Cottonwood Tucson was founded in 1987 by a group of recovering individuals. Their vision was to create a world-class treatment center in Tucson, and then use that model in building other centers in key areas around the country. The treatment model they developed was welcomed and needed in the late 1980’s and Cottonwood Tucson experienced rapid growth and success. Cottonwood Tucson was followed by Cottonwood de Albuquerque and Cottonwood de Austin in short order.
In 1989 and 1990 the industry began to change rapidly. 12-Step treatment and co-dependency treatment, which were Cottonwood’s strengths, started to come under fire. Growing pressure from insurance companies regarding behavioral health diagnoses and compensation began to wreak havoc on the Cottonwood model of treatment. Economics forced Cottonwood de Austin to close in 1990 and through 1991 things seemed to go further and further south until the spring of 1992 when Ron Welch was hired to right the ship.
In the fall of 1992 the decision was made to close Cottonwood de Albuquerque. All resources and assets were focused on Cottonwood Tucson. Ron’s background with Psychiatric hospitals was just what the situation required, and in April 1993 the Welch family purchased the controlling interest in Cottonwood Tucson.
By early 1993 Cottonwood began to emerge with an innovative dual-diagnosis treatment model that to this day continues to set us apart from other treatment facilities. Key behavioral health staff began arriving, a multi-disciplinary team was assembled, and slowly Cottonwood Tucson began to be recognized as a treatment facility that married the best-of-the-best treatment modalities. Patients and their families were walking away after treatment with tool bags full and sobriety well in hand.
The Welch family and the Board of Directors continued to build on the emerging behavioral health and addictions treatment model, and marketing expanded from local to state to regional to national and now international exposure.
Cottonwood Tucson continues to reinvest in its facilities and its people. On average, tenure for associates is in excess of five years, with key management, medical, nursing and clinical staff averaging 12-plus years.
Referrals continue to come from all over the country and the world, and over 45 percent come from Cottonwood alumni, family and friends. Patients that get well at Cottonwood often beat the odds and stay well, and are always considered part of the Cottonwood family.
Cottonwood is a unique organization. We can help you and your family. Contact us now!
