VISALIA, CA — The Visalia Recovery Center is opening its new, larger facility on East Caldwell Avenue today, marking a significant increase in local options for addiction and mental health care.
The center is hosting a public open house and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Wednesday, Jan. 28, so the community can tour the site. CEO Nolen Burchett said the move was necessary to meet the high demand for local private addiction treatment.
Increased Capacity
The new facility is three times larger than the center’s previous 2,000-square-foot location. This expansion focuses on treatment for adults aged 18 and older and allows staff to treat 25 to 30 people at once.
Expanded Mental Health Resources
In addition to substance abuse care, the move brings more mental health resources to the area. Ascend and Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health are now providing services for both children and adults in a building next door to the new recovery center.
According to a report by ABC30, these partners offer specialized care, such as intensive daytime therapy. This allows patients to receive high-level care during the day and return home at night instead of staying in a hospital.
Team Expansion
Dr. Jason Christopherson, Vice President of Pediatric Services at Ascend Behavioral Health, said the move allows Ascend to hire more specialists. The growing team includes child psychiatrists in training, staff who help coordinate care, and leaders for group therapy sessions.
Dr. Christopherson said the goal of the new facility and expanded team is to provide local residents with the same high-quality care found in big cities.
Residents interested in learning more about the services offered can visit the new location on East Caldwell Avenue or attend today’s open house event.
