After a comprehensive, months-long national search, Caron Treatment Centers has officially appointed John Driscoll as its new president and CEO, reinforcing its standing in addiction treatment industry leadership. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Wernersville, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization, renowned for its dedication to addiction treatment and behavioral health care. This change follows Bradley Sorte’s resignation as CEO in February. During the transition, Chief Operating Officer Kristine Bashore and Chief Clinical Officer David Rotenberg served as co-CEOs, ensuring Caron continued to deliver high-quality care.
Driscoll’s appointment is a critical step for Caron as it moves forward with its mission of offering a comprehensive continuum of care for those struggling with substance use disorders. As he assumes leadership of the organization, Driscoll is committed to advancing Caron’s strategic initiatives, which include clinical excellence, financial sustainability, inclusion, and national leadership in addiction treatment. In a statement to Behavioral Health Business, Driscoll remarked, “I’ll also be working with the Caron team to continue to implement our strategic plan initiatives of clinical excellence, financial sustainability, inclusion and national leadership in addiction treatment.”
Caron Treatment Centers: A Legacy of Excellence in Addiction Treatment
Caron Treatment Centers has long been a leader in addiction treatment, providing a broad spectrum of services to individuals affected by substance use and behavioral health disorders. Serving patients in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, Washington, D.C., Georgia, and New York, Caron has built a reputation as a nonprofit provider that places clinical excellence at the forefront of its mission. The organization employs roughly 755 individuals who work across a variety of roles, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care, from medical detox to long-term recovery support.
Driscoll’s extensive background in addiction treatment makes him an ideal fit for his new role. Prior to joining Caron, Driscoll served as the senior vice president at the Minnesota-based Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the most recognized names in addiction treatment and advocacy. Driscoll’s journey in the field has given him valuable insight into the complexities of substance use disorders and the need for a full, integrated continuum of care. From his early days as a counselor to his leadership role overseeing all recovery care services, Driscoll has seen firsthand how crucial it is for treatment programs to offer ongoing support for individuals throughout their recovery journey.
Reflecting on his career, Driscoll shared, “All of my roles at Hazelden Betty Ford – from counselor to senior vice president of all recovery care services – have given me insight into the importance of a full and robust continuum of care to help individuals struggling with this disease achieve the promise of recovery.” This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Caron’s approach to addiction treatment, which emphasizes personalized care and an unwavering commitment to long-term recovery. Driscoll’s appointment underscores his experience in addiction treatment industry leadership and commitment to expanding these practices at Caron.
Expanding Services and Outreach to Meet Growing Demand
Under Driscoll’s leadership, Caron Treatment Centers is poised to continue expanding its reach and impact. As the demand for addiction treatment services continues to rise, Caron has remained proactive in broadening its offerings and making care more accessible to diverse populations. One of the key developments in Caron’s expansion is the opening of the Keele Medical Center in Delray Beach, Florida, which was unveiled in January. This new facility is a significant addition to Caron’s portfolio, featuring a medical detox unit, 40 residential treatment beds, specialized programs for seniors, neurocognitive services, and an emphasis on research and medical education.
Driscoll acknowledges the importance of stabilizing the workforce to support such rapid growth. “My focus is to stabilize the workforce after this level of growth, align our resources to better meet our patients where they are at and focus on the future,” he said. The Keele Medical Center is designed to provide a range of services that support individuals at different stages of recovery, with an emphasis on personalized, patient-centered care. This includes programs designed for seniors, a group that often faces unique challenges in addiction treatment.
Despite these significant strides, Caron, like many organizations in the behavioral health sector, faces an ongoing challenge: workforce shortages. The addiction treatment field has long struggled with an insufficient number of qualified professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and physicians. Driscoll is acutely aware of this challenge, stating that the workforce issue is “our No. 1 issue as a field.” He emphasized that many addiction treatment professionals are entering the field as a second career, while others are approaching retirement, further exacerbating the shortage of skilled providers.
The need for professionals to meet the growing demand for addiction treatment services is urgent. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 44 million Americans struggle with substance use disorders, but far fewer have access to the treatment they need. As a result, the behavioral health field is under immense pressure to train and retain staff who can effectively meet the needs of this vulnerable population. Driscoll has pledged to address these issues head-on, ensuring that Caron continues to recruit and retain top talent to provide the highest quality care.
Innovations in Treatment: Caron’s Commitment to Growth and Recovery
In addition to the Keele Medical Center’s opening, Caron has also expanded its services at its flagship facility in Pennsylvania. This summer, Caron launched a new Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), which provides a structured treatment option for individuals who need more intensive care than outpatient services but do not require the level of support provided in residential treatment. The PHP has already experienced success and Driscoll shared that Caron is already planning to expand the program to accommodate the growing demand for such services.
Driscoll’s focus on innovation in addiction treatment aligns with Caron’s long-term goals of providing effective care at every stage of the recovery journey. Caron’s approach is not just about treating addiction but supporting individuals and their families throughout the entire recovery process. As Driscoll stated, “Caron’s mission is recovery for life.” This long-term perspective is essential in ensuring that individuals and families receive the support they need to maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives. The success of Caron’s expansion can be attributed to Driscoll’s vision and his understanding of addiction treatment industry leadership.
Caron’s comprehensive approach to addiction treatment includes services tailored to teens, young adults, men, women, and older adults, ensuring that each patient receives care that is customized to their unique needs. In addition to treatment, Caron offers recovery support services for alumni, creating a strong network that individuals can lean on as they navigate the challenges of life after treatment. Driscoll emphasized the importance of meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journey and ensuring that Caron’s services align with the needs of the people they serve. This is a fundamental aspect of addiction treatment industry leadership, which Caron continues to embrace.
Looking to the Future
As Caron Treatment Centers embarks on this new chapter with John Driscoll at the helm, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care for individuals struggling with addiction and behavioral health issues. With a strong focus on workforce development, service expansion, and continuous improvement, Caron is poised to continue its legacy of leadership in the addiction treatment field.
Driscoll’s vision for the future of Caron Treatment Centers is clear: to ensure that individuals, families, and communities receive the support they need at every stage of the recovery process. His leadership will be instrumental in expanding Caron’s reach and impact, ensuring that more individuals across the country have access to the care they need to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Driscoll’s role in the field underscores the significance of addiction treatment industry leadership, which will guide Caron’s efforts moving forward.
As Caron continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains rooted in its commitment to providing recovery for life. With John Driscoll leading the way, Caron is well-positioned to face the challenges ahead and continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by substance use disorders.
