The substance use disorder (SUD) treatment industry is evolving rapidly, driven by a growing body of evidence that highlights the importance of offering evidence-based care, full continuums of service, and hybrid delivery models. At the forefront of this change is Recovery Centers of America (RCA), an organization dedicated to shaping the future of addiction treatment through clinical integration, geographic expansion, and innovative care strategies.
Recognizing the shifting landscape, RCA is prioritizing the integration of its various service lines to enhance patient outcomes, strengthen financial performance, and prepare for the adoption of alternative payment models. According to Peter Vernig, Vice President of Mental Health Services at RCA, these efforts are positioning the organization to lead the future of addiction treatment in a time of critical transformation.
Building a Seamless Continuum of Care
In 2024, RCA’s major focus has been on shoring up and refining its clinical processes. In its early years, RCA rapidly scaled services to meet urgent community needs. Now, the organization is deeply focused on ensuring that its full continuum of care — spanning inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth services — functions as a truly integrated system.
“We are unique among many providers because we can offer a full continuum of care,” Vernig said. “But this year, we are seeing the fruits of our efforts to make that transition between levels of care as seamless as possible, which is essential for patient success.”
This integrated model supports RCA’s vision for the future of addiction treatment, where patients experience fewer barriers, improved care coordination, and better long-term outcomes.
Enhancing Patient Retention and Business Stability
From a business perspective, integrating service lines offers significant advantages. When patients transition from RCA’s inpatient programs to its outpatient services, they experience consistency in their treatment approach, building trust and promoting better outcomes. Simultaneously, RCA benefits from improved patient retention — a key factor in ensuring financial sustainability in an increasingly competitive field.
“Continuity of care isn’t just good for patients; it’s also good for business,” Vernig explained. “Keeping patients within our network means we can maintain high standards and outcomes, which ultimately supports our reputation and growth.”
This approach underscores RCA’s commitment to building the future of addiction treatment around patient-centered care models that are both clinically effective and operationally resilient.
Tackling Workforce Challenges
Like many behavioral health providers, RCA is grappling with workforce challenges, particularly in recruiting and retaining top talent. The post-COVID labor market has tightened considerably, making it essential for healthcare organizations to become employers of choice.
RCA is addressing this through a multi-pronged strategy that emphasizes workplace culture, professional development, flexibility, and ongoing support. “We focus on making RCA a place where people want to work,” Vernig said. “That means providing therapists with supervision, offering nurses opportunities for additional training, and creating an environment where clinicians feel valued and empowered.”
Investing in workforce development is crucial for organizations aiming to thrive in the future of addiction treatment, where skilled, passionate professionals will be more important than ever.
Strategic Expansion into Underserved Areas
RCA’s vision for growth includes expanding its geographic footprint into regions that currently lack adequate SUD services. In 2023, RCA opened a new inpatient center in Greenville, South Carolina — a successful move that the organization sees as a blueprint for future growth.
“We’ve had a lot of success with centers that offer both inpatient and outpatient integrated services,” Vernig noted. “That’s definitely the future for us — offering a full, integrated suite of care options to patients, payers, and communities.”
By targeting underserved markets, RCA is playing a critical role in ensuring that the future of addiction treatment is more accessible, equitable, and community-focused.
Navigating Telehealth Changes
One of the most significant policy shifts looming over the industry is the scheduled rollback of certain COVID-era telehealth flexibilities. While the future of telehealth services remains uncertain, Vernig emphasized that patient demand for virtual care is not likely to diminish.
“The genie can’t go back into the bottle,” he said. “Patients appreciate the convenience and flexibility of telehealth. Restricting access would be a huge step backward.”
As RCA plans for the future of addiction treatment, maintaining flexible delivery models — including telehealth — will be essential to meeting diverse patient needs.
Embracing Value-Based Care Models
The broader healthcare industry is moving slowly but surely toward value-based care, and SUD treatment providers like RCA are preparing for this shift. Early models, such as pay-for-performance contracts, are giving way to more sophisticated arrangements, including population health management and bundled payments.
RCA’s investment in a full continuum of care positions it perfectly for value-based contracting. Providers that only offer one level of care may find themselves needing strategic partners, but RCA’s integrated model makes it a natural fit for the demands of the future of addiction treatment.
Looking Ahead: New Models and Innovations
Finally, RCA is exploring innovative new approaches to SUD care, including medication for addiction treatment (MAT) and long-term recovery supports such as contingency management and in-home monitoring. By removing barriers to life-saving medications and exploring new treatment models, RCA is ensuring that the future of addiction treatment will be more personalized, effective, and accessible.
“We are at a point where we can look at solutions that were once out of reach,” Vernig said. “It’s an exciting time to be pushing the industry forward.”
Conclusion: Building the Future Today
Through its commitment to integrated care, workforce excellence, strategic growth, and clinical innovation, Recovery Centers of America is not just reacting to changes in the SUD industry — it is helping to define the future of addiction treatment itself. As patient needs evolve and healthcare systems demand better outcomes, organizations like RCA that invest in full-service, patient-centered models will continue to lead the way.
The road ahead for the SUD treatment industry is complex but full of opportunity. With leaders like RCA at the helm, the future of addiction treatment looks more hopeful than ever.
