In a groundbreaking move, the landscape of mental health care and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation. The shift began with the proposed 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, a document that outlined sweeping changes aimed at enhancing mental health and substance use services for millions of Americans.
Breaking Barriers in Mental Health & SUD Care: LPCs and LMFTs as Medicare Providers
Oct 18, 2023 1:58:31 PM / by Ascension Recovery Services posted in access to healthcare, Medicare, treatment gaps, substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, credentialing, mental health disorders
September: Embracing Recovery & Increasing Access to Addiction Treatment
Sep 6, 2023 11:09:00 AM / by Ascension Recovery Services posted in Addiction Recovery, program development, expanding access, expansion of access, Recovery Month
Every September, National Recovery Month serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with addiction, reminding us that recovery is achievable. It highlights the stories of individuals who have embarked on the challenging path of recovery and emerged as victors. Initiated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Recovery Month emphasizes the societal advantages of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental health and substance use disorders.
What Are the Signs of a Drug Overdose?
Aug 31, 2023 8:00:00 AM / by Ascension Recovery Services posted in Addiction Recovery, Addiction, Overdose
The cause of a drug overdose is either by accidental overdose or by intentional misuse. In 2021, almost 107,000 drug overdose deaths occurred, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read on to learn about signs of a drug overdose.
Addressing the Xylazine Crisis: ARS at the Forefront
Aug 11, 2023 10:35:45 AM / by Ascension Recovery Services posted in Addiction Recovery, Overdose, xylazine, fentanyl
The surge in substance use, including xylazine, is causing significant harm to individuals and communities, leading to an increase in drug overdoses. There is a need for the development of innovative addiction treatments tailored to these modern substances.
Positive Shifts in Behavioral Health: Professional Licensing Compacts
Jul 12, 2023 11:52:21 AM / by Jason Batten, LPC, ALPS, AADC posted in Addiction, access to healthcare, expanding access, addiction counseling
The behavioral health industry is facing a workforce shortage. As behavioral health problems are becoming less stigmatized, more people are reaching out to receive care. It is positive news that people are seeking help, however at the same time, meeting the needs of the population is becoming harder to do with existing workforce strategies. There is one growing trend that, coupled with a vibrant telehealth strategy, can improve access to care and strengthen business opportunities. That trend is the move toward professional licensure compacts. One very important compact is known as the Counseling Compact.
Eliminating Barriers to Care: X-Waiver Elimination & MAT via Telehealth
Jun 9, 2023 12:05:38 PM / by Jason Batten, LPC, ALPS, AADC posted in Addiction Recovery, Addiction, Recovery Services, COVID-19, Medication for Opioid Use Disorder, Medication-Assisted Treatment, telehealth
In Part I of this series, we explored the dynamic changes in the regulatory and business landscape within the behavioral health industry since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. One significant obstacle to effective and accessible substance use treatment has been the presence of outdated and ineffective regulations.
Navigating the Shifting SUD Landscape: How to Stay Relevant Part 1
May 9, 2023 11:52:43 AM / by Jason Batten, LPC, ALPS, AADC posted in Addiction Recovery, Addiction, Recovery Services, COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially lifted the global emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a positive trend in containing the spread of the virus worldwide. Additionally, the United States' public health emergency has also ended. As a result, healthcare providers, including treatment providers, are navigating a new world with significant changes compared to the early months of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread changes in the healthcare industry, including the adoption of new protocols and technologies, which providers must continue to adapt to moving forward.
Establishing a Center of Excellence
Apr 4, 2023 12:12:00 PM / by Ascension Recovery Services posted in Addiction Treatment Center, center for excellence, national accreditation
Just as the name implies, a Center of Excellence (CoE) designation in an addiction treatment provider ensures the treatment center will provide exemplary service in all aspects of addiction care, from treatment to technology. Qualifying as a CoE demonstrates that a facility is an industry leader for providing the highest quality of clinical care, using evidence-based and emerging promising practices, with substantiated positive outcomes.
We are living in an unfortunate time where addiction and addiction-related deaths have reached an all-time high. Many have seen this as an opportunity “get into the addiction business,” offering substandard treatment services in a resort-like setting.
While these accommodations may be appealing to some, achieving sobriety and building a foundation in recovery that can last a lifetime should be first and foremost.
What Does it Take to Be a Successful Treatment Center?
Jan 9, 2023 12:00:00 AM / by Ascension Recovery Services posted in program development
Anyone can open a treatment center; however, not everyone can keep a treatment center open and running successfully.
Why do treatment centers, such as Elements Behavioral Health (EBH), who recently filed for bankruptcy, fail?
Read on to learn more.
How Much Capital Do You Need to Open an Addiction Center?
Aug 10, 2022 9:00:00 AM / by Ascension Recovery Services posted in Addiction Treatment Center, intensive outpatient program, sober living home, residential treatment center
Ascension Recovery Services’ team of experienced professionals have successfully launched addiction treatment centers that focus on two goals: quality care and a financially viable and sustainable business model. The need for quality addiction treatment continues to rise and starting your own treatment center can be a great way to have a profitable business that makes a difference. However, if you have decided to open your own treatment program, there are many factors to consider.