Behavioral Health Group and Freedmen’s Medicine Bridge Gaps in Addiction and Primary Care in Washington, D.C.

The collaboration has improved quality and frequency of care, strengthened patient engagement and has contributed to better outcomes for the community 

Washington, D.C. (August 14, 2025) - As Behavioral Health Group (BHG) and Freedmen’s Medicine coordinate care by using the collaborative care management (CoCM) service model—an evidence-based approach that integrates behavioral health and primary care—both organizations aim to improve access, coordination and outcomes for individuals undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).  

The relationship addresses a critical gap in access to primary care for individuals struggling with OUD in a historically underserved area of Washington, D.C. Studies show that 64.3% of adults with OUD also have any mental illness (AMI)¹ and 58% of ER patients lack a primary care physician.² 

“For many of our patients, we are the only healthcare provider that they will see, so being able to offer access to primary care physicians for expanded services while they are already coming in for treatment allows patients to be treated for any co-occurring disorders that they may be facing along with OUD,”  Tiara Reddick, Regional Director – District of Columbia & Maryland. 

By holding weekly clinics at the BHG Washington, D.C. Treatment Center, Freedmen’s Medicine and BHG are providing integrated, whole-person care for those with chronic physical conditions, other substance use disorders, and behavioral health challenges. This collaboration addresses a common gap in care when medical and behavioral health providers operate separately; patients often experience inefficient treatment. Over the past year, the partnership has had a direct impact on outcomes for more than 114 patients, improving patient retention by 20% in the last year, and showing greater stability in treatment.  

“This partnership is a model of what integrated care should look like. When we recognize that substance use, mental health and physical health are deeply connected, we give patients the best possible chance at recovery and long-term wellness,” Timothy McNeill, Chief Executive Officer, Freedmen’s Medicine. 

Beyond individual patient outcomes, the partnership has had a meaningful effect on the broader community—an area deeply impacted by the opioid epidemic. By expanding support and outreach services, the partnership has helped destigmatize OUD and increase awareness around treatment options.  

As of July 1, 2024, Freedmen’s Medicine provides on-site services in partnership with BHG. Looking forward, they aim to track the demand for uncompensated care services and build on this year’s progress by continuing to improve access to care, support long-term recovery and strengthen community health. 

About BHG

A leader in addiction medicine, Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited outpatient opioid treatment centers in the US. We offer comprehensive, personalized evidence-based medications and counseling services for substance use disorders (SUDs), including OUD. With more than 110 locations in 22 states, ~2,000 employees serve more than 43,000 patients every day. Visit BHGrecovery.com

Media Contact:

Brooke Mozingo 
Marketing & Communications Manager  
561-350-0357 
Brooke.Mozingo@bhgrecovery.com   

Annie Gates 
Marketing Intern  
Annie.Gates@bhgrecovery.com  

References:

¹ Trowbridge P, Weinstein Z, Kerensky T, et al. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019;195:278–283. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.031.  

² Fu W, Adzhiashvili V, Majlesi N. Cureus. 2023;15(7):e41464. doi:10.7759/cureus.41464.