Visalia Recovery Center is taking a big step forward by opening a new facility on East Caldwell Avenue. CEO Nolen Burchett is excited about this launch. He calls it a dream come true for the community.
This new center not only offers more services but also has the capacity to help more people. Burchett points out the pressing need for addiction treatment in the South Valley. “Visalia lacks private treatment options,” he says. “The impact of drug addiction and alcoholism here is significant, and we need to address it.”
The center will serve adults from all backgrounds. It features various counseling and office spaces, significantly expanding from its previous location. At the old site, they could accommodate only 10 to 15 clients. Now, they can serve 25 to 30 people at a time.
Next door to the center is Ascend Behavioral Health, which provides mental health services for children and adults. Dr. Jason Christopherson, the Vice President of Pediatric Services at Ascend, emphasizes the importance of accessibility. “Families should have the same quality of services as those in larger cities. Distance shouldn’t block access,” he explains.
Dr. Christopherson highlights that the expansion allows for a more skilled and diverse team. Staff at Ascend will include mental health professionals, child psychiatrists, and experts in group facilitation.
By connecting these two resources, both facilities aim to tackle addiction and mental health issues together.
An open house will be held this Wednesday, allowing community members to tour the new site. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is also planned, marking a hopeful future for those seeking help.
The need for addiction treatment is underscored by general statistics: according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only a fraction receive treatment. This shows the importance of local resources like the Visalia Recovery Center.
As this new chapter unfolds for Burchett and the Visalia community, the collaborative efforts of local healthcare providers promise to make a real impact on the lives of many.
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More options for mental health services and substance abuse treatment in the South Valley, timely, 18486751
