During a recent FOX Carolina interview, RCA at Greenville Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Harris explained how addiction affects both the body and the mind. Alcohol and drugs can worsen physical health and contribute to serious mental health symptoms, including cognitive impairment, confusion, and symptoms that may resemble dementia or schizophrenia. These effects can intensify during periods of stress, isolation, or exposure to extreme weather.

In a recent interview with FOX Carolina, CEO of RCA at Greenville, Lisa Goodnough, shared why accessibility, comfort, and continuity of care are foundational to how we serve individuals seeking treatment.

Located just off I-85, our Greenville facility was intentionally designed to remove barriers to care. The location allows individuals and families to access treatment quickly—because when someone is ready for help, waiting can be dangerous.

 From the moment someone walks through the doors, the environment is meant to feel welcoming, dignified, and safe, supporting both physical comfort and emotional healing. With 117 beds, RCA at Greenville’s campus offers a full continuum of evidence-based care in one location. Individuals can move seamlessly through treatment without disruption, from medical detox and residential care to outpatient services, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Sober Living.

On-site services also include alumni engagement and comprehensive case management. Our team works closely with patients to address real-world needs such as housing, employment, and connection to community resources.

“Get help now. Don’t wait,” Goodnough emphasized. Recovery is possible, and access to compassionate, comprehensive care can make all the difference.

View full broadcast here:

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis woman is sharing her recovery story, hoping to inspire others struggling with addiction to seek help.

WATCH FULL STORY HERE

Molly Pope, an alumna of Recovery Centers of America Indianapolis, credits the facility’s alumni program with where she is today. Her sobriety date is November 4, 2023, after spending 31 days in treatment.

“I can honestly tell you that this alumni group is what keeps me sober,” Pope said.

Pope described how alcohol had completely taken over her life before she sought treatment.

“It had taken my life away from me. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired,” Pope said. “When I came to RCA Indianapolis, I weighed 102 pounds. I barely could walk into the facility. My body was shutting down, and had it not been for Recovery Centers of America, I would not be here doing this interview with you today.”

Recovery Centers of America opened its Indianapolis location in 2020 on Township Line Road on the northwest side of the city. The facility recently marked a significant milestone, having served nearly 5,000 patients over the past five years.

Christine Schultz, CEO of Recovery Centers of America at Indianapolis, emphasized the facility’s strategic location and mission.

“We’re very centrally located, so it’s easy for us to help patients access care from South Bend to Evansville, Terre Haute,” Schultz said. “Hoosiers are still struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and being able to get those services is so important for that recovery process.”

The facility’s alumni program plays a crucial role in long-term recovery support. Rebecca Shea, the alumni coordinator who has been sober since September 8, 2022, works directly with women like Pope after they complete treatment.

“A lot of people have lost a lot of their family and friends because of their decisions,” Shea said. “It’s about showing people that we can live, we can have fun, we can do fun things and not have to go back to old habits.”

Pope, who didn’t achieve sobriety until age 58, has a particular message for younger people struggling with addiction.

“I like to stress to the younger people: do it while you can when you’re young because I missed a lot of time with my daughters because I chose alcohol over my family,” Pope said. “It’s important to tell people that you are not alone.”

Brett Cohen is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a provider of quality rehabilitation services for those struggling with addiction and substance use disorder. A dynamic leader with three decades of experience, Brett has built a career dedicated to delivering high-quality care to complex, high-need populations.

Before joining RCA, Brett served as the Chief Operating Officer of Sevita and held leadership roles at industry giants including Fresenius Medical Care, Kindred Healthcare, and UnitedHealth Group. An alum of Wharton’s Health Care Management program, Brett combines deep operational expertise with a lifelong commitment to elevating standards across the healthcare continuum.

The Pulse: What first sparked your interest in healthcare?

Brett Cohen: It’s a long story, but the short version is that I come from a healthcare family. My father was a physician, my mother was a nurse, my brother is a physician, my wife is a physician, and my sister is a hospital administrator. Healthcare is in my DNA.

Early on, I followed that expected path. I worked as an EMT in the back of an ambulance in high school and college, fully intending to go to medical school. However, I eventually realized that being a practicing physician wasn’t the right path for me. I still wanted to stay in the industry, but I felt I could have a more significant impact on the business side, focusing on population-level health rather than individual clinical cases.

The Pulse: It’s a common story with folks in Healthcare Management—many leaders start with clinical intentions before pivoting. How did that pivot eventually lead you to the helm of Recovery Centers of America (RCA)?

BC: I’ve been in healthcare services for 30 years now, which feels like a long time to say out loud. I spent my early years as a consultant and doing some entrepreneurial startup work. The last 20 years, however, have been spent in larger “blue-chip” healthcare services companies like Fresenius and Kindred.

Before RCA, I was at a company called Sevita. It’s a large organization that many haven’t heard of, focused on home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and foster care needs. During my time there, I realized I am most energized by helping individuals who receive services from fragmented, “immature” sectors of healthcare where quality of care isn’t well-defined and where there is an opportunity to build a good business and raise the bar for an entire industry.

When I got the call about RCA, I didn’t have a background in the substance use disorder space. But I saw an industry that was behind many other sectors in terms of standardization. The provider community is full of passionate people, but it lacks the clinical sophistication seen elsewhere. The opportunity to create a universally recognized standard for “good care”—was incredibly attractive. RCA was in a period of transition and needed cultural and operational work, which is where I’ve focused my energy over the last two years.

The Pulse: One of our major themes for the conference this year is the healthcare workforce. We often hear about shortages from the perspective of major hospitals. How has the workforce pipeline affected your operations at RCA?

BC: Healthcare services have always been challenged by workforce dynamics. In my 30 years, I’ve seen it every year. Interestingly, the most challenging time wasn’t actually now; it was the period leading up to COVID-19 when the labor market was incredibly aggressive. Low-skilled, unlicensed care staff—home health aides, CNAs, direct support professionals—had so many choices for mobility that it created immense stress on the system. COVID then pushed things to a crisis point, though government intervention helped us through.

Today, it remains a challenge, though perhaps not the hardest I’ve ever seen. We see it at three levels:

Unlicensed Staff: This is a mobile workforce. Current shifts in immigration policy create a “halo effect.” Even though we aren’t hiring undocumented labor—we run background checks on everyone—the broader pressure on immigrant communities makes it harder to recruit for these pivotal roles.

Licensed Staff: Finding nurses and therapists varies by geography. In some states, we struggle to find therapists; in others, it’s nurses.

Physicians: While RCA hires fewer physicians, the chronic shortage of primary care doctors is a societal issue. Even in a physician-rich city like Boston, it’s hard to find one. Many of our doctors in this country are foreign medical grads, and if the environment in the US becomes less friendly, we will see a downstream impact, particularly on rural and underserved markets.

The Pulse: If you could wave a magic wand to alleviate these workforce pressures, what would you change?

BC: It’s hard to answer this without sounding self-serving, but it fundamentally comes down to the cost-versus-rate dynamic.

Currently, there are markets where we literally lose money caring for Medicaid patients. That is a tragedy because it means people in need are being turned away because the economics don’t work. If I could change one thing, it would be increasing reimbursement rates across both commercial and government payers. Higher rates allow me to offer more competitive wages, improve retention, and ultimately provide care to more people. While investment in education and retention strategies is vital, the “magic wand” is a rate structure that reflects the true cost of high-quality care.

The Pulse: RCA has a bold mission. How do you define it, and how have you changed the company’s operations to meet it?

BC: Our mission is simple: Saving one million lives. Since the company was founded, we have cared for nearly 87,000 unique individuals. We have a long way to go, but we are working very hard to get there.

When I was brought in 2.5 years ago, the goal was to transition RCA from an entrepreneurial startup to a scalable, professionalized organization. The founder was a passionate entrepreneur, and the company needed a different skill set for its next phase. I focused on culture, KPIs, management cadence, and clarity of roles.

One of the biggest shifts I implemented was the philosophy that healthcare is local. While we maintain a standardized clinical platform so that the quality of care is consistent, I empowered our local teams to be accountable for their specific communities. They are the ones closest to the patients and the referral sources. Moving from a centralized model to a local-empowerment model was a cultural challenge, but we are in a great spot now.

The Pulse: Looking at the state of addiction and recovery in America today, what is your vision for the next five years?

BC: The scale of the problem is staggering. There are 30 to 40 million Americans struggling with addiction, but only about 3 or 4 million are in care. That means 90% of the population who needs help isn’t getting it.

At RCA, our growth strategy is built on three pillars to close that gap:

The Hub and Spoke Model: Historically, RCA was built on intensive inpatient care—detox and residential treatment. We do that very well. But addiction is a chronic illness; you don’t just “get cured” and move on. We are evolving our model beyond the walls of our campuses. Every one of our inpatient centers has outpatient services on site (PHP and IOP), and we are now expanding into additional standalone outpatient centers so that when a patient finishes inpatient treatment, they can return to their job, school, and family while staying engaged in long-term care. We are building these “spokes” within an hour or two of our “hubs” (main campuses with inpatient and outpatient programming) to ensure continuity of care, rather than a start-and-stop experience.

Geographic Expansion: As of January 2026, we operate 15 facilities across nine states—including our newest inpatient facility in Central Florida and two newly opened outpatient spokes in Rolling Meadows, IL, and Newark, DE. We are moving thoughtfully into the South and Midwest.

Addressing Comorbidities: Most people with SUD also struggle with mental health issues, and RCA has always treated both together. What’s new is at select locations, we are expanding our service lines to treat primary mental health—depression, anxiety, OCD—even for those who don’t have a history of addiction. We’ve launched this in Indiana, Massachusetts, and are bringing it to Pennsylvania.

The Pulse: Does the “Hub and Spoke” model create issues with payers? Is it harder to get reimbursement for that outpatient “spoke” than the inpatient “hub”?

BC: Surprisingly, no. While payers are never “easy” to work with, PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programs) and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Programs) are widely recognized levels of care. We haven’t seen an unwillingness to participate there.

The bigger barrier to access is twofold: it’s the reimbursement economics I mentioned earlier, but it’s also stigma. There is a fear of stepping away from work or family to seek help. Part of our job is to give people the confidence that taking that step is what will eventually allow them to return to their communities healthier.

The Pulse: Finally, we have to talk about AI. Is it just a buzzword for you, or is it impacting your business?

BC: We are leaning into it. I usually think of healthcare as a late adopter, but it’s exciting to see us moving quickly here. We are looking at AI in three buckets:

The Back Office: Utilizing AI for revenue cycle management, talent acquisition, and data analytics. This is the “low-hanging fruit” that makes us more efficient.

Clinical Support: Specifically, ambient listening. We want to use technology to document sessions so our therapists can spend their time looking at the patient rather than a screen. Group therapy is harder for AI to parse than one-on-one, but the technology is improving, and we are experimenting with it.

Clinical Interventions: This is the cutting edge. Can chatbots or AI maintain engagement with a patient post-discharge? There is some data suggesting AI therapy can be incredibly effective. We’re not 100% there yet, but we are exploring it to see if it can help us provide better care.

Original Publication Here.

Contact us today to speak with a representative from Recovery Centers of America.

New in-network agreement enhances affordable SUD treatment access beginning February 1, 2026

WESTMINSTER, Ma. – Feb. x, 2026 – Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based addiction treatment, announced today that RecoveryCenters of America at Westminster will join Optum’s in-network provider network effective February 1, 2026. The agreement expands access to affordable, high-quality substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for Optum members across north central Massachusetts.

Under the new in-network agreement with Optum, RCA at Westminster will be covered for SUD services across multiple levels of care, including Level 3.7 (also known as 24-Hr Diversionary Withdrawal Management or Detox), Level 3.5 (also known as Clinical Stabilization Services “CSS” or Residential), Extended Day Treatment, and Day Treatment. Rates for Westminster align with RCA’s existing Optum-contracted rates at other RCA sites for the same service codes.

“This is a meaningful step forward in making life-saving treatment more accessible to the people who need it most,” said Mark Faselle, Vice President of Payor Relations for Recovery Centers of America. “By bringing RCA at Westminster’s services in-network with Optum, we’re removing barriers and helping patients and families access the full continuum of evidence- based addiction care with greater affordability and confidence.”

RCA remains committed to its mission of saving lives from the disease of addiction by delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care close to home and ensuring insurance coverage supports timely access to treatment.

To learn more about RCA, visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.

About Recovery Centers of America

Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. These drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 877-489-4516 or visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.

Dual board-certified addiction medicine physician to lead enterprise-wide clinical strategy and quality of care

 KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. – JAN. 26, 2026 – Recovery Centers of America (RCA) announced today that Jason Kirby, DO, MBA, DFASAM, will join the organization as Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Kirby is dual board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine and has spent more than a decade in addiction treatment and behavioral health across residential, outpatient, and virtual settings. His clinical and executive background includes medical director and chief medical officer roles, with a focus on evidence-based care models, quality improvement, and outcomes-driven treatment systems.

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kirby will provide medical leadership with an initial focus on listening to teams across RCA facilities, reviewing current clinical quality and patient-safety practices, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening continuity of care throughout the patient journey.

“I was drawn to this role because it sits at the intersection of clinical excellence, organizational leadership, and meaningful impact on patients’ lives,” said Dr. Kirby. “RCA’s commitment to evidence-based, outcomes-driven care on a national scale aligns closely with my values and the work I’ve dedicated myself to over the past decade.”

Dr. Kirby earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and an MBA from Point Park University. He is also a 2024-2025 Health Policy Fellow with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), focusing on healthcare policy and regulatory strategy relevant to addiction treatment.

“Dr. Kirby brings deep expertise in addiction medicine and a demonstrated record of building strong clinical systems and teams,” said Brett Cohen, CEO of Recovery Centers of America. “His experience in both direct patient care and system-level leadership will support RCA’s continued focus on safe, consistent, high-quality treatment for the patients and families we serve.”

In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Kirby has held national and state-level professional roles. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and recently completed his term as President of the Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine. ASAM’s voting membership selected him to serve as Treasurer on ASAM’s National Executive Board, with a two-year term beginning April 2025, and he will chair ASAM’s Finance Committee.

To learn more about RCA, visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.

About Recovery Centers of America 

Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. These mental health and drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 888-641-3981 or visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.

Recovery Centers of America Appoints Carter Q. Serrett as CEO of South Amboy Facility 

Experienced behavioral health leader to oversee facility operations and advance quality of care 

RARITAN BAY, NJ. – JAN, 2026 – Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Raritan Bay announced today the appointment of Carter Q. Serrett, MBA, MA, LPA, PsyD candidate, as Chief Executive Officer of RCA at Raritan Bay in South Amboy, New Jersey. 

Serrett brings experience in behavioral health leadership, clinical operations, and organizational management, with a focus on team performance, operational consistency, and the delivery of evidence-based services. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts degree and is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). He is currently completing his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. His professional background includes leadership roles supporting multidisciplinary care teams, operational oversight, and initiatives tied to quality, patient experience, and staff engagement. 

As CEO of RCA at Raritan Bay, Serrett will oversee day-to-day facility operations and partner with clinical and operational leaders to support RCA’s standards for quality, safety, and patient-centered care. His initial priorities will include meeting with facility teams across departments, reviewing operational and performance metrics, and supporting consistent care delivery across the patient journey. 

“I’m honored to join RCA and to lead the team at Raritan Bay,” said Serrett. “My focus will be on supporting our staff, strengthening operational consistency, and ensuring we deliver high-quality, evidence-based care for patients and families every day.” 

“Carter brings a strong combination of operational leadership and behavioral healthcare experience,” said Mark Puckett, COO of Recovery Centers of America. “He understands the importance of team culture, accountability, and consistent execution in delivering safe, high-quality treatment. We’re confident his leadership will support continued excellence at Raritan Bay.” 

To learn more about RCA, visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.  

About Recovery Centers of America 

Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a drug and alcohol treatment center, is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. These drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 844-319-0368 or visit recoverycentersofamerica.com. 

Contact: Lisa K. Sass
lisa@proofpragency.com
Phone: 909.519.9171

New leadership appointments strengthen operational and clinical oversight at leading addiction and mental health treatment center 

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – JAN. XX, 2026 – Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Mount Dora today announced the appointment of Patty Beckett as Chief Executive Officer and Christopher Rienas, MD, as Medical Director of the newly opened RCA at Mount Dora, the organization’sfirst treatment center in Florida. The leadership appointments come as RCA welcomes patients to its new Central Florida campus.

Beckett brings healthcare leadership experience spanning facility operations, team leadership, and performance improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration and has served in senior leadership roles within complex healthcare environments. Her background includes oversight of multidisciplinary teams and responsibility for operational, clinical, and quality initiatives.

As CEO of RCA at Mount Dora, Beckett will oversee facility operations, staff leadership, and performance management, while supporting RCA’s standards for quality, safety, and patient- centered care as the new location launches services for patients and families in the region.

“I’m proud to lead the Mount Dora team as we open RCA’s first Florida facility and bring trusted, evidence-based care to Central Florida,” said Beckett. “This campus represents an important expansion of access to treatment, and I look forward to supporting our staff as they serve patients during a critical time in their recovery journey.”

RCA also announced the appointment of Christopher Rienas, MD, as Medical Director of RCA at Mount Dora. Dr. Rienas brings clinical leadership experience in addiction psychiatry and behavioral healthcare, with a focus on evidence-based treatment, patient safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Rienas earned his medical degree at the University of Miami and completed his medical training with specialization in psychiatry. He went on to complete an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, and is board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

In his role, Dr. Rienas will provide medical oversight for clinical services at RCA at Mount Dora, support physician and clinical teams, and partner with facility leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality care delivery across the treatment continuum.

“The opening of RCA at Mount Dora is an important step in expanding access to ethical, evidence-based treatment,” said Dr. Rienas. “I’m excited to work with the clinical team to deliver safe, compassionate, and effective care from day one.”

“Launching a new facility requires strong operational and clinical leadership,” said Mark Puckett, COO of Recovery Centers of America. “Patty and Dr. Rienas bring the experience, discipline, and shared commitment to quality that will set a strong foundation for RCA at Mount Dora and for the patients and families who will rely on this new center.”

To learn more about RCA, visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.

About Recovery Centers of America 

Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a drug and alcohol treatment center, is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast regions. These drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention, and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 855-902-4847 or visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.