Why I Stay, Why I Give: Dr. Alicia Cowdrey’s Story
For Dr. Alicia Cowdrey, giving back to Valleywise Health Foundation isn’t just a philanthropic gesture. It’s a deeply personal investment in the community she serves every day.
As a psychiatrist and the outpatient medical director of Behavioral Health Services at Valleywise Health, Dr. Cowdrey has been at the forefront of expanding access to compassionate mental health care since 2016. She also plays a vital role in medical education, serving as the associate program director for the Adult Psychiatry Residency Program through the Creighton University – Arizona Health Education Alliance.
“Valleywise Health has been my home since residency,” she shares. “I finished training here, took a short break to travel, and came right back. This is the only place I’ve ever wanted to practice.”
Dr. Cowdrey credits Foundation funding with helping Valleywise Health launch essential behavioral health programs that eventually become sustainable, billable services. These early investments lay the groundwork for long-term success.
“I see firsthand how Foundation dollars fill critical gaps,” Dr. Cowdrey says. “They help us pilot new programs, improve access to care, and build services that become sustainable. That kind of support allows us to meet people where they are and provide the care they need.”
As a physician, educator, and donor, Dr. Cowdrey sees the full scope of the Foundation’s impact — from direct patient services to residency training.
“The Foundation doesn’t just support clinical care. It supports innovation, training, and the ability to think outside the box. That’s really powerful.”
She’s also a passionate advocate for reducing stigma around mental health.
“I wish more people saw mental health the same way they see physical health — it’s brain health. It’s just as real and just as deserving of care and compassion as a heart attack or diabetes.”
At the heart of it all is her commitment to Valleywise Health’s mission: caring for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance.
“This is a safety-net system. We’re here for the people who may not have other options. That matters deeply to me,” she says. “Giving to the Foundation is one more way I can help ensure we stay that way.”
