The Nation’s Largest Outpatient Providers of Specialized Addiction Treatment Services Form Industry Group to Address Resource Constraints that Undermine Patient Outcomes

– Establishing adequate reimbursement models, evidence-based service models and metrics for gauging provider accountability are NACATS’ patient-centric priorities –

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The nation’s leading outpatient providers of specialized addiction treatment services – a network consisting of more than 550 facilities in 28 states caring for 166,000 patients annually – announced the formation of an industry group to save the lives and improve the health outcomes for people with substance use disorders.

The National Alliance for Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Solutions (NACATS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for the use of comprehensive addiction treatment, including medical care, behavioral health, and social support, through in-person and telehealth services. In the experience of NACATS member companies, comprehensive, high-quality addiction treatment services are too often undermined by payer and governmental policies that fail to provide the resources required to achieve essential outcomes.

"As overdose continues to claim over 100,000 lives each year in the U.S., many treatment providers are struggling to deliver the full range of resources patients need," said Steve Priest, CEO of Spero Health. "If these challenges go unaddressed, more providers will be forced to reduce services or close clinics, leaving communities without access to critical care.”

By providing low-barrier, on-demand access to addiction treatment in their communities, NACATS clinics help reduce illicit drug use, improve mental health, and rebuild lives. Their impact extends far beyond individual recovery—these clinics strengthen communities by stabilizing families, easing the burden on healthcare systems, reducing recidivism, and empowering individuals to return to meaningful roles and make positive contributions to society.

NACATS is advocating for the use of comprehensive addiction treatment, including medical care, behavioral health, and social support, through in-person and telehealth services. The organization will collaborate with policymakers, payers, and other stakeholders to advance three patient-centric priorities.

1. Advocate for rational, consistent reimbursement models that ensure the stability and sustainability of comprehensive treatment services.
2. Promote the adoption of standardized, American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM)-informed, evidence-based service packages that incorporate medication, behavioral health support, and social services.
3. Establish universally recognized metrics for measuring the quality and effectiveness of addiction treatment centered on transparency and accountability for patient outcomes.

“The best approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach,” said Doug Weiss, CEO of Porch Light Health. "Unfortunately, payer and policy limitations often fall short of supporting the full range of services patients need. NACATS is working to bridge that gap by advocating for policies that prioritize high quality outcomes and provider sustainability."

By advancing these patient-centric priorities, NACATS expects to protect access to and expand the lifesaving, comprehensive care that is critical for the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in the face of the ongoing addiction crisis. The benefits of doing so include the following.

Saving Lives and Improving Health

• Reduce illicit drug use and overdose risk
• Increase treatment retention and medication adherence by providing individualized care
• Drive sustained improvement in mental health and quality of life

Building Communities

• Fill critical gaps in local addiction treatment infrastructures
• Rapidly engage and retain patients through low-barrier, on-demand access
• Help patients return to productive work and family roles

Reducing Costs

• Lower emergency department visits and inpatient admissions
• Decrease total cost of care for patients with co-occurring conditions
• Reduce criminal justice involvement and other societal costs

About NACATS

The National Alliance for Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Solutions (NACATS) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization uniting America’s leading comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment providers, including BrightView, CleanSlate, Crossroads, Ideal Option, MATClinics, Porchlight Health, ReVIDA Recovery, SaVida, and Spero Health. Representing a network of over 550 locations across 28 states and serving more than 166,000 patients annually, NACATS is dedicated to saving lives and restoring communities through comprehensive, evidence-based care. By advocating for sustainable policies, promoting innovative care models, and fostering accountability through measurable outcomes, NACATS ensures that individuals and families affected by addiction have access to the life-saving resources they need. Learn more at: www.nacats.org