Groups Launches New Addiction Recovery Program in Washington State, Breaking Down Barriers With Flexible, Group-Centered Treatment

Groups opened its first Washington location in Kennewick on Monday, April 21, 2025, with virtual treatment options available statewide.

KENNEWICK, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Groups, a leading outpatient provider of evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), opened its first location in Washington state on Monday, April 21, with additional locations planned. The new office, located at 180 West Clearwater Ave, Suite M, expands access to life-saving care in the Tri-Cities region and beyond. Members can choose in-person or virtual treatment, making it easier than ever to get help, wherever they are.

Groups currently treats more than 20,000 members across 11 states, including Maine, New Hampshire, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Iowa, Texas, Indiana, and now Washington.

Treatment at Groups is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare plans, with flexible options available for those who are uninsured.

“At Groups, we go beyond access—we deliver outcomes that change lives,” said Colleen Nicewicz, CEO of Groups Recover Together. “We’re proud to bring our proven outpatient model to Washington and partner with the Kennewick community to help more people recover with dignity.”

A Proven Model Built for Long-Term Recovery

Groups’ outpatient approach combines medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with weekly group counseling and individualized support, helping members recover in a way that fits their life.

Services include:

• Life-Saving Medication: Most members begin medication treatment within one day of intake. Groups provides streamlined pharmacy coordination, toxicology testing, and robust diversion prevention to ensure safe, effective care from day one.
• Community-Powered Recovery: Weekly group counseling, led by local substance use counselors and care teams, offers a supportive space for connection, accountability, and shared progress.
• Whole-Person Care: Recovery is about more than stopping substance use. Groups helps members navigate co-occurring conditions and social challenges, including housing, transportation, employment, and other related issues.

Groups’ model delivers industry-leading results:

• 93% of members actively engage in treatment each month
• Nearly 100% of members in care for 180+ days reach remission (defined as 90 days without illicit drug use)
• More than 60% of members stay in care for 180+ days (vs. 22% national average)
• Overdose death rate is 3.5x lower than the national average

Groups also helps reduce strain on the healthcare system, with a 32% drop in emergency room visits and 68% lower inpatient utilization among Medicaid members with OUD.

Reaching Those Left Behind

Groups is committed to meeting people where others don’t. The organization partners with probation and parole programs, rural hospitals, and reentry initiatives to serve rural and justice-involved populations. Specialized support is also available for expectant mothers and other vulnerable populations.

“Addiction is about more than substance use, and recovery is about more than sobriety,” said Nicewicz. “We’re here to support the whole person—because everyone deserves a chance to build a better life.”

To learn more or schedule an intake appointment, please call (509)-543-0497 or visit joingroups.com.