning to or from clozapine

To refer a patient for clozapine consultation, call 888-792-3001 or text 833-231-7137. We will respond promptly and coordinate directly with your team.

Conditions Treated in Our Schizophrenia Program

Schizophrenia (paranoid, disorganized, undifferentiated, and residual subtypes)
Schizoaffective disorder (bipolar and depressive types)
Schizophreniform disorder
Treatment-resistant psychosis not otherwise specified
First-episode psychosis requiring evaluation and early intervention