FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prestera Health Announces Strategic Changes to SUD Residential Programs
Huntington, WV – September 18, 2025 – Prestera Health Services today announced a series of updates to its Substance Use Disorder (SUD) residential treatment programs. These adjustments are designed to strengthen treatment outcomes, improve continuity of care, and align resources with evolving community needs.
Effective October 11, 2025, three SUD residential treatment programs will close:
- Laurelwood in Huntington, WV
- Mason Recovery in Pt. Pleasant, WV
- Mattie V. Lee in Charleston, WV
Individuals currently receiving services at these locations who have not yet completed their treatment goals will be carefully transitioned to other Prestera facilities or connected with alternative providers to ensure uninterrupted care. At this time, Prestera is taking steps to protect its workforce, reassigning most staff members into new roles across the organization.
SUD Residential Treatment for 3.5 and 3.1 ASAM level is still available at:
- Pinecrest (Huntington, WV)
- Renaissance (located on the Pinecrest campus in Huntington, WV)
- Riverside (St. Albans, WV)
Defining Levels of Care
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines national standards for substance use disorder treatment.
- ASAM 3.1: Clinically managed low-intensity residential care, with structured support and counseling.
- ASAM 3.5: Clinically managed high-intensity residential care, with 24-hour support and a highly structured clinical program.
These changes follow an in-depth review of Prestera’s SUD residential programs. “Our SUD Residential beds have consistently maintained a 35% or more vacancy rate since 2019 yet staffing levels have remained constant in the programs due to the small number of beds at many of the sites. In addition, new requirements will soon increase service delivery hours for both 3.1 and 3.5 programs, without an increase in reimbursement rates,” explained Lisa Zappia, President & CEO of Prestera Health Services. “This transition will allow us to focus resources more effectively, strengthen program protocols, and improve client engagement.”
The reduction in beds is expected to enhance program consistency while still preserving significant treatment capacity across the region.
“Our priority remains providing high-quality, compassionate treatment for the individuals and families we serve,” Zappia added. “By focusing on outcomes and continuity of care, we are confident these changes will help more individuals graduate from our programs, develop strong follow-up plans, and remain in recovery post-discharge.”
About Prestera Health Services
Prestera Health Services is the largest nonprofit behavioral health organization in West Virginia, serving communities across Boone, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties. Prestera provides a full continuum of care, including mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disability, crisis, wellness, and residential services. Prestera Health provides services to all individuals in need, regardless of their ability to pay.
Media Contact:
Amber Miller
Marketing & Development Manager
Prestera Health Services
(304) 525.7851 x 1514 | amber.miller@prestera.org