Kristine Bashore is no stranger to Caron. Over her more than 20-year career at the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider, she has donned numerous roles—from human resources professional to marketing officer and administrative officer. Today, this self-described “utility player” is stepping into the position of chief operating officer, ready to guide Caron through an era of transformation that embraces research innovation, value-based care, and the critical integration of mental health treatment alongside addiction services. This transition marks a significant milestone in Caron addiction treatment leadership, with Bashore’s unique perspective and experience promising to shape the company’s future.
A Veteran’s Perspective on the Evolution of Addiction Care
Bashore’s extensive tenure at Caron has afforded her a rare vantage point to witness firsthand the shifts in addiction treatment philosophy and practice. “When I first started in the industry 20 years ago, there was a lot of stigma around mental health and substance use disorder,” she reflects. At that time, mental health conditions were largely siloed from substance use disorder treatment, and misconceptions were rampant.
The opioid crisis and the mental health fallout exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic have dramatically changed the conversation. “I do believe that the opioid epidemic and the mental health challenges, particularly through COVID, have opened up a whole dialogue,” Bashore said in a recent interview with Behavioral Health Business. This evolving dialogue has helped break down barriers, reduce stigma, and foster more integrated approaches to care. As part of Caron addiction treatment leadership, Bashore has been intimately involved in crafting and refining the organization’s strategic plans, contributing to the company’s agility and forward-thinking.
Caron’s Rich History and Commitment to Growth
Founded 65 years ago in Wernersville, Pennsylvania, Caron has long been recognized as a leader in the field of addiction treatment. The organization has evolved from a regional provider to a multi-state operation, serving communities in Pennsylvania, Florida, Washington, D.C., Georgia, and New York. Caron continues to expand its footprint, with the anticipated 2023 opening of the Keele Center—a new medical facility designed to enhance the organization’s clinical capacity and broaden patient access. This expansion is a testament to the strong foundation of Caron addiction treatment leadership that has guided the company through decades of growth.
Harnessing Research to Revolutionize Addiction Treatment
One of the most exciting developments under Bashore’s leadership is Caron’s deepening commitment to research as a driver of innovation and improved patient outcomes. In June, Caron unveiled The Fran and Doug Tieman Center for Research, a nonprofit substance use treatment facility focused on medication research and the biological underpinnings of addiction.
“Research has to be part of the equation when helping people on their lifelong journey of recovery,” Bashore explains. She highlights the importance of investigating the genetic risk factors of addiction, envisioning a future where patients and families can make informed decisions—such as when a parent can have a genetic test done for their child before surgery to assess risk for opioid addiction.
Beyond genetics, Caron’s research agenda includes critical areas such as understanding relapse patterns, improving sleep quality for patients in recovery, and developing better pain management strategies. These efforts aim to address complex challenges that have historically undermined long-term recovery success. This focus on innovation and data-driven care underscores the evolving nature of Caron addiction treatment leadership.
Value-Based Care: Driving Outcomes and Expanding Access
Value-based care has become a foundational element of Caron’s strategic approach. Six years ago, the organization identified increasing access to care as a top priority, initially partnering with Independence Blue Cross of Philadelphia on a case rate agreement allowing patients to receive 28 days of treatment.
“That has really grown into a value-based philosophy for us,” Bashore notes. Over time, collaborations with insurers like Independence Blue Cross and Aetna have enabled Caron to collect and analyze meaningful outcome data. The results speak for themselves: Caron’s 90-day readmission rate with Independence Blue Cross patients hovers just above 5.5%, which is less than half the readmission rate among other providers under the same insurer.
This evidence-based approach has allowed Caron to build strong value propositions when negotiating with insurers, even when the length of stay exceeds traditional coverage periods. It also has helped shift the payer mix. Whereas private pay patients once accounted for approximately 75% of Caron’s population, that proportion has reversed—now roughly 70% of patients come through insurance contracts, with 25% to 30% still utilizing private pay. This transformation highlights how Caron addiction treatment leadership balances patient care and fiscal sustainability.
Expanding Access and Embracing Inclusivity
Looking ahead, Bashore emphasizes Caron’s commitment to expanding access to underserved populations and addressing diverse patient needs. The organization is developing programs tailored for the LGBTQ+ community and other groups that have historically faced barriers to care. Additionally, Caron is prioritizing services for individuals with co-occurring acute mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
“We have to continue to be focused on the acuity of the patients and the mental health disorders,” Bashore says. In fact, starting this August, Caron will launch a new mental health program at a Florida location designed specifically to treat patients with more severe mental health conditions alongside their addiction treatment.
This integrated care approach acknowledges the complex interplay between mental health and substance use, positioning Caron at the forefront of comprehensive behavioral health treatment and exemplifying the progressive vision of Caron addiction treatment leadership.
A Visionary Leader for a Changing Landscape
Kristine Bashore’s ascension to COO comes at a crucial moment for Caron and the broader field of addiction treatment. Her deep institutional knowledge, versatility across roles, and strategic insight equip her to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities ahead.
As Caron advances its mission, Bashore’s leadership will help ensure the organization continues to deliver innovative, evidence-based, and inclusive care. With research, value-based care, and integrated mental health treatment guiding the path forward, Caron stands poised to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities for years to come—showcasing the enduring strength of Caron addiction treatment leadership.
