By Tom Schramski, PhD, CM&AA
Volume 3 Issue 17, August 16, 2016
Nearly 50 years ago, Anais Nin wrote that “we don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.” Her observation about human projection fits well for the addictions treatment market, where we are in the midst of continuing evolution. One of the most significant changes is the shift away from large inpatient facilities that rely on extended occupancy to outpatient options that have become the bedrock for all addictions intervention. Words such as “treatment” and “recovery” at one time were synonymous with “inpatient treatment.” But that association has definitely changed.
Today’s shift toward outpatient treatment is part of a new healthcare vision that is based on the following:
It’s impossible to know exactly where the addictions treatment market is headed because of the complexity of the numerous factors involved. Yet, the trends driving the change are clear and they point to new opportunities, as long-held assumptions give way to a new generation of ideas. It may be as the 18th century German writer, Ludwig Borne, noted: “... losing an illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth.”
Tom was the Founder and Managing Partner of VERTESS. He was a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA), consultant, and Licensed Psychologist with over 35 years of very successful national experience in the healthcare marketplace, including co-founding and building a $25 million behavioral health/disabilities services company. Tom represented sellers and investors across the healthcare spectrum and was recognized for his executive leadership in the 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year issue of Inc. Tom passed away in December 2018.