International Association of Fire Fighters Center of Excellence Now a Participating Provider with United Behavioral Health

September 7, 2018

Fire fighters will have greater access for treatment of substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other co-occurring mental health issues.

Upper Marlboro, Md – September 7, 2018. The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery (IAFF Center of Excellence), a one-of-a-kind treatment facility specializing in comprehensive care for professional fire fighters and paramedics struggling with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues, is now a participating provider with United Behavioral Health (United).

The agreement between the IAFF Center of Excellence and United will provide greater and more affordable access to the specialized treatment center located outside of Washington DC for both former and current IAFF members who are United policy holders.

“The Center of Excellence is staffed with experts with a core understanding of the unique work our members do and the things they experience and has developed treatment protocols specifically to their needs,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “Now, with United as their insurance provider, members have affordable access to this critical life-saving treatment.”

The IAFF Center of Excellence is a collaborative project between the International Association of Fire Fighters and Advanced Recovery Systems, an integrated behavioral healthcare management company, to bring addiction and mental health services to a population in need of highly specialized services. The IAFF Center of Excellence is a Maryland licensed treatment provider and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

“We are very pleased to add United as another insurance provider offering in-network coverage for the Center of Excellence,” said Advanced Recovery Systems Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mitchell Eisenberg. “We are honoring our commitment to expanding treatment opportunities for all IAFF members seeking help and are grateful United has recognized the exceptional levels of care offered at our facility.”

As of September 2018, more than 460 clients throughout the United States and Canada have sought treatment at the Center of Excellence, with many returning to their active-duty fire service careers.

“The success of this targeted treatment is making a tremendous impact,” added Schaitberger. “As I travel the country, at literally every stop, someone tells me that our Center – with the specialized care and the support network of other fire fighters at the facility – has saved their life or that of a co-worker.”

For more information about the IAFF Center of Excellence, visit IAFFRecoveryCenter.com or call 301-358-0192 to coordinate an admission.

*Please note that participating provider status does not indicate that there will be no out-of-pocket costs to the member.  Please verify insurance coverage by calling United Behavioral Health if you are a member.

Media Contact: Nicole LaNeve; nlaneve@advancedrecoverysystems.com