Are you struggling with substance or behavioral addiction?

City Expands Addiction Services as Demand Rises

City officials announced a major expansion of addiction treatment resources after a year-over-year increase in calls to crisis lines. The plan pairs clinical teams with peer specialists and adds outpatient slots at community clinics. Public health leaders said the approach draws on evidence-based protocols and years of clinical experience.

Dr. Maria Lopez, MD, addiction psychiatrist at Riverside Health, described the program’s clinical design. She noted that integrated care, including medication-assisted treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy, reduces relapse and improves outcomes. "This model aligns with national guidelines and decades of peer-reviewed research," Dr. Lopez said, citing her 15 years treating patients in emergency and outpatient settings.

The initiative will also train more licensed counselors. The county contracted with the State Behavioral Health Institute to provide continuing education and supervision by clinical psychologists and social work supervisors. Institute director Thomas Reed, PhD, emphasized standardized screening and measurement-based care to track progress objectively.

Local advocates welcomed the expansion but pressed for better insurance parity and affordable housing supports. A recent report from the County Health Department documented rising substance-related emergency visits and gaps in follow-up care. Officials said data will guide allocation and that an independent advisory panel of clinicians and community members will review outcomes quarterly.

Funding combines municipal bonds, private philanthropy, and federal grants, officials said, and initial phases aim to increase capacity within six months. Independent evaluators will publish regular reports and make anonymized outcome data available to researchers, clinicians, and the public and policymakers for review periodically.

The program includes public outreach, peer recovery hotlines, and partnerships with primary care networks to reduce stigma and promote early intervention. The city characterized the effort as a measured response rooted in expertise, transparency, and accountability. Are you struggling with substance or behavioral addiction?