Confianza Health – “Healing with Heart, Guided by Trust.”

Since 2018, Confianza Health has been dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals and families across Arizona. As a proud minority-owned organization, our name—Confianza, meaning “trust” in Spanish—reflects the foundation of our work: building trust and creating safe, supportive spaces for healing.

Our mission is to provide meaningful, effective, and compassionate mental health services that go beyond surface-level symptoms. We believe that true healing happens when we address the underlying challenges that impact emotional and behavioral health. That’s why we take the time to understand each person’s story and provide the attention they deserve, ensuring long-term growth and resilience.

At Confianza Health, we offer more than therapy—we provide wraparound care that supports every aspect of life. Our services include individual and family therapy, therapeutic and skills development groups, case management, peer and family support, substance use and domestic violence services, respite care, and even practical assistance like food programs. We are especially proud to serve Arizona’s Spanish-speaking community, ensuring that language and culture are never barriers to care. Every member of our team receives cultural competency training, so you feel understood, respected, and empowered.

Our work is guided by values that foster safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration while honoring cultural, historical, and gender considerations. We serve individuals of all ages—from infants and young children to adolescents and adults—because we believe that mental health care should be accessible and inclusive for everyone.

At Confianza Health, we believe that healing is a journey best traveled together—with trust, compassion, and care.

Laura Perez, Administrative Assistant

Laura Perez is the Administrative Assistant at Confianza Health. With a strong background in quality coordination, customer service coordination, and warehouse production coordination, Laura has honed her ability to manage and lead large teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for the facilities.

During her time as a Quality Coordinator, Customer Service Coordinator, and Warehouse Production Coordinator, Laura developed a deep understanding of operational processes. This expertise has allowed her to streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration. She excels at managing multiple tasks, solving problems on the spot, and ensuring high levels of performance across departments.

When she’s not at work, Laura enjoys traveling and discovering new places, as well as exploring new opportunities to learn and grow every day.

Richard Frisby, LPC

Richard “Rick” Frisby is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is both Trauma and NCC certified. Rick graduated Suma Cum Laude from Ottawa University, earning his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. Rick has several years of hands-on experience counseling young children, adolescents, and adults. For Rick, counseling isn’t a job, it’s a passion! Before joining Confianza Health, Rick worked with the adolescent substance abuse population at ASAP, one of the most recognized and longest running substance abuse organizations in the state of Arizona. Rick has also worked with the substance abuse and SMI populations at a residential treatment center where he facilitated CBT and DBT group counseling, CFT and family counseling, as well as individual counseling. 

Rick is deeply motivated to help people of all ages and walks of life learn healthy strategies for dealing with and managing life’s struggles. Rick utilizes a person-centered counseling approach, where he believes people are the true experts of their own lives and will collaborate with you to find solutions that work for you as a unique individual. Some fun facts about Rick: He owned and operated an in-home daycare for 5 years before pursuing his Master’s degree, is an avid basketball fan and former youth recreational basketball coach, an Arizona native, and a direct descendant of Noah Webster (the dictionary guy). 

Cristina Pasos, LAC

Hi, I am Cristina Pasos, and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona. I have over 15 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults. 

As a counselor my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and judgment free environment for clients. I have experience assisting clients with anxiety, depression, self-worth, self-esteem, grief and loss, substance use, anger, trauma, and relationship issues. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral theories, motivational interviewing, solution focused techniques, person-centered, and mindfulness. I enjoy working with clients one on one and in group settings. I utilize a creative approach to building therapeutic relationships. 

Paige Cotton, LMSW

Hello, everyone! My name is Paige, and I am currently a master’s level Social Worker. I graduated from ASU in 2020 and went straight into public service working at UMOM New Day Centers, the homeless shelter for families. After two years spearheading their Children’s Services department, I went into the private sector working at Avenir, an inpatient psychiatric hospital. There I gained relevant experience working with voluntary, involuntary, court ordered, SMI and DDD populations. I have vast experience working with a variety of ages ranging from infants to geriatric patients. I have learned how to assist those in varied areas of crisis and have helped them gain knowledge and insight into their circumstances, as well as connect them to necessary resources. No matter the current stage of change you are in, I will meet you where you’re at in your healing to ensure the most growth for the future. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and/or your loved ones!

Monica Canez, MSW

My name is Monica Cañez, and I’m a bilingual therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. I specialize in providing individual therapy to children/teens, helping them navigate challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral issues, and life transitions. I work closely with families to create a supportive environment where each child feels safe, heard, and empowered to grow. It’s a privilege to support children in building the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

April Munoz, MS

My name is April Munoz, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. I furthered my education by earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the same institution.

Born and raised in a minority, border town in Texas, I am deeply passionate about serving members and families in  underserved communities. Through extensive work with nonprofit  organizations and community outreach programs, I have made it my mission to ensure that individuals and families in these communities receive the mental health care and support they deserve. I am a compassionate individual who firmly believes that, regardless of what someone is going through, it is always okay to ask for help.

As a Spanish-speaking therapist, I enjoy working with clients of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. I am a strong advocate for mental health, I am committed to providing  compassionate care to individuals facing a variety of challenges, such as anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and trauma, among others.

Alysa Orehowsky, MSW

Hi, I’m Alysa and I have a Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and in Social Work.  I was inspired by so many clients and colleagues to return to school to complete my MSW to best advocate for the mental health needs of my clients and properly address their concerns.  I have worked with children and adolescents in the foster care and justice system for over 14 years.  I completed part of my internship facilitating intensive outpatient therapy which gave me a wealth of hands-on training working with various mental health and substance abuse adolescents and adults.  I love helping clients address various areas such as self-esteem, behavioral issues, anger, and relationship difficulties.  As a military spouse, I also understand the challenges of hard life transitions. Taking the first steps towards healing can feel scary but incredibly brave.  
In my free time I love to read, travel, hike, color, and no matter how many times I have watched Friends I laugh every time. 

Sandra Casas, MA

Hello! I’m a bilingual therapist here at Confianza Health, passionate about helping individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered in their mental health journeys.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Arizona University. My background includes roles as a behavior coach, care coordinator, and direct care worker—all of which shaped the client-centered therapist I am today. While I work with all age groups, I especially enjoy supporting children, teens, and young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, cultural identity, and behavioral concerns.

I believe mental health is just as essential as physical health, though many still face barriers to accessing it. My goal is to help bridge that gap by creating a safe, welcoming space where clients can process difficult experiences, face fears, and build healthier paths forward. I use a person-centered approach and incorporate CBT, DBT, ACT, and psychodynamic techniques tailored to each individual.

Outside the therapy room, I enjoy reading, watching movies, spending time with loved ones and my two cats, going to concerts, and traveling.

Rylie Hudson, BHT

Hello, my name is Rylie Hudson. I am a Clinical Intern here at Confianza Health. I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, with an emphasis in Substance Use and Addiction. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals on their path to healing and growth. My approach is client-centered, rooted in empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to each person’s unique journey. I aim to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered in their personal development.

Elias Moran, LPC CEO

Elias Moran, a Licensed Professional Counselor, co-founded Confianza Health with his wife, Carmen Moran, driven by a shared vision to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to the community. With a deep commitment to professionalism and clinical excellence, Elias leads the agency in delivering the highest standard of mental health services.
My mission is to create an environment where both members and staff thrive—fostering trust, collaboration, and growth. Under his leadership, Confianza Health has become a place where individuals receive personalized care designed to strengthen emotional well-being and build healthier relationships.