Dr. Aaron Clay, DO

Request Appointment

Address

4545 East Chandler Boulevard Suite 308 Phoenix, AZ 85048

Phone

480-956-5660

Hours

• Monday: 8:20 AM – 4:20 PM
• Tuesday: 8:20 AM – 4:20 PM
• Wednesday: 8:20 AM – 4:20 PM
• Thursday: 8:20 AM – 4:20 PM
• Friday: 8:20 AM – 4:20 PM
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

Insurances Accepted

Aetna
AHCCCS
AmeriBen
Champ VA
Carelon
Cigna
ComPsych
Contigo Health
DMBA
Devoted Health
EMI Health
The Holman Group
Humana
Magellan Health
Medicare
Meritain Health
Optum
Tricare
TriWest CCN
United Healthcare
University Health Plans
Uprise Health

Dr. Aaron Clay, DO

Psychiatrist

About Andrew Nichols, NP

Andrew Nichols, NP has over 10 years of healthcare experience spanning both military and civilian nursing. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Andrew brings a sense of community to everything he does, and that same grounded, personal care carries into every patient interaction at Serenity.

Education and Background

Andrew earned his advanced practice degree from Texas State University and pursued specialized training in psychiatric mental health care. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, working as a Critical Care and En Route Care Nurse at Naval Hospital Okinawa and with the 3d Medical Battalion.
He joined Serenity drawn by the practice’s commitment to interventional treatments, including TMS and ketamine therapy, that go beyond conventional options to offer patients real, evidence-based paths forward.

Care Philosophy

Andrew approaches each session by staying present and grounded during even the most difficult moments. He meets every patient with understanding rather than judgment, and with care that is guided by clarity, honesty, and a genuine belief that treatment works best as a collaborative process.

What to Expect

In your first visit, Andrew will take time to understand what has been going on and what matters most to you before anything else. From there, you will build a plan together, one that feels manageable and effective. He listens closely and makes sure nothing important gets missed.

Personal Interests

When Andrew is not with patients, you will likely find him at the gym, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness. His greatest joy, though, is time with his kids, including volunteering at their school where he leads science experiments and happily takes on lunchtime duty.

About Dr. Aaron Clay, DO

Dr. Aaron Clay, DO, is a board-certified adult psychiatrist at Serenity Mental Health Centers’ Chandler, AZ location. Since joining the Serenity team in September 2019, Dr. Clay has brought seven years of diverse clinical experience, having worked in outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and partial hospitalization programs. His mission is to provide innovative, patient-centered care that empowers individuals to achieve lasting relief from mental health symptoms and, whenever possible, reach full remission.

A native of Arizona, Dr. Clay completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ, and completed his psychiatry residency at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, FL. Throughout his career, Dr. Clay has developed expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD.

At Serenity, Dr. Clay offers advanced psychiatric care through TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), Ketamine IV Treatment, Medication Management, and ADHD Testing. His comprehensive care approach focuses on understanding each patient’s personal history, daily challenges, and mental health goals. Dr. Clay believes that a collaborative, holistic approach to treatment helps patients take control of their recovery and achieve long-term mental wellness.

Using evidence-based diagnostic tools, Dr. Clay conducts thorough psychiatric evaluations and works closely with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans. He takes the time to walk patients through their treatment options, weighing the pros and cons together to find the most effective path forward. Follow-up sessions with Dr. Clay include lifestyle coaching to help patients optimize their results and minimize stress and symptoms.

Dr. Clay’s care philosophy emphasizes teamwork, where patients play an active role in their recovery alongside their care team. His goal is to help patients build a foundation for lasting stability, empowering them to pursue their personal goals with confidence and hope.

Passionate about the future of psychiatry, Dr. Clay is fascinated by advancements in brain health and treatment options. He finds inspiration in the evolving nature of psychiatry and believes that breakthroughs in mental health research bring new possibilities for patients to reclaim their lives and achieve their dreams.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Clay enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, cooking, and stargazing through amateur astronomy. His dedication to outdoor activities reflects his love for nature and wellness, which he integrates into his life and practice.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aaron Clay, DO, at Serenity Mental Health Centers in Chandler, AZ, and begin your journey toward better mental health today.