‘We meet patients where they’re at’: BestCare opens specialized Bend clinic to treat substance abuse disorders

(Update: adding video, comments from BestCare)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  People suffering from substance use disorders now seek treatment at BestCare's new Addiction Medicine Clinic in southeast Bend.

 "Being low-barrier is about being stigma-free," said Billie Cartwright, medical director for the clinic. "And our patients know that they can walk in the door and tell us whatever is going on in their life, and we don't judge - and we try to encourage them to not judge themselves."

Cartwright says BestCare has been offering medication-assisted treatment in the community for seven years, but this clinic will provide a broader range of services.

"We have counseling, we have peer mentors, we have nurse care managers that can help with basic wound care," Cartwright said. "They do a lot of injections, and they also help coordinate and collaborate with community partners for primary care services."

They are collaborating with community partners, such as BestCare's Mom program, to offer support for pregnant women. Additionally, they are working with local police to assist individuals seeking treatment after incarceration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a nationwide decline in drug overdose deaths in 2023, but Oregon saw a significant increase, with a rise of at least 27%, compared to the same period in 2022.

Christie Halter, one of BestCare's addiction-certified nurse practitioners, said, "We're very busy, and we're getting busier, which means that more people are either struggling with substances, or they're getting to a place where they're ready for help."

"There's so much self-shame in addiction." Cartwright added. "And these patients don't seek care, and are developing consequences of disease related to addiction that ultimately are huge medical burdens."

BestCare says the new clinic is opening its doors to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. They said there will be a sliding scale for uninsured patients, and all major insurance coverages will be accepted, including OHP.

"We don't kick people out for struggling in their addiction," Cartwright said "We don't put mandates around abstinence. We meet patients where they're at and help them on their steps to recovery." Cartwright said.

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Here's BestCare's full recent announcement of the new program:

This patient-centered clinic prioritizes low barriers to access and builds on previous services, ensuring individuals receive effective medical management and counseling support for substance use disorders and their associated consequences. The Bend Addiction Medicine Clinic will address complex addiction needs and work to destigmatize treatment for this underserved population.

The 4,119-square-foot clinic located at 685 SE 3rd Street. in Bend, focuses on the treatment of substance use disorders related to alcohol, opiates, and methamphetamines. It utilizes FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone as part of comprehensive treatment plans that also incorporate counseling and behavioral health services.

This Addiction Medicine Clinic expands on BestCare’s successful outpatient medication-supported recovery program, which has helped hundreds of patients navigate their paths to recovery.

“BestCare’s mission is to serve those in greatest need, and the Addiction Medicine Clinic in Bend will help us further that goal,” said Rick Treleaven, CEO of Redmond-based BestCare Treatment Services and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. “This clinic will enhance collaboration among our residential, outpatient, and mental health teams, as well as with community partner organizations and primary care clinics, ultimately streamlining the road to recovery for patients with complex addiction needs.”

The Addiction Medicine Clinic employs a dedicated team of four medical providers—as well as medical assistants, drug and alcohol counselors, nurses, and certified peer mentors—all of whom are trained in addiction medicine and committed to destigmatizing care for patients with substance use disorders.

“Substance use disorder is both undertreated and over-stigmatized, and we are focused on providing a setting that more effectively helps this underserved population,” said Billie Cartwright, an addictionologist and the physician associate (PA-C) who founded the clinic. “By dedicating a specialty clinic in Bend to this treatment, we can expand our reach and help more patients achieve their individual recovery goals.”

For more information, visit www.bestcaretreatment.org, call the Bend Addiction Medicine Clinic at 541-668-9070, or call BestCare’s main line at 541-504-9577.

About BestCare Treatment Services:

Founded in 1997, BestCare Treatment Services is a CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited organization specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of addiction and mental health issues largely through residential (inpatient), outpatient, and detox programs and facilities. With eight locations in central and southern Oregon, including Bend, Klamath Falls, Madras, and Redmond, BestCare fills a critical need for programs and services addressing alcohol and substance abuse, mental health and mental illness, gambling addiction, and more. For more information call 541-504-9577 or visit www.bestcaretreatment.org.