River’s Bend Is A Blue Distinction Center for Behavioral Health in Metro Detroit

When it comes to behavioral healthcare, choosing the right provider matters. For individuals and families in Metro Detroit seeking evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders and substance use disorders , River’s Bend stands apart. Recognized as a Blue Distinction® Center for Specialty Care by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), River’s Bend delivers trusted, accredited outpatient services tailored to each client’s needs.

This recognition is more than an award; it validates our clinical quality, safety, and patient outcomes. For more than 25 years, River’s Bend has provided comprehensive outpatient behavioral healthcare to communities in Troy, West Bloomfield, and the broader Metro Detroit area.

What Does Blue Distinction® Mean for Behavioral Health Care?

The Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program by BCBSM identifies healthcare providers who demonstrate expertise, deliver high-quality patient care, and improve outcomes while keeping costs manageable (Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, 2024). Being named a Blue Distinction Center for Behavioral Health means River’s Bend meets rigorous criteria for:

Evidence-based treatment methods for mental health and substance use disorders
Commitment to safety standards and quality improvement
Demonstrated long-term outcomes in recovery
Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders
Accessibility for patients across Metro Detroit

This distinction assures patients, families, and referral partners that River’s Bend is among the best in Michigan for outpatient behavioral healthcare.

Services Offered at River’s Bend

At River’s Bend, our care continuum ensures clients receive the right level of support at the right time. Our specialized programs include:

1. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Structured, full-day care without overnight hospitalization.
Designed for individuals transitioning from inpatient hospitalization or needing more support than traditional outpatient therapy.
Focuses on stabilization, intensive therapy, and relapse prevention.

2. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Mental Health IOP: For individuals coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Flexible scheduling includes day, evening, and virtual options.
Substance Use Disorder IOP (SUD IOP): Provides evidence-based treatment for addiction, including relapse prevention, coping strategies, and group support.
Both programs provide nine weekly therapy hours in a group setting with licensed clinicians.

3. Adolescent IOP

Specialized care for teens struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use.
Integrates family therapy and school collaboration for holistic support.

4. Psychiatric Services

Medication management and psychiatric evaluations provided by licensed psychiatric professionals.
Integrated into outpatient treatment to ensure clients receive the right balance of therapy and medical support.

5. Individual Therapy

One-on-one sessions with licensed clinicians.
Tailored to each client’s unique needs, providing personalized strategies for coping, healing, and growth.

6. Group and Family Therapy

Group sessions foster peer support and shared recovery experiences.
Family therapy sessions strengthen communication and involve loved ones as active partners in healing.

These programs reflect River’s Bend’s commitment to individualized care, we recognize that each client’s journey is unique.

Insurance and Behavioral Health: What Metro Detroit Families Need to Know

Understanding insurance coverage for behavioral health can be overwhelming. At River’s Bend, we help patients and families navigate the process so they can focus on recovery.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Coverage

River’s Bend is a BCBSM in-network provider, ensuring affordability and access for Michigan residents.
Blue Distinction recognition reinforces that BCBSM members receive high-value, clinically effective care at River’s Bend.

Insurance for Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders

Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, most insurance plans must cover behavioral health at the same level as physical health (Beronio et al., 2014).
This means services like IOP and PHP are often covered benefits.
Our team works directly with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, and other providers to verify benefits and minimize financial barriers.

Why Insurance Matters in Recovery

Behavioral health treatment can be lifesaving. Insurance coverage ensures that care is accessible, continuous, and affordable. For families in Metro Detroit, knowing River’s Bend is recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center provides reassurance that:

Treatment meets the highest standards of quality.
Programs are designed for long-term stability and relapse prevention.
Care is coordinated, transparent, and cost-effective.

Why Metro Detroit Chooses River’s Bend

River’s Bend isn’t just another outpatient clinic. Here’s why patients, families, and referral partners across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties choose us:

Blue Distinction Recognition – Proven excellence in behavioral health treatment validated by BCBSM.
Local Roots, Private Practice – Unlike corporate treatment chains, we are privately owned and community-focused.
Comprehensive Services – PHP, IOP, adolescent programs, psychiatric services, individual therapy, and family therapy, all in one place.
Integrated Care – Specialization in co-occurring disorders ensures treatment addresses the whole person.
Flexible Access – Options for in-person or virtual care make treatment accessible across Metro Detroit.
Family-Centered Approach – Families are active partners in the recovery process.

Community Commitment

As a leader in Metro Detroit behavioral healthcare since 1995, River’s Bend is deeply invested in our community. Beyond clinical services, we:

Partner with organizations like Face Addiction Now (FAN) to support community education and recovery advocacy.
Host events and provide resources to empower families and professional partners.
Offer flexible care to ensure treatment is accessible for working adults, parents, and students.

Our mission goes beyond treatment it’s about building long-term resilience and hope for individuals and families.

Choosing River’s Bend: A Next Step in Recovery

River’s Bend offers a trusted path forward for individuals seeking mental health or substance use treatment in Metro Detroit. Our recognition as a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan underscores our dedication to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and community connection.

Whether you are a discharge planner, referral partner, family member, or someone seeking support, River’s Bend is here to help.

Locations: Troy & West Bloomfield, MI
Website: www.riversbendpc.com
Call: 248-585-3239

References

Beronio, K., Po, R., Skopec, L., & Glied, S. (2014). Affordable Care Act Expands Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits and Federal Parity Protections for 62 Million Americans. *ASPE Issue Brief, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. *
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (2024). Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program. Retrieved from (https://www.bcbs.com)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Behavioral Health Services Coverage. Retrieved from (https://www.samhsa.gov)