Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Az of Peacock Mental Health

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Az.

Hi Dr. Az, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.

My journey has been a voyage of self-discovery and an unwavering passion for the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ community. In a world that is gradually embracing diversity, it’s disheartening to see that the LGBTQIA+ community still grapples with significant obstacles when seeking mental health care. 

The turning point was in Pride 2022, a monumental moment in my life when I decided to openly come out as bisexual. This was a liberating experience but also an enlightening one. It revealed a gaping void in healthcare, especially in the realm of queer mental health. This moment of self-discovery was accompanied by the stark realization that there was not enough queer representation or training in healthcare. 

My partner, AJ del Pino, and I embarked on a mission. We initiated a grassroots research project, collaborating with affirming therapists and identifying a troubling gap in mental health care, particularly when it came to therapists appropriately referring clients for medication management. 

This stark revelation fueled our passion and determination. We swiftly enrolled in a specialized course to receive mentorship and training to open our very own practice. Just two months later, Peacock Mental Health was born. 

During this journey, an integral part of my self-discovery was the diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. This diagnosis marked a significant turning point in my life. It not only helped me comprehend my own neurodiversity but also the unique challenges that come with it. It deepened my empathy and further intensified my commitment to providing inclusive and affirming mental health care. My personal experience with ADHD underscored the significance of addressing neurodiversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. This realization served as a driving force in our mission to create a space where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can access affirming and inclusive mental health care. 

On a personal level, this journey has been transformative. It allowed me to embrace my own identity while enhancing my understanding of the struggles and unique mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. This deepened passion for the cause has driven our commitment to creating a space where everyone can access affirming and inclusive mental health care. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Embarking on this journey was not without its share of challenges. Perhaps the most formidable of them all was imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that sits with me. Recognizing the gaps in my skill set and clinical experience, I realized the need to address them head-on. To overcome this obstacle, I immersed myself in a supportive community of like-minded professionals, attending conferences seeking mentors and specialized training. My insatiable hunger for knowledge certainly paid off when I was invited back to my graduate school as a subject matter expert, entrusted with the task of delivering training on affirming care to doctoral students. 

Another significant challenge we faced was creating a sustainable cash flow for our business. The slow build in the initial phases was testing our patience, and when my partner was laid off from her job, we were confronted with the need for financial stability. To adapt to this challenge, we explored different strategies, one of which was the decision to fast-track our move from self-pay to accepting commercial insurance. This has already proven to be a pivotal move, playing a crucial role in ensuring the financial sustainability of our clinic, allowing us to continue our mission of providing affirming mental health care to the LGBTQIA+ community. 

As I reflect on these obstacles, they were not merely challenges but critical growth opportunities. They forced me to confront my own limitations, evolve, and strive for excellence. Imposter syndrome, while daunting, fueled my determination to acquire the expertise needed to provide top-tier care for the LGBTQIA+ community. These trials ultimately strengthened my commitment to making a positive impact on mental health care in a way that is financially sustainable and further improving the accessibility of these services. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.

We are Arizona’s Affirming Virtual Mental Health Clinic, and our primary goal is to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We specialize in tailored mental health prescribing, where our clients are active decision-makers in their care and treatment. Additionally, we collaborate with other care providers to ensure we work towards the same goals, all while maintaining a judgment-free, sexually health-aware, and sex-positive environment. 

Peacock Mental Health is a testament to our commitment to creating a safe and affirming space for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Our team and I specialize in the intersection between neurodiversity and queerness, which we often refer to as “neuroqueer.” What sets us apart is our approach to individually tailored mental health prescribing, where clients are actively involved in their care and treatment decisions. Collaboration with other care providers ensures that we’re all working in unison towards the same goals. 

Recognizing the unique needs of our neurodivergent clients, we’ve also made it a priority to create processes and systems that are easier for neurodivergent minds to navigate. We understand the importance of clear communication, reducing overwhelm, and accessible resources. We continually adapt our approach to ensure those who are neurodivergent in some way can access and benefit from our services. 

In addition to our comprehensive approach to mental health care, we’re also at the forefront of advancements in psychedelic mental health treatment. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a pioneering approach in our field, and we’re dedicated to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to advancements in psychedelic-assisted treatments. We believe that these innovative approaches hold incredible promise in transforming mental health care, and we’re committed to providing our clients with the most cutting-edge and effective treatments available. Our passion for exploring new avenues in mental health care reflects our unwavering dedication to the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community and the broader field of mental health. 

Our journey in establishing Peacock Mental Health wasn’t just about building a clinic but creating a haven for those who’ve been underserved for far too long. The business isn’t just a service provider; it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment to inclusivity and the removal of barriers to affirming mental health care. Our extended appointment times and open communication channels between appointments are not just logistics but integral components of our mission to offer comprehensive, client-centered care. 

What do you think about happiness?

I am overjoyed when I hear about the progress and positive impact our services make in the lives of our clients. As a recovering perfectionist, achieving a job well done brings me immense joy, particularly when I know I’ve played a pivotal role in the improved mental health of our clients. My dedication to this work and my commitment to the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community shine through in every aspect of Peacock Mental Health. In a world where affirming mental health care remains a struggle, my team and I are at the forefront, making a significant and meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. 

What also brings me a profound sense of contentment is that I’ve created a job where I can truly thrive, providing care that reflects a detailed and holistic approach. Our model is not tied to the standard corporate performance and productivity metrics that often burn out many mental health practitioners. At Peacock Mental Health, we prioritize quality, inclusivity, and client-centered care over time-based benchmarks. This approach allows me to focus on what truly matters: the well-being and progress of our clients. The joy I find in my work goes beyond personal fulfillment; it’s rooted in the positive transformations I witness in our clients and their journeys to better mental health and well-being. 

Every day, as I witness the resilience and growth of our clients, I am reminded of the profound impact affirming mental health care can have. Their progress serves as a constant reminder source of inspiration, reminding me of why I do what I do. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peacockmentalhealth.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacock_mh/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/peacockmentalhealth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-delpino/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peacock-mental-health-tucson-2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@peacock_mh?_t=8fKYNmbtCuM&_r=1