Dr. Aaron Clay, DO

I am a licensed Doctor of Osteopathy with board certification in adult psychiatry. I joined Serenity Mental Health Center’s clinical team in September 2019 and brings seven years of experience as a mental health clinician specialized in psychiatric treatment in multiple therapeutic settings, including mental health outpatient, inpatient, Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization programs. I work with adults of all ages and from all walks of life who struggle with complex mental health conditions such as clinical depression, anxiety, PTSD and OCD, and more. My goal with every patient is to seek out-of-the-box solutions to help them find lasting relief from their symptoms of mental illness and ultimately achieve remission whenever possible.

Born and raised in Arizona, I completed my undergraduate studies at the Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. After earning my degree in osteopathic medicine from A. T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, …I joined the residency program in adult psychiatry at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. There, I accumulated valuable clinical experience treating for a diverse variety of mental health conditions in different settings.

My approach to mental health treatment is centered around having a complete understanding of each patient’s individual circumstances, mental health history, daily challenges, lifestyle and symptoms. I work in partnership with my patients to define achievable health goals to improve their quality of life and applies evidence-based treatment strategies targeted to their unique needs.

I use advanced diagnostic tools and interviewing techniques to gain a clear picture of the patient’s social history, past treatments, and symptoms in order to provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis. After the initial mental health assessment has been completed, I guide the patient through all available treatment options most likely to be effective and helps them weigh the pros and cons of each. I take the necessary time with each patient for a thorough Q&A session to discuss their concerns and answer their questions before helping them to decide on the best mental health care plan for their personal goals, needs and concerns for recovery.

I take special care with each patient to ensure they are comfortable with their treatment decisions and ensures they ample opportunities throughout the process to check in on their progress to optimize the treatment plan for the best possible results. Every follow-up session includes coaching on healthy lifestyle and self-care management to help the patient make the most of their treatment and minimize stress, symptoms and side effects.

I strongly feel that a teams-based approach provides patients with the best opportunity for success. I enjoy helping patients navigate their way to better mental health by empowering them to take charge of their recovery with the guidance of their care team. The end game is to help patients to build on their treatment results with life skills to achieve long term stability and maintain a positive sense of well-being and hope for life. This gives patients the tools they need for building a healthy foundation to meet their true potential and achieve their ultimate life goals.

Psychiatry is a unique field of medicine that is constantly evolving and improving on itself. The more we learn about how the brain works and what makes it function well, the better equipped we are to help patients who struggle with mental illness. I am fascinated by the endless possibilities medical science has to offer for the advancement of brain health. New findings and treatment applications in medical research for mental health are being progressively realized all over the world, and that brings incredible potential to help more people take back their lives from mental illness, realize their dreams, and live a fulfilling life of purpose and prosperity.

I am proud to work with a team of providers who use cutting edge treatments, practice evidence-based medicine, and show compassion at every level of patient interaction. The clinical team at Serenity has such a diverse body of experience and talent, I really enjoy collaborating with my peers to learn from one another and continuously improve on the quality of care we give our patients as a team.

Some of my favorite personal pursuits are camping, hiking, gardening, cooking, and amateur astronomy.

Serenity Mental Health Centers was founded in 2017 to address the growing need for more effective treatment options for mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. What started as a single clinic has now expanded into a network of clinics across the United States, offering compassionate care to communities nationwide.

Our mission at Serenity is simple: to provide accessible, personalized mental health care tailored to each individual. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve in medical research, offering scientific treatments that go beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches. Our team of experienced psychiatrists specializes in the latest, most effective treatments for mental health conditions, ensuring you receive the highest level of care.

At Serenity, we believe in a holistic approach to healing. When you choose us, you’ll work closely with a dedicated psychiatrist who will take the time to truly understand your unique needs, concerns, and experiences. We’re here to guide you on your journey to recovery.