About Dr. Sharareh Najafi-Piper
Shar built Roya Health because she has seen what happens when kids don't get help early enough.
Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper, PhD, is the co-founder and CEO of Roya Health, an integrated behavioral health company serving children, families, and underserved communities across Arizona. A licensed psychologist by training and a child advocate by conviction, she has spent more than 25 years building systems of care for the people most likely to fall through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system.
The name Roya (the Farsi word for "dream") is not an accident. It reflects exactly what Dr. Najafi-Piper believes is possible when behavioral health, primary care, and community support work together: a future where a child's zip code or family income doesn't determine whether they get the mental health care they need.
The work
In the wake of the pandemic, a profound challenge emerged in the realm of mental and behavioral health needs. As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Najafi-Piper witnessed firsthand the unprecedented spike in demand for mental and behavioral health services among our youth. Families were seeking support, yet the availability of providers wasn't enough to meet this urgent need. This gap in care inspired the founding of Roya Health.
Today, Roya Health has touched over 1000 children and families across 3 locations in the Phoenix metro area, with programs spanning counseling, psychiatric care, primary care, case management, youth and family services, and school-based support. The team is bilingual, the care is trauma-informed, and the mission is whole-person — because Dr. Najafi-Piper has always believed that treating a child means supporting their family, and supporting a family means addressing everything that affects their health: housing, food, safety, belonging.
Roya Health has supported individuals facing complex mental health, substance use, and life challenges through timely outreach, crisis intervention, and personalized whole-person care. Through integrated services and strong relationships, members have re-engaged in treatment, achieved sobriety and stability, and have begun to rebuild their lives.
The background
Dr. Najafi-Piper holds a doctorate in psychology from Harold Abel School of Psychology and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Arizona State University. She has been in behavioral health leadership since 2008, with deep expertise in integrated care models, Medicaid managed care, contract development, and building organizations that serve complex-needs populations.
Prior to founding Roya Health, she held a variety of senior leadership roles. Acting as the President for Complex Care at Equality Health and the Vice President for Outpatient Services at Southwest Behavioral.
She completed the Harvard Kennedy Leadership Program and currently serves as co-chair this year. Dr. Najafi-Piper is also a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), where she acts as the Learning Officer for the Pacific West Integrated Chapter. Additionally she is one of the leading CEO’s in Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL).
Recognition
Dr. Najafi-Piper's work has been recognized by Arizona's business and healthcare community across multiple years:
Arizona Most Influential Women — 2022
Champion of Change Award — 2022
Women in Healthcare Services — 2022
Most Admired Leaders — 2022
The Athena Award — 2023
ASU 100 Club — 2024 and 2025
Top 10 Leaders in Healthcare — 2024
Corporate Excellence Award, Phoenix Business Journal — 2025
In her own words
"As a licensed psychologist, my work is driven by the profound belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing environment. The impact of our care extends beyond immediate therapeutic outcomes; it builds a foundation for resilient families and empowered futures. By addressing mental health early and holistically, we not only support children in overcoming their challenges but also equip families with the tools to foster lasting growth and understanding. The work at Roya matters because it transforms lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change that benefits communities for generations." -Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper