Access to addiction treatment has expanded in Lehigh County with the opening of the new Treatment Trends Slatington Outpatient Center.

A new program that brings treatment, recovery and sustainability within reach is now available at 647 Main St. in Slatington.

Cheryl Kindler, facility director, noted that the facility opened on Sept. 17, and has two group rooms, two counseling offices, a reception area, and a small lunch room.

“We’re tiny, but we can serve this area that is much needed,” Kindler said. “We always knew this area needed more support.”

Kindler said the facility can have up to 60 clients with its program at one time, and lauded its nice, centralized location.

She added they are looking to branch out with some private insurances.

Kindler said the facility has four employees, including a full-time counselor, a case manager, and two receptionists.

“As we grow, our staff will grow with it,” she said.

Kindler said the facility currently has 11 clients, including one with successful completion who was assessed at an early intervention level.

“Our clients are very pleased; transportation was a huge issue,” she said. “They can either walk here or get a ride; they are very pleased, very happy that we are open.”

Kindler urged anyone in need of help to give them a call.

“The first step is getting an assessment, and be open to make a change in their life,” she said. “We’re here to support them and offer then alternative methods to addressing the stress that does not include stress and alcohol; sometimes it’s good to have that peer-to-per support.”

Kindler added that the facility’s case manager has a lot of resources in the area.

Treatment Trends Slatington Outpatient Center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 1-9 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and closed Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call 610-936-9699.

Grand opening

Funded through Lehigh County’s opioid settlement dollars, a grand opening and ribbon cutting was held Nov. 14.

The celebration featured remarks from county and state officials, live entertainment including award-winning mentalist Jesse Dameron, community resource vendors, an interactive ‘mock teen bedroom’ experience, and a catered dinner buffet provided by Mama’s Pizza of Slatington.

The event also included a resource fair.

The new outpatient office represents a vital expansion of services for individuals and families in rural Lehigh County who previously faced long travel times, often over 40 minutes, to reach treatment programs in Bethlehem or Allentown.

“When we looked at where the greatest need existed, the northern part of our county clearly stood out,” said Joe Martellucci, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Administrator. “We heard from residents who were ready to begin treatment but couldn’t make it to their appointments because transportation was such a barrier. This new program brings treatment and recovery within reach.”

Funded by Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, the new facility was developed following a competitive proposal process that began in early 2024. Treatment Trends, Inc. was selected as the provider to deliver licensed outpatient and intensive outpatient services, including:

• Individual and group therapy

• Assessments and case management

• Referrals to additional support such as Medicaid, self-help meetings, and community programs

• On-site Narcan availability for residents

“This project shows what’s possible when community partners and funding align with purpose,” said Molly Stanton, Assistant Administrator for Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol. “Our goal isn’t just to treat addiction. It’s to rebuild lives, families, and communities by breaking down barriers and creating accessible pathways to sustainable recovery.”

Treatment Trends, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing treatment for substance use disorders since 1969. The organization operates programs and centers in Lehigh and Northampton counties, offering a range of services including inpatient and outpatient treatment, MAT support, and recovery support services.