Mountainside Treatment Center Expands Access to Addiction Care Through Optum Partnership

In a move that could reshape access to addiction treatment, Mountainside Treatment Center has announced a partnership with Optum, becoming an in-network provider effective November 15th. This collaboration extends Mountainside's holistic, evidence-based addiction treatment services to a wider population, including those insured by United Health Care, Oxford Health Plan, and Connecticare.

The partnership addresses a critical need in the healthcare landscape, as substance use disorders continue to affect millions of Americans. By joining Optum's network, Mountainside is poised to remove financial barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking high-quality addiction treatment. This expansion of services comes at a time when the nation continues to grapple with the ongoing opioid epidemic and rising rates of alcohol use disorders.

Andre Basso, Chief Executive Officer at Mountainside Treatment Center, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Optum Insurance to expand our reach and help more individuals and families in need." Basso highlighted the proven effectiveness of Mountainside's holistic approach and flexible programs in achieving long-term recovery for clients.

Mountainside's comprehensive continuum of care includes a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals at various stages of addiction and recovery. These services encompass medically supervised detoxification, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and ongoing outpatient support. Notably, Mountainside has recently introduced evening and weekend IOP services, recognizing the need for flexibility among clients balancing treatment with work, family, or other commitments.

The treatment center's approach goes beyond traditional methods, incorporating evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational therapy (MT). Complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are also offered, providing a holistic healing experience. Additionally, Mountainside extends its support to the broader community through free weekly support groups and events, fostering a supportive environment for those in recovery.

Mountainside's commitment to quality care is evidenced by its national recognition and accreditations. The center holds an ASAM certification and dual accreditation from CARF International and The Joint Commission, underscoring its adherence to high standards of treatment and care. This level of accreditation assures patients and their families of the quality and effectiveness of the programs offered.

The impact of this partnership extends beyond individual patients. By increasing access to comprehensive addiction treatment, Mountainside and Optum are potentially reducing the societal and economic burden of substance use disorders. Effective treatment can lead to decreased healthcare costs, improved workplace productivity, and stronger family units – all of which contribute to healthier communities.

As the partnership takes effect, it opens up new possibilities for thousands of individuals who may have previously found quality addiction treatment out of reach. The inclusion of Mountainside in Optum's network represents a significant step forward in making evidence-based, holistic addiction care more accessible and affordable. This development could serve as a model for future partnerships between treatment providers and insurance networks, potentially leading to a broader transformation in how addiction care is delivered and accessed across the United States.