Redefining Recovery: Innovation, Access & Excellence In Addiction Care
The landscape of addiction treatment is evolving, shaped by shifting reimbursement models, rising acuity, workforce constraints, and increasing expectations for measurable outcomes. The Addiction & SUD Summit brings together industry leaders from across the continuum of care to explore how organizations can adapt and lead in this moment of transformation.
The Summit will examine the future of substance use disorder treatment through a strategic lens, with a focus on expanding access, supporting the workforce, leveraging data and technology, and demonstrating value in an outcomes-driven market. Designed for executives responsible for growth, quality, and sustainability, this summit offers actionable insights and peer perspectives to help organizations strengthen performance to deliver more effective and equitable addiction and SUD care.
The Trends, Policies & Market Shifts That Are Shaping The Addiction & SUD Industries
David Gastfriend, M.D.
An addiction psychiatrist, Dr. Gastfriend has held clinical, research, technology development, and policy roles. At Harvard, he directed Massachusetts General Hospital’s Addiction Research Program. As VP at Alkermes, he directed scientific communications on Vivitrol. His research led most U.S. states to endorse the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria. His 150 publications include The ASAM Criteria and Addiction Treatment Matching. His ASAM Criteria CONTINUUM® software is being adopted nationwide. He has consulted to the governments of Belgium, China, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Russia, and the US.
Advancing Overdose Prevention Through Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) To The Opioid Use Disorder Population
Opioid use disorder continues to impact communities across the country, and expanding access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) remains one of the most effective strategies for improving outcomes and saving lives. This session will examine the operational, clinical, regulatory, and financial considerations involved in scaling MAT programs across diverse care settings.
Industry leaders will discuss how organizations are overcoming barriers to access, integrating MAT into broader treatment services, leveraging partnerships with health systems and payers, and addressing stigma that can limit adoption and engagement. Attendees will learn how innovative treatment models, data-driven care strategies, and workforce development efforts are helping providers reach more individuals with evidence-based opioid use disorder treatment.
Margery L. Stanton, LMHC
Margery Stanton is the President & COO of BestSelf Behavioral Health, where she has been part of the team for over 15 years. Across that time she has held a range of roles, each deepening her understanding of the agency’s mission and the people it serves. Beyond BestSelf, Margery is an adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo, where she is committed to supporting the next generation of behavioral health practitioners. At the heart of her work is a single goal: empowering everyone to be their BestSelf.
Jennifer Seib, LMHC, CASAC
Using Data & Technology To Improve Recovery Outcomes
Despite ongoing investment in technology and digital infrastructure, many SUD providers still struggle with fragmented workflows, disconnected systems, and limited reporting and visibility into outcomes. These gaps can directly impact the ability to support long-term recovery.
This session will feature findings from Cantata Health Solutions’ 2026 national survey of SUD providers, highlighting how organizations are leveraging data, EHR functionality, and other digital tools to address operational complexity and strengthen care delivery. Attendees will gain practical insight into where providers are struggling the most today, which operational and technology investments are emerging as priorities, and how organizations are working to build more scalable SUD programs.
Christy Winter, LMSW
Creating Better Access Through Telehealth & Hybrid Care Models
Telehealth and hybrid care models offer major opportunities for addiction treatment providers, but they also introduce operational, clinical, regulatory and engagement challenges that make implementation complex. For addiction treatment executives, the difficulty is often balancing accessibility and convenience with consumer safety, compliance, and quality outcomes.
This session will explore how addiction treatment providers are leveraging telehealth to reduce barriers to care, extend services to underserved communities, improve consumer engagement, and create more flexible treatment pathways. Executives will hear lessons learned around technology adoption, regulatory considerations, workforce integration, digital engagement, and balancing virtual and in-person care to meet the changing needs of today’s consumers.
Philip Hutson
