MBH programs some of the first to receive this distinction, awarded based on comprehensive criteria for outcome-oriented, results-based addiction treatment
[PHOENIX, AZ, October 5, 2021] Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, the leader in trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorder treatment for more than 45 years, is excited to announce they are one of the first treatment providers in the country to receive certification from the American Society of Addiction Medicine. This newest ASAM certification, awarded to flagship program The Meadows and Claudia Black Young Adult Center, goes alongside their decades of Joint Commission accreditation.
Being one of the first treatment providers in the country to receive this certification is a testament to the hard work and diligence of our teams and the lifesaving, evidence-based treatment they provide.
The ASAM Criteria is the most widely used and comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay, transfer, or discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. Formerly known as the ASAM patient placement criteria, The ASAM Criteria is the result of a collaboration that began in the 1980s to define one national set of criteria for providing outcome-oriented and results-based care in the treatment of addiction.
“At Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, we believe in not only our time-tested unique model of care but also ensuring we are incorporating the latest neuroscience and evidenced-based practices. So, when the American Society of Addiction Medicine announced it had established a certification to ensure treatment providers adhere to ASAM guidelines for all levels of care, we knew immediately we would apply and work toward ASAM certification,” explained Meadows Behavioral Healthcare CEO Sean Walsh.
The ASAM Criteria’s strength-based, multidimensional assessment takes into account a patient’s needs, obstacles and liabilities, as well as their strengths, assets, resources and support structure. This information is used to determine the appropriate level of care across a continuum.
“Being one of the first treatment providers in the country to receive this certification is a testament to the hard work and diligence of our teams and the lifesaving, evidence-based treatment they provide,” Walsh continued. “For nearly 50 years, The Meadows has built a reputation on providing best-in-class treatment. This new certification lets us know we’re achieving our goals, and encourages us as we continue to strive to maintain the highest standards.”
Many states across the country are using The ASAM Criteria as the foundation of their efforts to improve the addiction treatment system. Adolescent and adult treatment plans are developed through a multidimensional patient assessment over five broad levels of treatment that are based on the degree of direct medical management provided, the structure, safety and security provided, and the intensity of treatment services provided.
Oversight and revision of the criteria is a collaborative process between ASAM leadership and the Steering Committee of the Coalition for National Clinical Criteria. The coalition represents major stakeholders in addiction treatment and has been meeting regularly since the development of the first ASAM Patient Placement Criteria in 1991. Learn more at ASAM.org.
About Meadows Behavioral Health
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare (MBH) is a network of specialized behavioral healthcare programs, individualized addiction recovery centers, and acute psychiatric care centers located throughout the United States. An industry leader, MBH provides evidence-based healthcare treatment for people struggling with emotional trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, sex addiction, eating disorders, psychiatric disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Its trauma-informed treatment approach is rooted in decades of clinical experience and a strong foundation of trust among patients, referring healthcare partners, and the local communities served. For more information on all of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare’s treatment services, visit meadowsbh.com or call 800-244-4949.