Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a private equity-backed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider headquartered in the Northeast, has officially opened its first Midwestern location. The new facility, located in suburban Chicago, began accepting patients this week and marks a major step in RCA’s broader expansion strategy. This development reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing the growing behavioral health crisis in regions beyond its traditional Northeast footprint.
Expanding Behavioral Health Access in Illinois
The St. Charles facility, based in northern Illinois, will offer both detoxification services and residential care for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug misuse. In addition to standard treatment programs, RCA has introduced PRISE, a specialized program tailored to patients who have been in recovery previously but require additional support to maintain sobriety. With a capacity to serve up to 120 patients at a time, the campus is designed to accommodate a significant volume of individuals in need. Importantly, the St. Charles center is in-network for most insurance plans in the region, ensuring that treatment is accessible to a broad population.
Karen Wolownik Albert, CEO of the new facility, emphasized the organization’s mission-driven approach. “We’re working on getting in-network agreements with all of our commercial payers here in Illinois,” she told Behavioral Health Business. “Then we’re also exploring other funding sources as well. From a mission perspective, we want to be able to treat as many people as we can.” This focus on accessibility underscores RCA’s commitment to expanding high-quality SUD care in underserved markets.
RCA’s Northeast Roots and Midwest Expansion
Prior to this launch, RCA maintained a strong presence in the Northeast with a mix of inpatient and outpatient facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The St. Charles location represents the 12th facility for the organization and its first foray into the Midwest. RCA’s expansion has been financially supported by Deerfield Management Company, allowing the organization to invest in new facilities and innovative treatment approaches.
The decision to establish a presence in Illinois was informed by the area’s significant need for behavioral health services. Wolownik Albert, who joined RCA in April, explained that the region exhibits high rates of alcohol use disorder and has been a major hub of the opioid epidemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for additional treatment capacity. “I’ve been in the substance use space in Illinois for about 10 years. We’ve continued to see high rates of alcohol use disorder, … and the Chicago area is a main hub of the opioid epidemic,” Wolownik Albert said. “The ultimate goal is to help increase treatment capacity here in Illinois and to be part of a very collaborative system of care between other providers at all levels of care.”
Strategic Planning and Facility Renovation
RCA’s expansion into the Midwest has been in development for nearly two years. The organization devoted significant time to securing state licensure and preparing the St. Charles facility for patient care. The site itself is a renovated former school campus, repurposed to accommodate residential and detox services. This careful planning reflects RCA’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based care in a welcoming environment.
The facility’s infrastructure has been designed to facilitate a comprehensive continuum of care, with residential rooms, group therapy spaces, and clinical areas optimized for both individual and group-based interventions. PRISE, the specialized program for patients with prior recovery experience, will operate alongside traditional residential and detox services, providing a holistic approach to treatment.
Meeting Growing Demand Amid the Pandemic
The timing of RCA’s Midwest launch coincides with a growing demand for SUD services. Nationwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased substance use, isolation, and mental health stressors, putting additional strain on treatment systems. By establishing a presence in Illinois, RCA aims to help fill gaps in care and support individuals who might otherwise struggle to access appropriate treatment.
“We continue to see high rates of alcohol and drug misuse,” Wolownik Albert noted. “The goal is to increase treatment capacity and provide high-quality services that can integrate with other providers in the region. Collaboration is key to ensuring that patients receive continuous, effective care at all levels of treatment.”
Future Plans for Midwest Expansion
While the St. Charles facility is RCA’s first in the Midwest, it is far from the last. The organization has confirmed plans to open another facility in the region later this year, pending licensure. Though the exact location of this upcoming facility has not been disclosed, the announcement signals RCA’s long-term commitment to expanding access to care in the Midwest.
The strategic expansion underscores RCA’s mission to address substance use disorders on a national scale. By targeting regions with high prevalence rates and limited treatment capacity, RCA hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and to reduce the broader societal burden of untreated substance use disorders.
A Commitment to Collaborative Care
RCA’s approach emphasizes collaboration with other treatment providers and stakeholders. By integrating its services into the larger behavioral health ecosystem, RCA aims to provide continuity of care for patients transitioning between levels of treatment. This collaborative model ensures that individuals receive consistent, evidence-based interventions and ongoing support throughout their recovery journey.
The St. Charles facility’s focus on PRISE highlights RCA’s recognition of the complex needs of patients who have previously experienced recovery. Many individuals with prior recovery experience face unique challenges, including relapse triggers and co-occurring mental health conditions. Programs like PRISE provide targeted support to help these patients maintain sobriety and build long-term resilience.
Conclusion
Recovery Centers of America’s entry into the Midwest represents a significant milestone in the organization’s growth strategy. The St. Charles facility is equipped to provide comprehensive detox and residential care to up to 120 patients, with a special focus on individuals with prior recovery experience through the PRISE program. By establishing itself in Illinois, RCA addresses a critical need for SUD services in a region heavily impacted by substance use disorders and the COVID-19 pandemic.
With plans for additional Midwest facilities and a continued commitment to collaboration with local providers, RCA is poised to make a lasting impact on behavioral health care in the heartland. The organization’s thoughtful approach to expansion, focus on accessibility, and emphasis on evidence-based care set a strong foundation for its continued growth and its mission to provide high-quality treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders across the United States.
RCA’s Midwest launch highlights the importance of expanding access to care, investing in facility infrastructure, and creating specialized programs that address the unique needs of patients in recovery. As the organization continues to grow, it stands as a model for how strategic planning, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach can transform the landscape of substance use treatment in underserved regions.
