Phoenix Children’s is embedding behavioral health into every level of care — from hospitals to community programs and virtual visits. Funda Bachini, MD, division chief of psychiatry, told Becker’s how the organization is breaking down silos, supporting clinicians and expanding access for children and families across Arizona.
Question: From your perspective, what’s the most pressing challenge or opportunity shaping behavioral health today — and how is your organization responding?
Dr. Funda Bachini: Integrating and normalizing behavioral health continues to be a significant challenge throughout our industry. For years, we’ve said “mental health is health,” but systems still treat them separately and stigma persists. At Phoenix Children’s, we are actively closing this gap by embedding behavioral health across medical settings, encouraging tough conversations and designing programs that meet kids and families where they are — hospital, community or virtual. Our goal is to deliver care that feels seamless, not siloed.
Q: How do you define innovation in behavioral health, and what’s one example of how you or your team are bringing that to life?
FB: Innovation in behavioral health isn’t just technology – it is about rethinking care delivery, focusing on normalization and connection and creating systems that are both evidence-based and human-centered. We design programs that meet families where they are, leveraging data and technology to close gaps and build collaborative teams that address the whole child, not just the diagnosis. At Phoenix Children’s, our teams constantly challenge the status quo to find new, practical ways to bring hope and healing to kids who need it most.
Q: Behavioral health workforce shortages and burnout remain major concerns across the industry. What’s one approach or mindset that’s helping your organization better support clinicians and staff?
FB: We’re shifting from a mindset of “coverage” to one of community. That means designing schedules and roles that respect people’s lives outside of work and shifting the focus on not just what people do, but who they are by aligning on mission and values from day one. By embracing the Sanctuary Model, we built a genuine sense of connection and shared purpose. This shift has strengthened our culture and improved retention, and it is reflected in the care families receive. When people feel seen, supported and valued, it shows in the care they deliver.
Q: Equity and access are constant challenges. What’s one initiative or partnership that’s helping you reach populations that have traditionally been underserved or overlooked?
FB: We’ve embedded mental health directly into our homeless youth outreach, ensuring behavioral health support for this vulnerable population.
When we saw kids waiting too long in emergency departments and in the community for psychiatry, we created the Bridge Clinic — a short-term, multidisciplinary program that offers timely follow-up and stabilization while families transition to ongoing outpatient care. In addition, we also run a Faculty Learning Community to help meet patient and pediatrician needs and expand our reach.
Q: Looking ahead, what gives you the most hope about the future of behavioral healthcare?
FB: The way people view mental health is changing. Young people now talk about mental health with honesty and courage and that was rare a decade ago. Our job is to build systems worthy of that openness and care that’s accessible, innovative and grounded in dignity. If we do that, we’ll change not just healthcare, but how our culture views behavioral health overall.
