Fort Collins Opens Addiction Center Accepting Medicaid

Getting help for addiction just became easier in northern Colorado, where a new treatment center is opening its doors to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay.

Avenues Recovery Center in Fort Collins launched this month as part of an 18-facility network across seven states. The center currently treats 19 clients but can accommodate up to 140 people seeking recovery.

What sets this facility apart is its commitment to accessibility. The center accepts both commercial insurance and Medicaid, removing a major barrier that prevents many people from getting the help they need.

The program offers 45-day residential stays, longer than the typical 30-day approach most facilities use. Clinical Director Ryan Plourde says those extra two weeks make all the difference in long-term success.

"The longer a client can stay inpatient, the more successful they will be upon discharge," Plourde explained. "Those extra couple weeks in treatment really help them be successful when they go to the lower levels of care."

The center provides integrated addiction and mental health treatment from day one. Staff work closely with clients to transition them to long-term providers after they complete the program, ensuring continuity of care.

To keep treatment affordable, the center partners with insurers and community organizations to offer scholarships for clients who need to stay longer than 45 days. This safety net means financial concerns won't cut recovery short.

The Ripple Effect

The center's approach to staffing creates authentic connections that fuel recovery. Counselors maintain small caseloads of fewer than 10 clients each, allowing for truly individualized care and meaningful relationships.

Many staff members are in recovery themselves, bringing firsthand understanding to their work. Kristen Pogline, a client engagement specialist, says her own recovery journey made helping others a passion.

"It's easier for us to welcome them, to support them, and to empathize with them and get on their level," Pogline said. "And they appreciate that."

For the staff, watching clients transform from their first day to graduation at 45 days makes every challenge worthwhile. That visible change, from struggling to thriving, drives their commitment to the work.

Northern Colorado now has another pathway to recovery, one that welcomes everyone ready to start healing.