Most treatment centers are losing admissions without even realizing it… and it’s not your marketing—it’s your process. In this video, we break down 7 proven admissions strategies that top behavioral health centers use to increase conversions, improve call handling, and turn more inquiries into life-changing placements.

Read the full article: https://recovery.com/podcasts/best-behavioral-health-admissions-process/
Example call flow: https://recovery.com/podcasts/behavioral-health-call-flow/
Become an advertiser: https://providers.recovery.com/expand-your-reach/

If you’ve ever wondered why your admissions team isn’t converting calls, struggling with low answer rates, or missing opportunities after form submissions, this is your blueprint. You’ll learn how to build a structured admissions call flow, improve your answer rate to 90–95%, and implement systems like call scoring, rapid response automation, and overflow support to capture every opportunity.

We also dive into advanced tactics like creating an “objection handling playbook,” using AI role play tools for admissions training, and building a feedback loop between marketing and admissions to maximize ROI. These are the same strategies used by high-performing behavioral health call centers to increase revenue and help more people get the care they need.

Whether you run a rehab center, mental health facility, or admissions team, this video will show you how to fix your admissions process fast and turn it into a scalable growth engine.

Watch until the end to discover how small changes in speed, structure, and training can dramatically increase your admissions rate.

👉 If you found this helpful, subscribe for more behavioral health marketing and admissions strategies, and share this with your team.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why Admissions Matter More Than Marketing
00:45 – The Power of a Structured Call Flow
02:15 – How to Improve Your Answer Rate
03:20 – What to Do When You Miss Calls
04:30 – Scoring Calls to Track Real Performance
06:00 – Speed to Lead: Why 5 Minutes Matters
07:00 – Building an Objection Handling Playbook
08:30 – Role Play & AI Training for Admissions Teams
09:45 – Turning Systems Into a Growth Engine

❓ Questions the Video Answers:

How can I improve admissions conversion rates?
What is a good answer rate for call centers?
How do treatment centers handle inbound calls effectively?
What is a behavioral health admissions call flow?
How fast should you respond to leads?
Why am I losing leads after form submissions?
What happens if you miss inbound calls?
How do you qualify admissions leads?
What is a call scoring system for admissions?
How can I train my admissions team better?
What are common objections in rehab admissions?
How do you increase call center performance?
What tools improve admissions processes?
How does speed to lead impact conversions?
How do top rehab centers increase admissions?

🔍 Hashtags:
#behavioralhealth #marketingstrategy #salestraining

Thinking about launching a virtual IOP? This episode breaks down what treatment centers get right, what they miss, and how virtual care really works.

Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Learn more about Cornerstone Healing Center: https://www.cornerstonehealingcenter.com/
Connect with Amber:  amber@cornerstonehealingcenter.com.

If you’re a behavioral health leader, marketer, or operator wondering whether a virtual intensive outpatient program can expand care, improve outcomes, and grow your continuum, this conversation is for you. In this episode, Amber Vaughn from Cornerstone Healing Center explains how virtual IOP works in the real world, who it serves best, and why it is not just a plug-and-play version of in-person treatment.

You’ll learn the difference between intensive outpatient therapy and virtual intensive outpatient therapy, when online addiction treatment makes sense, and why mental health treatment through telehealth can be more accessible for people balancing work, school, parenting, or rural living. Amber also shares what most centers misunderstand about marketing a VIOP, including why people rarely search for levels of care directly and why strong content, trust-building, brand awareness, and a smoother admissions process matter so much.

This episode also explores the operational side of virtual rehab and online therapy programs: outcomes tracking, clinician fit, software needs, patient engagement, admissions training, reimbursement realities, and how to reduce friction so people can start treatment faster. If you’ve ever asked, “Should our treatment center add a virtual intensive outpatient program?” this is the practical breakdown you need.

You’ll walk away with clearer strategy, better language for explaining VIOP, and a more honest view of what it takes to build an effective virtual treatment program that truly helps more people.

Subscribe for more conversations on treatment center marketing, behavioral health growth, addiction recovery strategy, and how to help more people access quality care. Current YouTube/web results show strong relevance around phrases like “virtual IOP,” “virtual intensive outpatient program,” “online addiction treatment,” “mental health treatment,” and “what is IOP,” which informed the keyword mix here.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – What Is Virtual IOP?
00:53 – How VIOP Works in Real Life
02:01 – Who Is a Good Fit for Virtual Treatment?
03:33 – Why Group + Individual Therapy Matter
06:33 – The Marketing Challenge of Virtual IOP
08:35 – Why People Don’t Search for “VIOP”
11:31 – Why Trust and Content Drive Admissions
16:01 – How to Build Trust Without a Facility Tour
18:55 – Outcomes, Data, and Virtual Care Effectiveness
19:53 – How VIOP Extends the Continuum of Care
24:21 – Building Connection in a Virtual Group
25:47 – Should Your Center Launch a VIOP?
29:58 – Who Virtual IOP Helps Most
33:31 – Practical Tips for Building a Better Program
38:33 – Admissions, Ambivalence, and Motivational Interviewing
43:31 – Medicaid, Margins, and Lifetime Value
47:32 – Why the Industry Must Share What Works
50:29 – Where to Learn More from Amber Vaughn

❓ Questions the Video Answers:
What is a virtual intensive outpatient program?
How does virtual IOP differ from in-person IOP?
Who is a good fit for virtual intensive outpatient therapy?
When should someone choose virtual treatment over weekly therapy?
Can online addiction treatment actually be effective?
Why do treatment centers struggle to market virtual IOP?
How do people discover virtual rehab if they are not searching for VIOP?
What makes a virtual mental health treatment program trustworthy?
How do you build connection in an online group therapy setting?
What should admissions teams say when someone is unsure about treatmen

In this episode, host Clint sits down with Jen Carvalho, CEO of The Haven at College, to explore what truly sets behavioral health organizations apart. With over 20 years of executive experience and a personal journey in recovery, Jen shares her insights on authentic differentiation, leadership, and building a culture that delivers real impact for clients and staff alike. If you work in behavioral health, lead a team, or want to build a brand that stands out, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom.

— Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

— Learn more about The Haven At College: https://thehavenatcollege.com/

— Connect with Jen on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-carvalhobh/

Key Discussion Points
• Why most treatment centers sound the same—and how to break out of the sameness trap
• The difference between external marketing and internal culture
• How authentic clinical philosophy drives real differentiation
• The importance of showcasing your team, not just your facilities
• High turnover in behavioral health: causes and solutions
• Building a culture of appreciation, ownership, and engagement
• The power of niche: why The Haven focuses on college students
• Aligning marketing and clinical teams for brand integrity
• Leadership’s role in creating a healing, resilient organization
• Jen’s personal recovery journey and how it shapes her leadership

Timestamped Show Notes
0:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest, Jen Carvalho
0:35 – Jen’s background: CEO of The Haven at College, 20+ years in behavioral health, personal recovery story
1:18 – Why “differentiation” in treatment centers is often just surface-level marketing
2:37 – The real value: deep clinical philosophy and internal focus
4:39 – The challenge of turnover and why many centers don’t showcase their staff
7:48 – How to honor and elevate your team, and why it matters for clients
8:48 – Industry turnover rates: 35-40% and the emotional toll of the work
10:10 – Burnout, career advancement, and the need for self-care in behavioral health
11:57 – Jen’s approach to building culture and professional development
13:37 – The importance of supporting staff and recognizing their impact
16:22 – Authentic differentiation: supporting clinicians’ passions and specialties
18:10 – Telling stories of change: making clinicians and staff the heroes
20:22 – The role of every team member in creating a healing environment
22:06 – The power of niche: why The Haven focuses on college students and the benefits of specialization
25:36 – Marketing vs. clinical: bridging the gap for brand authenticity
28:36 – Leadership’s responsibility: vision, culture, and empowering teams
31:32 – Jen’s recovery journey and how it informs her leadership style
34:37 – Final thoughts: the value of focus, alignment, and human connection in behavioral health

Welcome to an in-depth conversation with Matthew Fung-A-Fat, digital marketing leader at Acadia Healthcare. In this episode, we dive into the world of behavioral health marketing, exploring how data and analytics can drive better outcomes, ethical marketing practices, and the human side behind every click and conversion. Whether you’re running a local IOP or a national network, you’ll find actionable insights on metrics, experimentation, and the future of data-driven healthcare marketing.

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

Learn more about Acadia Healthcare: https://www.acadiahealthcare.com/

Connect with Matthew on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-fungafat


Key Topics Covered:

• The importance of data in behavioral health marketing
• Which marketing metrics matter most (and which are overrated)
• Understanding the full marketing funnel: from website visits to admissions
• Qualitative vs. quantitative data: why both matter
• The role of experimentation and A/B testing in healthcare marketing
• Ethical data practices and privacy in healthcare
• Overcoming challenges with tracking, attribution, and fragmented platforms
• How to keep marketing human-centered and empathetic
• Building a useful data infrastructure for treatment centers
• The future of behavioral health marketing: AI, personalization, and beyond

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: Why data matters in behavioral health marketing
0:48 – Meet Matthew Fung-A-Fat & his approach to ethical, outcome-driven marketing
2:00 – Which metrics matter most? Funnel metrics, admissions, and outcomes
3:30 – Qualitative data: scoring calls, understanding lead quality
5:00 – How Acadia tracks and rates calls, and the challenges of attribution
7:00 – Key website metrics: unique visitors, conversion rates, dwell time
9:00 – Troubleshooting website performance: SEO, engagement, and clinical questionnaires
11:00 – What’s a “good” dwell time? Segmenting by service line and user intent
14:00 – Designing and running marketing experiments in healthcare
17:00 – A/B testing in action: button language, clarity, and conversion
20:00 – Learning from data: when metrics mislead and how to course-correct
23:00 – Keeping marketing human: empathy, testimonials, and voice of customer
27:00 – Privacy, cookies, and ethical tracking in healthcare
30:00 – Building a data infrastructure: spreadsheets, CRMs, and analytics tools
34:00 – The future: AI, personalization, and smarter campaigns
36:00 – Where to learn more about Matthew and Acadia Healthcare
37:00 – Final thoughts: Better marketing, better outcomes

In this episode of Recovery Reach by Recovery.com, we sit down with Daniel Krasner, former Chief Marketing Officer at Summit Behavioral Healthcare (Summit BHC), about bridging the gap between sales and marketing in the behavioral health industry. Daniel shares his unique journey from business development to the C-suite, revealing the mental and tactical shifts required to lead both teams. The conversation covers building in-house marketing, the power of attribution, local branding, alumni programs, and the future of targeted, data-driven campaigns. Packed with real-world stories and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in healthcare marketing or business development.

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

Learn more about Daniel's consulting & interventionist services: https://dksolutionsgroup.com/

Connect with Daniel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkrasner

00:00 – Intro: Why sales and marketing must work together
01:12 – Daniel’s background: From business development to CMO
02:15 – The shift from sales to marketing leadership
03:30 – Learning digital marketing from scratch
05:00 – Building a digital marketing team and hiring agencies
07:00 – In-house vs. agency: Pros, cons, and lessons learned
09:00 – Aligning business development and marketing strategies
10:45 – Navigating team tensions and communication challenges
13:00 – The importance of attribution: Tracking what works
15:00 – Tools and processes for measuring ROI
17:00 – Creating local awareness and building community trust
19:00 – Launching new facilities: Pre-opening strategies
21:00 – The role of content, SEO, and Google reviews
23:00 – Balancing brand storytelling with performance marketing
25:00 – Feedback loops: Sales, marketing, and operations working together
27:00 – Best practices for regular team communication
29:00 – Alumni programs: Leveraging testimonials and reviews
31:00 – The future of behavioral health marketing: Personalization & innovation
33:00 – Daniel’s next chapter and how to connect
34:00 – Final thoughts and takeaways

Key Takeaways:

• Sales and marketing alignment is crucial for growth and patient acquisition.
• Data-driven attribution enables smarter marketing investments.
• Local branding and authentic community engagement build trust.
• Regular, structured feedback between marketing, business development, and operations teams prevents miscommunication.
• Alumni programs and testimonials are underutilized assets for reputation and referrals.
• The future is in targeted, persona-based, and multi-channel campaigns.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of marketing luxury and international mental health and addiction treatment. Our special guest, Giles Fourie, Director of White River Manor in South Africa, discusses the unique offerings of their high-end treatment center located near Kruger National Park. Topics include the importance of pricing transparency, the strategic use of location, and the challenges and benefits of international treatment. Giles also shares his personal journey of recovery and how it fuels his passion for helping others. Don't miss this deep dive into the world of luxury behavioral health treatment.

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

Learn more about White River Manor: https://www.whiterivermanor.com/

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

00:31 Exploring Luxury and International Treatment

00:34 Guest Introduction: Giles from White River Manor

01:41 The Importance of Pricing Transparency

03:37 Marketing the Unique Location of White River Manor

06:52 Building Trust and Safety in International Treatment

11:12 Personalized Luxury Experience at White River Manor

21:21 Giles' Personal Journey and Passion for Recovery

24:54 Balancing Luxury and Clinical Excellence

27:37 Future of International Luxury Treatment

30:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

Join us in this episode of Recovery Reach as we sit down with Zach Gross, CEO of MGMT Digital, to discuss the critical importance of branding in the behavioral health industry. Learn the difference between branding and marketing, the consequences of ignoring branding, and how to create a brand that truly connects and converts. Zach shares insights about MGMT Digital's comprehensive approach to branding, including their onboarding process, competitor analysis, and the emotional connections necessary to build trust. Discover why branding is more crucial than ever in a highly competitive market and how making a strong first impression can make all the difference. 

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

Learn more about MGMT Digital: https://mgmtdigital.com/

Learn more about Zach Gross: https://mgmtdigital.com/teams/zach-gross/

00:00 Introduction to Branding in Behavioral Health

00:49 Meet Zach Gross: CEO of MGMT Digital

01:52 Understanding Branding vs. Marketing

04:05 The Importance of Branding in a Competitive Market

07:29 Building a Strong Brand: Key Elements

10:30 MGMT Digital's Approach to Branding

12:55 Common Branding Mistakes and Their Consequences

15:18 The Role of Trust and Authenticity in Branding

21:20 The Branding Process at MGMT Digital

26:44 The Future of Branding in Behavioral Health

31:09 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Welcome to Recovery Reach by recovery.com! In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of paid media within the behavioral health space. Join us as Preston Powell, founder of WebServ, shares his journey from sober living to agency owner, and offers expert advice on auditing, wasted spend, and the intricacies of PPC in the substance use and mental health treatment industry. Discover how different regions impact media spend, the significance of first-party data, and the future of AI in PPC. Don't miss this enlightening discussion tailored for marketers looking to maximize their impact and efficiency!

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

Learn more about WebServ: https://webserv.io/
Learn more about Revenue Logic: https://revenuelogic.io/

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach
00:49 Meet Preston Powell: From Sober Living to Agency Owner
02:33 Understanding the Behavioral Health Paid Media Landscape
03:57 Challenges and Strategies in Paid Media
07:54 Auditing and Reducing Wasted Spend
16:23 Google's AI and Performance Max
28:22 Opportunities in Canadian Treatment Advertising
30:09 Lightning Round: PPC Myths, Tools, and Tips
33:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

Welcome to Recovery Reach by Recovery.com! In this episode, Derek Hyman, founder and CEO of Scalable Growth, shares his expertise on why high-intent traffic is crucial for addiction and mental health treatment centers. He discusses the differences between high and low-intent traffic and provides strategies for attracting leads that convert. Derek also dives into the importance of creating content that balances the needs of both users and search engines, and explores how to leverage Google’s algorithm to maximize your digital impact. Discover best practices for optimizing SEO and conversion rate, plus tips on using call tracking, content strategy, and more.

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com

Learn more about Scalable Growth: https://scalablegrowth.co/

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach

00:28 Meet Derek Hyman: Founder and CEO of Scalable Growth

02:42 Understanding Search Intent

04:32 The Importance of High Intent Traffic

06:45 Challenges with Low Intent Traffic

20:59 Strategies for High Intent Keywords

25:38 Reverse Engineering for Effective Lead Generation

26:05 Content Strategy for Google and Humans

27:24 Understanding User Personas and Content Needs

28:04 Importance of Ratings, Reviews, and Google Business Profile

29:51 SEO and CRO: A Cohesive Strategy

30:18 Optimizing Content for Mobile and User Engagement

30:56 Effective Use of CTAs and Content Presentation

39:32 Tracking Metrics and Measuring Success

42:49 Impact of High-Intent Keywords on Map Pack Rankings

44:54 Future of SEO in the Age of AI

46:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Recovery Reach by Recovery.com, we sit down with Gary Garth, founder of elev8.io, to discuss why most behavioral health marketing strategies fail and how to fix them. Gary shares his journey from Europe to the U.S., his work with giants like Google and Microsoft, and his pivot to focus on the behavioral health industry after personal tragedies. We cover the differences between lead generation and demand generation, the importance of a multi-tiered approach to patient acquisition, and how to optimize your marketing efforts across multiple channels. Gary also talks about admissions alignment, CRM systems, tracking metrics, and effective communication between marketing and admissions teams. Tune in for actionable insights that could transform your behavioral health facility's marketing strategy.

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com

Learn more about elev8.io: https://elev8.io/

Learn more about Gary Garth: https://www.garygarth.com/

Read Gary Garth's Latest Book: https://www.amazon.com/Zero-100-Million-Sales-Blueprint/dp/1544539150/

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach

00:51 Gary Garth's Journey to Behavioral Health Marketing

02:57 Identifying Gaps in Behavioral Health

05:32 Lead Generation vs. Demand Generation

10:52 Effective Marketing Strategies for Behavioral Health

22:46 Optimizing Lead Generation

24:58 Establishing a Foundation for Future Ad Networks

25:34 Key Metrics for Marketing Campaigns

26:50 Importance of Lead Quality and Cost Metrics

27:18 Predictable Patient Acquisition Strategies

29:58 Challenges with SEO Agencies

34:13 Collaboration Between Marketing and Admissions

40:37 Elevate's Comprehensive Approach

45:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Welcome to Recovery Reach, powered by Recovery.com! Join us as we dive into the substance use and mental health treatment industry's complexities with Meg Kee from Kee Group Marketing. Explore how treatment centers can carve out their niches, align operations, and market smarter by making data-driven decisions while leveraging the power of community engagement. Meg shares valuable insights on niche identification, compliance, digital marketing strategies, and the importance of lived experience in crafting effective marketing campaigns. Tune in to discover how to differentiate your facility and make a meaningful impact in a crowded field. Don't miss this essential conversation for treatment center operators, marketing professionals, and anyone interested in the substance use and mental health treatment industry!

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com

Learn more about Kee Group Marketing: https://keegroupmarketing.com/

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach

00:55 Meet Meg Kee: Marketing Expert

01:41 Importance of Compliance in Marketing

03:06 Finding Your Niche in Treatment Centers

04:36 Aligning Operations with Marketing

05:38 Overcoming Marketing and Outreach Tensions

06:44 Grading the Industry on Niche Marketing

07:55 Challenges in Finding and Sticking to a Niche

09:56 Benefits of Specialization in Treatment

12:26 Data-Driven Decisions in Marketing

13:58 Examples of Effective Niche Marketing

18:10 Leveraging Staff Strengths for Marketing

20:55 Innovative Digital Marketing Strategies

22:22 Leveraging Differentiator Items in Digital Marketing

22:42 Exploring Competitor Strategies and New Channels

23:30 Balancing Risk and Simplicity in Marketing

24:22 Pitching and Evaluating Alternative Marketing Methods

25:12 The Importance of Client-Agency Relationships

27:09 Challenges in Tracking CPA and ROI

30:51 Building Awareness and Community Engagement

33:48 The Role of Gut Instinct in Marketing Decisions

38:11 Group Marketing and Client Selection

43:03 Overcoming Discouragement in Marketing

43:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Recovery Reach by Recovery.com, Michael Castanon, founder of Alter Behavioral Health, Alter Care Line, and Care Predictor, joins us to discuss rebuilding after failure, building a scalable culture, and why human connection is the ultimate KPI in behavioral health. Michael shares his incredible journey from the world of finance to becoming a transformative leader in mental health care. He talks about his personal challenges, the insights gained from his entrepreneurial ventures, and the innovative strategies he implemented to elevate care quality. Learn how Michael's lived experiences have shaped his approach to mental health treatment and discover valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and impactful business growth. Don't miss this inspiring discussion filled with actionable advice and heartfelt stories.

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

Learn more about Alter Behavioral Health: https://alterbehavioralhealth.com/

Learn more about Alter Care Line: https://altercareline.com/

Learn more about Care Predictor: https://carepredictor.com/

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach

00:29 Meet Michael Castanon: Journey and Achievements

01:03 Icebreaker and Initial Conversation

01:34 Michael's Background and Career Path

05:44 From Finance to Behavioral Health

06:02 Personal Struggles and Transformation

09:51 Lessons from Luminance Recovery

16:18 Rebuilding with Alter Behavioral Health

27:39 Understanding Market Needs

29:26 Identifying Market Trends

32:11 Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

37:43 Introduction to Care Predictor

41:06 The Science Behind Care Predictor

44:47 Implementing Care Predictor in Organizations

51:46 Marketing and Growth Strategies

55:04 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Marketing a teen treatment center is not like marketing adult rehab—because you’re building trust with parents in crisis and earning teen buy-in at the same time. In this episode, Clint Malley sits down with Jeremy Manet to break down what actually works in teen treatment center marketing, from website messaging to Google reviews, admissions calls, and content that parents and referring professionals will trust.

Advertise your center on Recovery.com: https://providers.recovery.com/

You’ll learn how to market teen rehab and teen residential treatment (RTC) without sounding generic—because “evidence-based, individualized, holistic care” isn’t a differentiator anymore. We unpack why teen treatment is uniquely complex: parents search differently than clinicians (think “teen rehab” vs “adolescent residential treatment”), teens show up with fear fueled by the troubled teen industry headlines, and your program has to match what your website promises—or trust collapses fast.

We also cover practical tactics like adding parent decision tools (simple “Is it serious?” quizzes), creating free parent support groups to reduce isolation, and using parent testimonials the right way (while avoiding risky teen testimonials). Plus: how to handle negative reviews from teens, why a perfect 5-star profile can actually look suspicious, and how to align marketing, admissions, and operations so your message is consistent everywhere—from the map pack to the phone call.

If you want more admissions and better outcomes, this is the playbook. Subscribe for more treatment center marketing strategies, and comment: what’s your biggest challenge—reviews, website trust, or teen buy-in?

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why Teen Treatment Marketing Is Different
01:05 – Who You’re Really Marketing To (Parents, Teens, Referrers)
02:20 – “Teen Rehab” vs “Adolescent Residential Treatment” Search Language
03:15 – Troubled Teen Industry Fears + How to Build Teen Buy-In
05:00 – Parents in Crisis: Trust Starts on the First Call
07:05 – Website Trust Tools: “Is It Bad Enough?” Quizzes That Convert
08:35 – Free Parent Support Groups (Trust Before They Admit)
09:15 – Teen Treatment Testimonials: Ethics, HIPAA, and What Works
12:10 – Why Parent Testimonials Convert (And How to Ask)
17:00 – Google Reviews + Local SEO for Teen Treatment Centers
20:15 – Handling Negative Teen Reviews the Right Way
22:30 – Marketing + Admissions Alignment (Obstacle Overcomes)
26:00 – What Parents Actually Want to See on Your Website
29:10 – Differentiation: Stop Sounding Like Every Other Program
35:00 – Internal Marketing: Align Staff Before You Go External
46:50 – Content + Social Media That Builds Trust (Not Just Ads)
57:05 – Final Takeaways + Where to Connect

❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How do you market a teen treatment center differently than adult rehab?
Who is the real decision-maker in teen residential treatment admissions?
What keywords do parents search for (teen rehab vs adolescent treatment)?
How do you earn teen buy-in before admission?
How should programs address “troubled teen industry” fears online?
What should a teen treatment website include to build trust fast?
How do quizzes help parents decide if treatment is “bad enough”?
What’s the best way to use testimonials in teen treatment marketing?
Why are teen video testimonials risky, and what’s a safer alternative?
How do you ask parents for reviews without making it awkward?
How important are Google reviews for local SEO and the map pack?
What should you do when teens leave negative Google reviews?
Why a perfect 5-star rating can hurt credibility in behavioral health
How do you align marketing, admissions, and clinical operations?
What content topics actually drive organic admissions for teen treatment?

#mentalhealth #addictionrecovery #digitalmark

Join us on this episode of Recovery Reach by Recovery.com as we sit down with Renee Baribeau, the longtime event director behind Montare Behavioral Health and Renewal Health Group. Renee shares her expertise in organizing impactful events, from alumni gatherings to CE events, that foster community and drive successful outcomes in the behavioral health landscape. Discover how strategic, soulful gatherings can build meaningful connections, generate ROI, and enhance your organization's impact. Learn essential tips on executing effective events, leveraging technology, and creating lasting relationships within the industry. Whether you're planning intimate local meetups or large-scale national conferences, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone involved in the substance use and mental health treatment industry.

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https:/recovery.com

Learn more about Montare Behavioral Health (https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/) and Renewal Health Group (https://renewalrecovery.com/)

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach

00:31 Meet Renee Baribeau: Event Director Extraordinaire

01:23 The Importance of Events in Behavioral Health

04:33 Alumni Events: Building Community and Connection

07:04 Promoting and Managing Alumni Events

12:44 Leveraging Technology for Event Success

19:17 Continuing Education (CE) Events: A Strategic Approach

24:53 The Importance of Timely Follow-Up After Events

26:33 Maximizing Conference Impact for Patient Acquisition

28:17 Organizing Cost-Effective Day-Long Events

29:16 The Role of Enthusiasm and Vision in Event Planning

31:27 Creative and Budget-Friendly Event Ideas

33:19 Promoting Events Effectively

35:07 Avoiding Common Event Planning Mistakes

39:48 Successful Event Examples and Strategies

43:30 Renee's New Book and Upcoming Events

46:47 Final Thoughts on Event Planning

Welcome to Recovery Reach by recovery.com - where we discuss the business of recovery! In today's episode, we dive deep into the importance and strategy of targeting in the recovery sector. Join Andrew as he chats with Steve Donai, founder of Growth Sherpa. They break down what targeting means, why narrowing your focus can expand your reach and impact, and how to find and engage your ideal client profile. Steve shares his expert insights on the benefits of targeted marketing, overcoming common hurdles, and offers practical advice on how to refocus your efforts for greater success. Don't miss out on this essential guide to optimizing your recovery business!

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com

Learn more about Steve Donai & Growth Sherpa: https://growthsherpaconsulting.com

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach

01:14 Understanding Targeting in Recovery

02:21 Challenges of Broad Targeting

04:37 Benefits of Narrow Targeting

04:56 Case Study: Automotive Industry

07:24 Implementing a No Wrong Call Policy

12:10 Data-Driven Targeting Strategies

15:14 Change Management in Targeting

20:21 Effective Referral Systems

24:40 Challenges in Patient-Centric Care

24:58 Leveraging Your MarTech Stack

25:49 Importance of Ongoing Coaching

26:53 Balancing Communication with Multiple Stakeholders

29:53 Utilizing Video Content for Effective Communication

31:41 Identifying Unique Selling Points

35:00 Targeting Specific Demographics

39:29 Benefits of Outcomes-Based Marketing

46:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Welcome to Recovery Reach by Recovery.com! In this episode, dive into the world of local SEO with Sam Knight, founder of Hoopless Marketing. Discover how addiction treatment centers can significantly boost visibility and calls by honing a hyperlocal strategy. Sam shares his extensive experience in behavioral health and digital marketing, discussing his powerful approach to climbing the map pack and optimizing SEO at the local level. If you've ever wondered how local SEO can transform your treatment center's reach, this is the episode for you. Tune in to learn practical steps, common mistakes to avoid, and actionable tips to improve your local search rankings. Remember, the more people you reach, the more you can help!

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com

Learn more about Hoopless Marketing: https://hoopless.com/

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach

00:54 Meet Sam Knight: SEO Expert

01:29 Sam's Journey in Behavioral Health SEO

03:18 The Power of Local SEO

04:33 Strategies for Winning the Map Pack

09:42 Understanding Google's Ranking Factors

14:57 Optimizing for Local Search

21:18 The Importance of Location in SEO

27:26 Statewide Search Dynamics

28:14 Common SEO Mistakes

29:29 Google Business Profile Categories

35:11 Importance of Services in Google Business Profile

38:10 Organic Clicks vs. Conversions

41:23 Call Tracking and Attribution

48:01 Website Importance in Local SEO

49:43 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Recovery Reach hosted by Andrew, we delve into the transformative power of video marketing in the behavioral health sector. Special guest Adam Vibe Gunton, founder and video marketing expert, shares detailed strategies on producing impactful videos at scale. Discover Adam's personal recovery journey, the highs and lows, and how he turned his experience into a mission to help others through video content. Learn actionable tips on creating videos with limited resources, the effectiveness of short-form and long-form videos, leveraging AI like ChatGPT for content planning, and the significance of authenticity in video marketing. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with practical advice for anyone in the behavioral health and recovery space.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Learn more about Recovered on Purpose: https://recoveredonpurpose.org/

Welcome to Recovery Reach by Recovery.com! In today's episode, Eric Sachs, CEO of Sachs Marketing Group, dives deep into the world of SEO, EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness), and how these play crucial roles in the digital marketing strategy of addiction treatment centers. Learn from Eric's journey of 14.5 years in the industry, his personal recovery story, and the practical steps his agency takes to help treatment centers avoid bankruptcy and thrive online. From backlink strategies to ensuring HIPAA compliance and leveraging digital PR, discover actionable insights to enhance your treatment center's online presence and effectiveness.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Connect with Sachs Marketing Group: https://sachsmarketinggroup.com/

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach
00:48 Meet Eric Sachs: CEO of Sachs Marketing Group
01:38 Eric's Journey to Recovery and Business
04:51 The Importance of Digital Marketing in Treatment Centers
05:39 Understanding Google's YMYL and EEAT
06:58 Building Topical Authority and Trust
13:52 EEAT: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness
22:58 Practical Examples of EEAT Implementation
25:12 Licensing and Certifications in Treatment Centers
26:20 Importance of Navigable Content
27:07 Linking Awards and Certifications
28:02 Placement of Certifications on Websites
28:53 Fact-Checking and Approval in Content
30:02 Building Authority Through Team Pages
31:10 Digital PR and SEO Benefits
31:50 Understanding Link Juice
36:02 Challenges for Small Treatment Centers
38:43 Case Study: Strive Forward Recovery
42:21 The Future of SEO in the Age of AI
44:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Recovery Reach, we chat with Dillon McClernon from ERP Health about the transformative power of measurement-based care in behavioral health treatment. Delve into how tracking outcomes isn't just a clinical tool but a strategic growth engine that can enhance marketing, improve payer relationships, and help organizations specialize in a crowded market. Learn how data collection and analysis can inform treatment, create feedback loops, and lead to better patient experiences and organizational success. Whether you're a healthcare provider, marketer, or just interested in the future of behavioral healthcare, this episode offers invaluable insights.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

ERP Health: https://erphealth.com/

In this episode of the Recovery Reach podcast, we delve into actionable strategies for behavioral health leaders to optimize their treatment center's location pages. Featuring Clint Mally, formerly the Director of Marketing at Sandstone Care and now the VP of Content at Recovery.com, the discussion covers why location pages are critical and how to effectively implement conversion rate optimization. Key takeaways include a robust call-to-action strategy, visual credibility, practical use of a table of contents, and emphasizing unique differentiators. Tune in to discover essential tips that can immediately enhance your center's online presence and conversion rates.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Reach Podcast

00:44 Guest Introduction: Clint Mally

01:12 Importance of Location Pages

03:38 The 3, 3, 2 Situation Explained

06:05 Three Types of Persuasion

07:46 Two Key Questions for Location Pages

10:03 15 Must-Have Elements for Location Pages

11:53 Clear Call to Action

17:15 Hero Section for Quick Credibility

21:29 Table of Contents for Easy Navigation

28:00 How We Are Different Section

30:27 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Rehab marketing isn’t “run Google Ads and pray” anymore—LegitScript, trust, and AI search changed everything. Here’s what treatment centers must do now to grow admissions ethically and predictably.

List your center on Recovery.com: https://providers.recovery.com/
Learn more about Nick: https://www.circlesocialinc.com/

In this episode, Clint sits down with Nick Jaworski (CEO of Circle Social) to break down the last decade of treatment center marketing and why the old playbook (PPC arbitrage, crisis calls, and massive spend) stopped working. We unpack the real story behind patient brokering, Google’s clampdown, and why LegitScript certification became a required cost of doing business for addiction treatment marketing.

You’ll learn why “vanilla care” kills growth in today’s competitive market—and how the winners build trust through real differentiation, aligned messaging, and airtight operations (marketing promise ↔ clinical delivery ↔ reviews ↔ referrals). Nick explains the shift toward local SEO for rehab centers, why outcomes improve when patients stay closer to home, and why your call center and admissions team must evolve beyond transactional scripts.

We also cover a simple, scalable admissions mix Nick uses with providers: a benchmark model that prioritizes business development referrals, alumni/referrals, and diversified digital channels (including rehab SEO, paid media, and emerging AI optimization). Finally, we talk about how AI tools are changing discovery—and why third-party trust sources (like reputable directories and local press) matter more than ever.

If you’re a CEO, marketer, or admissions leader in behavioral health, this is your updated rehab marketing strategy for 2026. Subscribe for more, and comment: what’s your biggest growth bottleneck right now?

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Treatment Center Marketing: What Changed in 10 Years
01:10 – The “Easy Mode” Era: Crisis Calls + Opioid Wave
05:40 – ACA Parity + Huge Reimbursements: Why PPC Exploded
08:00 – The Inflection Point: LegitScript + Google Crackdowns
12:10 – Why PPC Isn’t a Strategy (and Why It Used to “Work”)
17:40 – Trust Marketing: Reviews, Reputation, and Localization
22:15 – The “Promise vs Delivery” Gap (Why Brands Get Burned)
26:10 – Differentiation: Stop Offering “Vanilla Care”
30:10 – Call Center Fixes: What Commercial Calls Require
33:30 – BD Support: Event Marketing, LinkedIn, Community Presence
36:10 – ROI Traps: Why Short-Term Tracking Breaks Growth
40:20 – Scaling Reality: What Works at 1 Center Won’t Work at 10
43:10 – The 50/20/30 Admissions Model (BD / Alumni / Digital)
49:50 – AI Optimization: Where Search Is Heading Next
55:00 – Local PR + Third-Party Trust: How AI Chooses Who to Recommend
58:30 – Where to Connect with Nick + Final Takeaways

❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How has rehab marketing changed over the last 10 years?
What is patient brokering and how did it impact addiction treatment marketing?
Why did LegitScript become required for Google Ads in rehab marketing?
Why did PPC used to work so well for treatment centers?
What is “rehab SEO” and why is it more important now?
Why does local SEO matter more than national marketing for treatment centers?
How do you build trust in behavioral health marketing today?
What does real differentiation look like for a rehab center?
Why do treatment center marketing messages fail when operations aren’t aligned?
How should admissions teams handle commercial insurance calls differently?
What metrics actually matter for call center performance in rehab marketing?
How should treatment centers budget when results take 6–12 months?
How will AI search change addiction treatment marketing in 2026?

#mentalhealth #addictionrecovery #digitalmarketing

Marketing a behavioral health or addiction treatment center has never been more complex — higher costs, more channels, and increasing pressure to produce admits with fewer resources. So how do you know if your marketing strategy is actually working, or just keeping you busy?

In this episode of Recovery Reach, Clint Malley breaks down real-world marketing benchmarks for behavioral health treatment centers, based on a recent survey of industry leaders and operators. Instead of tactics or vendor hype, we zoom out and answer the questions every executive eventually asks: Where should admits really come from? How should marketing budgets be allocated? And what actually improves conversion?

List your treatment center for free on Recovery.com: https://providers.recovery.com/

You’ll learn the ideal admit mix between referral partnerships, organic marketing, and paid channels, and why experienced operators expect referrals to drive the highest-quality admissions. We also explore how market competitiveness, program size, payer mix, and acuity impact marketing performance — and why being “off average” isn’t always a bad thing.

This episode also reveals one of the most overlooked truths in behavioral health marketing: paid ads don’t fix conversion problems — they expose them. We unpack conversion benchmarks across referral, organic, and paid sources, and explain why speed-to-contact, admissions team skill, and qualification quality matter more than any channel.

If you’re a CEO, marketing leader, or business development professional in behavioral health, this episode will help you pressure-test your marketing strategy, allocate budget with confidence, and focus on what actually moves admits — not just leads.

👉 Subscribe for more actionable behavioral health marketing insights, and drop a comment with which channel drives your best admits.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why Behavioral Health Marketing Is More Complicated Than Ever
01:30 – Where Treatment Center Admits Should Come From
02:00 – Ideal Admit Mix: Referrals vs Organic vs Paid
03:00 – Why Benchmarks Change by Market, Size, and Payer Mix
04:30 – How to Allocate Your Marketing Budget Strategically
05:30 – The Biggest Gap Between Spend and Performance
06:30 – Conversion Benchmarks by Marketing Channel
07:30 – The #1 Factor That Improves Conversion Across All Channels
08:00 – Why Some Paid Sources Convert Better Than Others
08:45 – A Simple Framework to Pressure-Test Your Marketing Strategy
09:00 – Final Takeaways for Behavioral Health Leaders

❓ Questions the Video Answers:

1. What are realistic marketing benchmarks for behavioral health centers?
2. How many admits should come from referral partnerships?
3. How much should treatment centers rely on paid advertising?
4. What is the ideal marketing budget split for treatment centers?
5. Why do referral sources convert better than paid leads?
6. How do market competitiveness and payer mix affect marketing strategy?
7. What are normal conversion rates for treatment center leads?
8. Why do paid ads often underperform in behavioral health marketing?
9. How important is speed-to-contact for admissions conversion?
10. What role does the admissions team play in marketing success?
11. Are organic marketing channels still worth investing in?
12. When should new treatment centers rely more on paid marketing?
13. How can benchmarks help improve marketing decisions?
14. What causes the biggest inefficiencies in treatment center marketing?
15. How do top-performing centers consistently fill beds?

#behavioralhealth #healthcaremarketing #addictiontreatment

Welcome to a special episode of the Recovery Reach podcast, recorded live at the Mental Health Marketing Conference in Franklin, Tennessee! In this episode, host Andrew sits down with Trey Laird, the founder and CEO of The Lighthouse, a luxury recovery residence in Connecticut. Trey shares his personal journey from Wall Street to recovery, the inspiration behind starting The Lighthouse, and the lessons learned from a decade of helping professionals rebuild their lives after treatment. 

Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, recovery, or the business of behavioral health, this conversation is packed with insights, real stories, and practical wisdom.

— Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
— Learn more about The Lighthouse Recovery Services : https://thelighthousect.com/
— Connect with Trey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treylaird/

Key Topics Covered:
• Trey’s personal recovery journey and the founding story of The Lighthouse
• The gap in post-treatment support for professionals and executives
• Building a luxury recovery residence: vision, challenges, and lessons learned
• The importance of community, peer support, and recovery coaching
• Navigating business development and referral relationships in behavioral health
• Adapting and growing through COVID-19 and beyond
• The role of family and non-residential services in recovery
• Marketing, networking, and the power of sharing your story
• Advice for aspiring founders in the recovery/treatment space
• Reflections on impact, identity, and the future of The Lighthouse

Timestamps & Detailed Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Trey Laird, CEO & Founder of The Lighthouse
01:00 – Recording at the Mental Health Marketing Conference; the importance of industry events
02:00 – Trey’s background: Wall Street career, personal recovery, and the seed for The Lighthouse
04:00 – The lack of local sober living options and the inspiration for a new model
06:00 – The Lighthouse’s mission: luxury recovery residences for professionals
08:00 – What makes The Lighthouse unique: daily life, amenities, and peer support
10:00 – The transition from treatment to real life: challenges and opportunities
12:00 – Expanding services: from men’s house to women’s house and apartments
14:00 – Navigating COVID-19: community, remote work, and new opportunities
16:00 – The business model: non-clinical services, coaching, and peer support
18:00 – The power of lived experience: staff in recovery and peer mentorship
20:00 – Trey’s journey from recovery consumer to mentor and founder
22:00 – Learning from other high-end sober living models and adapting to Connecticut
24:00 – Building the business: networking, referral relationships, and early challenges
28:00 – The importance of reputation and careful client selection
30:00 – Hiring, team-building, and the realities of starting up
34:00 – Lessons from the first year: learning by doing, adapting, and staying mission-driven
38:00 – Growth, alumni engagement, and the evolution of services
40:00 – The impact of recovery coaching and family support
44:00 – Marketing, business development, and the power of personal storytelling
48:00 – The future of The Lighthouse: growth, expansion, and staying true to the mission
52:00 – Reflections: personal transformation, impact, and advice for new founders
56:00 – Closing thoughts: how to connect with Trey and The Lighthouse

In this episode, host Andrew Averill sits down with DJ Prince, VP of Marketing at Guardian Recovery, for a deep dive into the complex journey of rebranding and consolidating multiple treatment center brands under one unified identity. Recorded live at the Mental Health Marketing Conference in Franklin, Tennessee, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone in healthcare, marketing, or organizational leadership.

Whether you’re curious about the challenges of managing a “house of brands,” the risks and rewards of rebranding, or the real-world impact on clients, families, and staff, this episode delivers a masterclass in strategic change management.

— Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/
— Learn more about Guardian Recovery : https://www.guardianrecovery.com/
— Connect with DJ on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldprince/
— Explore DJ's other work on his personal website: https://www.donaldprince.com/


Topics Discussed:
• The scale and rapid growth of Guardian Recovery across multiple states
• The difference between a “house of brands” and a “branded house”
• Why Guardian originally operated under multiple local brands
• The business, marketing, and operational challenges of managing many brands
• The pivotal executive summit that sparked the rebranding journey
• How research and stakeholder interviews shaped the rebrand strategy
• Surprising findings about what clients, families, and referral partners value most
• The pilot rollout: choosing the first location and measuring success
• Lessons learned from legal, digital, and operational aspects of rebranding
• Advice for organizations considering a similar transformation

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Offsite at the Mental Health Marketing Conference
01:00 – Meet DJ Prince: VP of Marketing at Guardian Recovery
02:00 – Guardian’s scale: Locations, services, and marketing team structure
04:00 – The impact of AI on content and marketing operations
06:00 – Guardian’s rapid expansion: From 3 to 22+ locations
08:00 – Branding 101: House of Brands vs. Branded House explained
11:00 – Why Guardian started as a house of brands (local trust, referral strategy)
15:00 – The pain points: Managing multiple brands, digital and business development challenges
20:00 – The “straw that broke the camel’s back”: Executive summit and the need for change
23:00 – Making the case: Visual presentations and the “mic drop” moment
26:00 – Bringing in outside experts: The value of unbiased research
29:00 – What clients, families, and referral partners really care about
33:00 – Simplicity over complexity: The surprising findings from research
36:00 – The pilot: Selecting the first location and setting KPIs
40:00 – Legal, insurance, and operational hurdles in rebranding
44:00 – Results: What changed (and what didn’t) after the pilot
47:00 – Naming conventions: When to co-brand and when to go all-in
50:00 – The mechanics: Digital, HR, compliance, and team shout-outs
54:00 – Was it worth it? Reflections and advice for others
58:00 – Final thoughts: Keeping the client first and embracing the journey
1:01:00 – Where to learn more about DJ Prince and Guardian Recovery

Welcome to another episode of Recovery Reach by Recovery.com! This week, host Andrew Averill returns to sit down with Jake Gorman, COO of MGMT Digital—a full-service behavioral healthcare marketing agency. Jake brings his lived experience in recovery and deep expertise in digital marketing to the table, sharing actionable insights for treatment centers and mental health organizations looking to grow their impact.

In this episode, Jake breaks down what it takes to build a winning lead generation strategy in the behavioral health space. He explains why an omnichannel approach is essential, how to avoid common marketing pitfalls, and the importance of conversion data in optimizing ad spend. 

— Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

— Learn more about MGMT Digital : https://mgmtdigital.com/

— Connect with Jake on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gorman-1ba407233/

Topics Discussed:

• Jake’s personal journey and why MGMT Digital specializes in behavioral healthcare marketing
• The importance of mission-driven marketing and lived experience in the recovery space
• Why an omnichannel (multi-channel) approach is critical for sustainable lead generation
• How to audit your current marketing mix and identify gaps
• The role of SEO, PPC, and brand awareness campaigns in patient acquisition
• How to prioritize marketing channels when budgets are tight
• The power of conversion data and integrating with your CRM/call tracking
• The evolving role of video and social media in healthcare marketing
• Emerging trends: AI search engines, optimizing for AI overviews, and future channels

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Recovery Reach & today’s guest
00:12 – Meet Jake Gorman & MGMT Digital: mission, services, and unique approach
01:55 – Why behavioral health? Jake’s personal connection to recovery
02:30 – The value of lived experience in behavioral health marketing
02:47 – Lead generation strategy: what works in substance use & mental health
03:40 – The omnichannel approach: why you can’t rely on just one channel
04:15 – Auditing clients: assessing brand, SEO, paid media, and more
05:24 – Website first: why your site is the foundation of all marketing
06:05 – Local SEO vs. national campaigns: where to start
07:00 – Customizing strategy for new vs. established facilities
07:45 – Budget allocation: SEO, PPC, and the marketing mix
08:35 – Minimum viable marketing mix & when to expand channels
09:00 – Typical high-performing channel mix (5-6 channels)
09:30 – Directory listings, backend processes, and referral relationships
10:00 – Prioritizing channels when budgets are tight
11:00 – The danger of turning off campaigns too quickly
12:15 – How Google Ads “learning phase” works & why gradual changes matter
13:00 – Conversion data: online vs. offline, and why it’s crucial
14:00 – Integrating CRM, call tracking, and campaign optimization
15:00 – SEO pitfalls: local dominance, transactional keywords, and domain authority
16:00 – Content that converts: human writers, brand resonance, and nurturing leads
17:00 – Subtlety in nurture campaigns: staying top of mind without being pushy
18:00 – Social media’s role: video, mission-driven content, and Messenger campaigns
19:00 – The growing importance of video for SEO and brand awareness
20:00 – Emerging channels: AI search engines and optimizing for AI overviews
21:00 – Marketing myths: “Google Ads doesn’t work” and how to avoid common mistakes
22:00 – Final takeaway: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—embrace omnichannel!
23:30 – Where to connect with Jake Gorman & MGMT Digital

Are you making the most of your treatment center’s alumni network? In this episode, guest host Cliff McDonald, Chief Growth Officer of Recovery.com, sits down with Ben Wilkins, General Manager of Cared For (a division of Continuum Cloud), to reveal why alumni programs are no longer a “nice to have”—they’re essential for long-term recovery, growth, and community. Discover how technology, peer support, and smart engagement can transform outcomes for both patients and providers.

— Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

— Learn more about Cared For: https://www.caredfor.com/

— Learn more about Continuum Cloud: https://continuumcloud.com/

— Connect with Ben on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentwilkins/

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why alumni programs are now a must-have for treatment centers
• The difference between having an alumni program and doing it well
• How alumni engagement drives referrals, retention, and growth
• The pitfalls of relying solely on Facebook groups for alumni support
• The role of dedicated alumni coordinators and peer support
• How to measure outcomes and ROI for alumni programs
• The impact of technology and apps on post-treatment engagement
• Real-world examples of top-performing alumni programs
• How to create sustainable, meaningful touchpoints after discharge
• The future of alumni programming: AI, digital tools, and community

Timestamps / Shownotes:

00:00 – Introduction & guest welcome
01:05 – Why alumni programs are essential in 2025
03:20 – The competitive advantage and common pitfalls
05:30 – Alumni as an “army of marketers” and referral drivers
08:00 – Personal stories: the impact of post-treatment silence
10:30 – Alumni programs as a marketing and outcomes tool
13:00 – What great alumni programs look like (and common mistakes)
16:00 – The limits of Facebook groups and the need for real engagement
18:30 – Technology’s role: apps, automation, and maintaining connection
22:00 – Measuring ROI: outcomes, referrals, and value-based care
25:00 – How to engage alumni before, during, and after treatment
28:00 – Building sustainable touchpoints and care journeys
30:00 – The future: AI, peer support, and evolving alumni engagement
32:00 – Final thoughts and takeaways

Welcome to another episode of Recovery Reach! Guest host Cliff McDonald, Chief Growth Officer of Recovery.com, sits down with Wade Muhlhauser, CEO and founder of Plugged In Recovery, to explore how personal narrative and authenticity can become powerful assets in building a brand that truly converts in behavioral health. Wade shares his journey from corporate life to recovery leadership, revealing how vulnerability, data-driven strategy, and a people-first approach can transform both organizations and lives. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or someone passionate about recovery, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

— Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com/

— Learn more about Plugged In Recovery: https://pluggedinrecovery.com/

— Connect with Wade on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-muhlhauser-b9347735

Topics Covered:

• Wade’s founder story: from corporate to recovery leadership
• The power of authenticity and vulnerability in branding
• Reframing “conversions” as helping people, not transactions
• Building admissions and marketing strategies with KPIs and systems
• Leveraging technology and a strong tech stack in behavioral health
• The value of lived experience vs. business acumen in hiring
• Lifestyle and alumni-driven content for audience growth
• Educating and supporting clients through the continuum of care
• Creating a proactive, differentiated content strategy
• Training and coaching admissions/frontline staff for empathy and impact

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

• 0:00 – Introduction: Meet Wade Muhlhauser and today’s topic
• 1:05 – Wade’s journey: authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership
• 4:30 – Embracing lived experience and being “outed” in recovery
• 7:00 – Reframing conversions: people over transactions
• 10:45 – Bringing corporate KPIs and systems into behavioral health
• 15:00 – Tech stacks, business acumen, and competitive advantages
• 20:00 – Building a team: lived experience vs. outside expertise
• 25:00 – Lifestyle content, alumni engagement, and audience growth
• 30:00 – Explaining the continuum of care and client education
• 35:00 – Admissions playbooks, data, and experimentation
• 40:00 – Training staff for empathy, compassion, and brand alignment
• 45:00 – Lasting relationships, community trust, and closing thoughts