July 10, 2025

A recent article in Addiction Treatment Business addressed the uncertainty surrounding the addiction treatment industry amid Medicaid reform and the potential ripple effects across state-level systems already under strain, as well as other persistent challenges that remain just as pressing—such as staffing shortages and outdated reimbursement models.

Kristin Berg, Executive Director of Desert Hope Treatment Center, offers a grounded, hopeful perspective on solutions that start from within. “Retention remains a top challenge across clinical and non-clinical roles,” she says. However, Desert Hope is actively addressing it by prioritizing trauma-informed supervision, mental health support for staff, growth pathways, and flexible scheduling.

Additionally, Berg champions peer support specialists as “the cornerstone” of the recovery system. These paraprofessionals, with lived experience, now play a vital role not just in treatment but across the entire recovery journey, helping individuals find housing, jobs, and long-term stability. Their presence bridges gaps in care and provides the human connection that clinical models often miss.

So, while federal reform may shape the system’s future, the present hinges on workforce investment, integrated peer support, and policies that reflect the realities of recovery. Read the full article.