Mountainside Treatment Center

10/07/2026

We’re proud to share that Keith Appleton, Clinician at Mountainside and a trusted resource on veterans and behavioral health, has been inducted to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Chapter.

Keith has dedicated much of his work to supporting veterans and understanding the unique experiences that can shape their mental health and recovery. Through his work at Mountainside, he brings this expertise to individuals and families while contributing to the broader behavioral health community.

We’re pleased to see Keith bring his experience and perspective to NASW Connecticut and look forward to the work ahead.

Congratulations, Keith!

10/06/2026

Sometimes, we cannot see what is waiting for us beyond a difficult chapter.

Hearing from someone who has lived through that uncertainty can offer a different kind of perspective. The reassurance that life can change, that difficult seasons can pass, and that there can be more ahead can mean a great deal when you are still finding your way through the present.

Recovery is filled with moments like these, when encouragement, experience, and human connection can help make the road ahead feel possible.

10/05/2026

The illicit drug supply is changing quickly, with new synthetic substances emerging alongside drugs that have been present for decades.

Cychlorphine is one example of how substances can reappear in new forms and create new challenges for the people who use them, their families, and the professionals working to treat substance use disorders. Understanding where these substances come from, how they may be encountered, and what remains unknown is an important part of responding to an evolving landscape.

At Mountainside, our clinical team brings specialized expertise in treating substance use disorders, including those involving emerging substances.

Swipe through to learn more about cychlorphine.

10/05/2026

Self-care takes on a different meaning in the middle of grief.

For some, it may be the practices that help you feel grounded. For others, it may be finding a way to care for yourself when everything around you feels uncertain.

There is no single way to care for yourself through a difficult season. What matters is making space for the kind of care that helps you keep moving forward.

10/01/2026

As ketamine misuse draws growing attention, Mountainside is contributing its clinical expertise to the national conversation.

In a recent New York Times article, Daniel Sexton, Mountainside’s Program Manager of Outpatient Services, shares insights from his work with individuals seeking treatment for ketamine dependency, highlighting a recent increase in people seeking help, many of them 25 and younger.

Through firsthand clinical experience, Mountainside's team is helping bring greater attention to the evolving patterns of ketamine misuse and the treatment needs of those affected.

Read the full article in The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/30/science/cornell-rape-ketamine.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

Ketamine is a short-acting anesthetic that can have hallucinogenic effects. It is becoming more easily available, and some experts fear misuse is increasing.

09/30/2026

A day dedicated to wellness, connection, and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Mountainside’s Wellness Day at Chelsea. From exploring new ways to support wellbeing to spending time together, we loved having our community with us.

We look forward to welcoming you back for the next one.

09/29/2026

Jana Wu, Mountainside’s Director of Clinical Integration, was recently featured in BBC News, sharing her clinical expertise on kratom use and dependence.

With years of experience addressing the complexities of kratom addiction and treatment, Jana brings an important clinical perspective to the national conversation. In the article, she discusses the effects of kratom dependence and the far-reaching impact it can have on individuals and families.

Read the full article to hear from Jana and explore the growing conversation around kratom in the United States.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjn5ddzekwnro

Kratom, found during an investigation into the deaths of two college students, has been sold in the US for around a decade.

09/28/2026

We are excited to announce that Mountainside’s Connecticut locations are now in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, expanding access to our continuum of best-in-class addiction treatment services.

This partnership represents another step in our ongoing commitment to removing barriers to care and helping more individuals and families access the personalized, evidence-based treatment and long-term recovery support they deserve.

Read our full press release to learn more about this announcement and what it means for individuals and families seeking treatment.

https://www.mountainside.com/news/releases/mountainside-in-network-anthem-bcbs/

Mountainside is now in-network with Anthem BCBS in Connecticut. Out-of-state Blue Cross members may also qualify. Check your benefits.

09/23/2026

As the drug landscape continues to evolve, staying informed matters.

Following the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, Mountainside is calling attention to the importance of reliable information about kratom, 7-OH, and emerging synthetic opioids such as cychlorphine.

With new and unfamiliar substances appearing rapidly, families, educators, and college communities need clear, evidence-informed information to help them recognize risks and respond when concerns arise.

Read Mountainside’s latest press release for our response to the evolving substance landscape and the importance of prevention education.

https://www.mountainside.com/news/releases/ole-miss-student-deaths-kratom-cychlorphine/

Following the Ole Miss student deaths, Mountainside experts urge families to get reliable facts on kratom and cychlorphine.

09/20/2026

Today, on Addiction Professionals Day, we recognize the people who dedicate their work to supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use.

At Mountainside, addiction care is grounded in compassion, clinical expertise, and a commitment to meeting each person with respect for where they are in their journey. Behind that care are professionals across disciplines who bring knowledge, experience, and humanity to their work each day.

From clinicians and medical providers to recovery coaches, wellness professionals, admissions teams, support staff, and beyond, every role contributes to creating a place where people can find meaningful support.

To our Mountainside team and to addiction professionals everywhere, thank you for the care you provide, the trust you build, and the commitment you bring to this field.

Happy Addiction Professionals Day.