Across the United States, communities are grappling with a difficult question: how do we effectively address homelessness when it is driven by substance use disorder (SUD) and serious mental illness? For years, the national conversation has centered on a model known as Housing First—the idea that people experiencing homelessness should receive rapid access to housing without…

Substance use disorder (SUD) rarely begins with a dramatic moment. More often, it grows quietly hidden behind stigma, isolation, and silence. One of the most enduring truths in recovery communities is simple: secrets can be deadly. Breaking that silence and replacing it with structured support is essential to restoring lives. At Ascension Recovery Services (ARS), the…

Value-based care in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is not a trend. It is a necessary evolution. For decades, fee-for-service reimbursement has rewarded volume — visits, days, encounters — rather than long-term recovery. Yet addiction is a chronic condition. Sustainable recovery depends on continuity, coordination, and measurable progress over time. When payment structures focus only…

For Ascension Recovery Services, 2025 was not just another year of projects, openings, and milestones. It was a year that reminded us why we exist — to build programs that change lives, support communities, and bring recovery within reach for people who often have nowhere else to turn. At our core, we are an organization…

When I started my recovery journey, I had what so many do not: both familial and financial support. Even though the nearest treatment was out of state, my family made sure I could access quality care. I witnessed firsthand how rocky the path to healing can be when recovery is hampered by geography and cost.…

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.…

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…

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. Fortunately, Ascension Recovery Services is at the forefront of behavioral health solutions, helping organizations implement programs to…

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.…

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…