Clozapine Services at Cactus Garden

Clozapine is a uniquely acting, multi-receptor neurochemical-modulating medication and remains the gold-standard treatment for schizophrenia and other psychosis-related disorders. While traditionally categorized as a second-generation antipsychotic, its broad and distinctive mechanism makes it one of the most effective and transformative treatments available, supported by more than three decades of clinical evidence. 

Clozapine services at Cactus Garden are informed by evidence-based practice, including, the principles outlined in Dr. Robert Laitman’s book, Meaningful Recovery from Schizophrenia and Serious Mental Illness with Clozapine: Hope & Help. Our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Nick Eisemann-Astone, brings extensive experience in clozapine management, including serving as the primary behavioral-health provider for one of Arizona’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams. Nick also has significant expertise in supporting individuals with limited insight (anosognosia) and promoting sustained engagement in care.

Consistency is central to clozapine success. At Cactus Garden, we emphasize strong partnerships with families, guardians, and caregivers to support long-term stability. We actively collaborate with organizations such as Arizona Mad Moms to help patients and families access reliable, ongoing peer support—creating a network of mentorship, shared experience, and advocacy for those navigating Serious Mental Illness. We also encourage connection in the spirit of Dr. Laitman’s organization, Team Daniel Running for Recovery from Mental Illness. Recovery from psychosis is a marathon rather than a sprint, and we often recommend the 2024 Team Daniel documentary, Into the Light: Meaningful Recovery from Psychosis, for families exploring clozapine treatment.

We prioritize modern, patient-centered monitoring. We strongly support the use of innovative, evidence-based practices, such as home-based fingerstick devices, for routine absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring. Reliable access to testing and uninterrupted medication supply is essential, and we partner closely with specialized pharmacies, including Golden Gate Pharmacy’s mail-order services. With the loosening of federal clozapine regulations in 2025, we are open to individualized monitoring strategies informed by current evidence, including guidance from the Delphi Global Consensus and the European Clozapine Task Force. Our approach considers the full breadth of each patient’s health needs.

When carefully managed, clozapine is one of the best-tolerated neurochemical-modulating medications available. Research consistently demonstrates improved lifespan and long-term outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia, psychosis-related disorders, and self-harm risk. Because all medications carry potential health risks, our clozapine services emphasize prevention and early intervention, including support with weight management, metabolic health, seizure prevention, cardiovascular monitoring, tobacco cessation, and evidence-based strategies for managing constipation and hypersalivation. 

Our goal is meaningful recovery of the whole person, and we approach that goal through steady, collaborative, and compassionate care.

Ready to get started? Contact us at (480) 913-5872 or email Frontoffice@cactusgardenmhs.com to schedule an appointment, consultation or to learn more about our services.

Submitting a referral? Use our Referral for Service Form to refer a client to our practice.