Making Headlines Locally and Nationally
RCA in the News
At RCA, we are setting a new standard for addiction treatment with our clinically-proven programs delivered with compassionate and personalized care. From press releases on our industry-leading outcomes to recent accolades for RCA and articles written by the addiction treatment experts on our team. Below you’ll find news items that reflect our continuous efforts and unwavering dedication to lead the path in addiction recovery. Stay informed with the most up-to-date developments and stories that highlight how we are making a difference in communities across the nation.
Recovery Centers of America Opens Third Center in Illinois
New Rolling Meadows outpatient center expands access to life-saving treatment across Chicagoland
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a top recovery treatment center in the nation, announced today the opening of its third Illinois site in Rolling Meadows, a suburb of the Chicagoland area. Located at 1855 Rohlwing Road, this new outpatient center offers addiction treatment services including group counseling, individual and family support, and medication for addiction treatment. In addition to its two outpatient treatment centers, RCA offers inpatient recovery services on a beautiful campus located in unincorporated St. Charles.
On a mission to save one million lives, the new facility boasts 4,600 square feet with room to support more than 350 patient visits per week. Recovery Center of America’s Outpatient Services in Rolling Meadows, a comfortable and tranquil space, will allow RCA to serve more patients within the community in an outpatient environment.
“The opening of our Rolling Meadows outpatient center represents an important milestone in our mission to provide compassionate, accessible care to individuals and families impacted by addiction,” said Karen Wolownik Albert, chief executive officer at Recovery Centers of America at St. Charles. “By expanding into this community, we can meet people where they are in their recovery journey and offer the support needed to achieve lasting healing.”
Addiction services at the new site will include a full continuum of outpatient care for adults 18 and over: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and General Outpatient Program (GOP), available in-person and virtually.
“Addiction doesn’t just affect one person; it ripples through families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The City’s Human Services Department is focused on helping residents overcome a variety of hardships, including addiction, and relies on strong partnerships with community resources to ensure all residents have access to vital services. That’s why the opening of Recovery Centers of America in Rolling Meadows is so meaningful,” said Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica. “Not only will RCA provide critical, accessible treatment and lifesaving tools like Narcan, but it will also create stable jobs for our residents, partner with local organizations, and give families the support they need to heal together. We’re proud to welcome RCA to Rolling Meadows, and we look forward to the hope and strength it will bring to our region.”
Recovery Centers of America will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 24, from 1-3:30 p.m.
Event Highlights:
- 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Food & Networking: Enjoy refreshments and connect with healthcare professionals, community leaders, RCA staff, and clinicians.
- 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. – Welcome & Remarks: Hear from RCA’s President & CEO, Brett Cohen, RCA at St. Charles’ CEO, Karen Wolownik Albert, and Director of Outpatient Services, Kim Sutherland Ragano.
- 2:00 p.m. – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Celebrate the official opening with RCA!
Throughout the afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to explore the new treatment spaces and learn about RCA’s accessible outpatient services, alumni support, and medication-assisted treatment. Interested guests can register at https://extended.recoverycentersofamerica.com/rca-outpatient-services-grand-opening.
Free, confidential screenings are available to individuals seeking help, and RCA encourages those in need, or their loved ones, to reach out and take the first step toward recovery.
For more information, visit the website: https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/locations/st-charles-il/
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 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 (331) 901-4225 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Recovery Centers of America at Devon Appoints Valerie Schina as Chief Executive Officer
Philadelphia native and nonprofit founder to lead RCA Devon in advancing innovative treatment and community impact
Philadelphia – Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Devon announced today the new appointment of Valerie Schina as the new chief executive officer of RCA at Devon, a leading addiction treatment facility in Devon, Pennsylvania. She will lead clinical and operational strategy to expand access to treatment and strengthen the center’s role as a leading provider of addiction recovery services in the region.
Schina brings more than 15 years of operational and clinical leadership experience in behavioral health, with a career spanning roles from counselor and clinical supervisor to director of operations, executive director, and site CEO. A lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area, she has a deep commitment to improving access to care and advocating for families impacted by addiction.
“I am honored to join Recovery Centers of America at Devon, an organization I’ve admired since its doors first opened,” said Schina. “My goal is to foster a positive environment for both patients and staff, while ensuring individuals in our community have access to the highest quality of care. The work is personal to me, and I am dedicated to advancing RCA’s mission of saving lives from the disease of addiction.”
In her first 90 days, Schina plans to immerse herself in RCA at Devon’s culture and treatment approach, prioritizing collaboration with staff, patients, and community partners to align on long-term goals for growth. She defines success in her role as fostering a supportive, respectful workplace culture and creating a safe, welcoming environment for patients, measured through patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
Beyond her professional career, Schina is the co-founder of the Bridge to Recovery Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2015 to provide scholarships and resources to individuals seeking recovery. To date, the foundation has helped more than 500 people on their recovery journey.
“Valerie’s passion for recovery, paired with her extensive leadership experience, makes her an outstanding choice to lead RCA at Devon,” said Mark Puckett, chief operating officer of Recovery Centers of America. “She has demonstrated throughout her career a commitment not only to clinical excellence but also to community impact, and we are excited for the future of Devon under her leadership.”
Schina holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She currently resides in Marple Township with her husband of 23 years, their three children, and three cats. She recently became a first-time grandmother.
To learn more about RCA, visit www.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 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 (484) 551-3366 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Recovery Centers of America at Greenville Celebrates Two Years of Hope and Healing
South Carolina center transforms more than 1,500 lives in just two years
Greenville, SC – Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Greenville is celebrating its second anniversary, marking a major milestone in its mission to save lives from the disease of addiction.
Since opening its doors in 2023, the facility has grown from one floor and 23 beds to five units, 117 beds, and a full continuum of care for individuals and families impacted by addiction. In just 24 months, RCA at Greenville has:
- Saved more than 1,500 lives, offering patients a chance to reclaim their health and future.
- Work in-network with 11 insurance providers, including a new partnership with Optum
- Provided 33,000+ patient days of care
- Built a thriving Alumni Association, hosting 869 alumni at meetings and 15 community events with more than 230 alumni, friends, and family in attendance.
- Supported 48 families through Family Services, helping loved ones heal together
- Achieved clinical outcomes that place Greenville in the top three RCA facilities nationwide for continuity of care and average length of stay, with an inpatient MAT conversion rate of 60%, 20% higher than the goal.
“I am constantly challenging the Greenville leadership team to be innovative and seek the best solutions,” said Lisa Goodnough, CEO of RCA at Greenville. “As a result, they continue to deliver outstanding outcomes, including rapid growth and positive impact.
The success of RCA at Greenville is made possible by the dedication of 110 team members, including 23 staff who have been with the center since opening day. To celebrate this milestone, leadership will host a complimentary lunch and dinner for staff in celebration of their anniversary, which will include cake and a brief ceremony.
“The growth and success of RCA at Greenville in just two years is a testament to the extraordinary commitment of its staff and the resilience of the patients and families we serve,” said Mark Puckett, Chief Operating Officer of Recovery Centers of America. “Greenville is setting a standard of excellence in behavioral healthcare that reflects RCA’s mission to save lives and strengthen communities.”
RCA at Greenville’s mission remains clear: provide accessible, evidence-based treatment that restores lives, strengthens families, and uplifts communities. To learn more about RCA at Greenville, visit https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/locations/greenville/.
About Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to help one million patients achieve lifelong recovery through evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder and mental health conditions, one person at a time. The RCA Care Model features a clinically proven, full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services at 13 world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services when needed. RCA is proud to have been recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call (855) 390-6568 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Recovery Centers of America is proud to celebrate RCA at Capital Region CEO, Lamar Frizzell, who has been named Alumnus of the Year by Bryan College.
From his early days of faith and perseverance to his decades of leadership in ministry, counseling, and health care, Lamar’s journey reflects the values of servant leadership that guide his work today.
Congratulations, Lamar!
Learn more by visiting:
Award celebrates Monroeville’s leadership in regulatory compliance, fiscal management, team culture, and top-tier patient outcomes
Monroeville, Pa. – Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Monroeville has been named National Account of the Year by CCL Hospitality Group, a recognition celebrating top-performing facilities across the country. Out of more than 240 facilities in the National Accounts region and more than 850 facilities overall, RCA at Monroeville stood out as one of just five recipients of this year’s distinction. It also marks the first time an RCA facility has received this honor.
The recognition is based on several key performance areas, including:
- Regulatory and contractual compliance
- Audit and fiscal management
- Culinary excellence
- Team building
- Patient satisfaction
RCA at Monroeville has excelled across all of these dimensions while under the leadership of Phil McMaster, Director of Dining Services.
“This marks a historic achievement for RCA,” said McMaster. “I’m honored to have our efforts for setting a new standard of excellence be recognized by CCL Hospitality Group. This award reflects our dedication to providing compassionate care and exceptional services that support our mission of saving lives.”
The award was formally presented by Patrick Plumadore of CCL, who recognized McMaster’s leadership and the Monroeville team’s impact on both patients and staff.
“Phil’s leadership has not only elevated the culinary program but also built a culture of unity, operational readiness, and client trust,” said Plumadore. “The team’s outstanding performance has earned top-tier satisfaction scores and audit results, underscoring their commitment to excellence.”
RCA at Monroeville will celebrate this recognition with an event on October 8, 2025, honoring the entire building team for their contributions to dining services, operational excellence, and patient experience.
To learn more about RCA, visit www.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 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 (412) 516-9456or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Recently, the travel industry has seen a powerful shift as travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, yet data shows more Americans are now opting for alcohol-free vacations. Also known as “sober travel” or “dry tripping”, several sources suggest today’s travelers are increasingly interested in vacationing without taking a single sip of booze. According to Katie Couric Media, searches for “sober travel”, “dry tripping,” and “alcohol-free vacations” have jumped 205% in early 2025 compared to the first half of 2024, and engagement on these topics has surged over 2,500%.
In addition, data by Expedia indicates 40%+ of travelers in 2023-24 were likely to book a detox or alcohol-free trip in the following year. Per the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism industry, often synonymous with sober travel, is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by next year. To learn more about the “dry tripping” and sober travel trends, I chatted with Rachel Holliday, Recovery Support Specialist Supervisor at Recovery Centers of America at Monroeville. Here’s what she shared about the rising interest in vacationing without alcohol and her best tips for planning sober travel in a so-called “boozy world.”
Read the full article here.
Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, lifelong, and filled with both challenges and hope. Dr. Pete Vernig, Vice President of Mental Health Services, and Dr. Carolyn Thangawng, Regional Medical Director, from Recovery Centers of America, sat down with Ti King on Longterm: A Podcast in Recovery to share what they’re seeing every day in the recovery space. From how the brain can heal from addiction to the barriers formed with the stigma around mental health and addiction, their insights provide the reminder that recovery is about compassion, connection, and continuous care.
New in-network agreements now cover up to 90% of commercially insured lives in Indiana, New Jersey, and South Carolina
Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based addiction treatment, announced today that three of its locations are now in-network with Optum, one of the nation’s largest health insurers. With this
partnership, RCA at Indianapolis, RCA at Greenville, and RCA at Lighthouse now offer patient access to affordable, high-quality substance abuse disorder (SUD) care by ensuring coverage across the full continuum of services.
RCA at Indianapolis became in-network with Optum for all levels of SUD care – Detox, Residential, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). RCA is actively working with Optum and anticipates future approval of mental health services,
pending one year of outcomes data.
RCA at Greenville is now-in-network with Optum for all outpatient services, including PHP and IOP, building on detox and residential coverage. Greenville is one of the few providers in the region to offer full-spectrum, in-network care from detox through outpatient treatment.
RCA at Lighthouse also joins Optum’s in-network provider network, further strengthening RCA’s ability to serve patients across New Jersey.
By securing in-network agreements with Optum, Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna, RCA locations in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Indiana now cover an estimated 85-90% of all commercially insured lives in those states.
“Patients and families shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of insurance coverage when seeking life-saving care,” said Mark Faselle, VP of Payor Relations. “With Optum now in-network, we can provide peace of mind to patients and referral sources alike, knowing that in most cases,
treatment will be covered.”
RCA remains committed to its mission of saving lives from the disease of addiction by delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care close to home.
To learn more about RCA, visit www.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 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 1-800-RECOVERY or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Dr. Jeffrey Harris appointed to lead clinical operations and advance recovery efforts in the Upstate.
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Greenville announced today the addition of Dr. Jeffrey Harris as the new Medical Director, bringing more than two decades of clinical leadership and addiction medicine expertise to the role.
Dr. Harris is a seasoned physician with a Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) and a South Carolina medical license who spent the last 13 years operating and scaling outpatient medication-assisted treatment (MAT) practices and urgent care centers across multiple states. He most recently served as Chief Medical Officer for a national healthcare technology company, where he focused on driving quality patient outcomes and team-based care delivery.
“I was drawn to RCA’s mission-driven, compassionate commitment to care, evidence-based approach, and the opportunity to lead meaningful change in addiction treatment,” said Dr. Harris. “I’m looking forward to mentoring providers, supporting team development, and helping implement clinical workflows that ensure consistent, patient-centered care.”
Read the full article here.