13 | Getting Sober vs. Staying Sober: The Missing Link in Behavioral Health Treatment
Getting someone into treatment is only the first step.
What happens after they leave… is where recovery is actually decided.
In this episode of The elev8.io Podcast, Gary Garth sits down with Frank Galimidi, CEO of Sunview Wellness, to break down one of the biggest gaps in behavioral health today: the difference between getting sober and actually staying sober.
With relapse rates still high within the first 90 days, this conversation challenges how the industry approaches treatment, extended care, and long-term recovery outcomes.
Frank shares real-world insights from nearly two decades in addiction treatment, covering:
* Why extended care (PHP, IOP, outpatient) is critical for long-term success
* How current business models and reimbursement structures influence care decisions
* The role of readmissions, referrals, and reputation in behavioral health
* Why outcomes—not just admissions—will define the future of the industry
If you’re a treatment center owner, operator, or leader in behavioral health, this episode will challenge how you think about recovery, growth, and patient outcomes.
⏱️ Key Topics / Timestamps
[00:00] – Why recovery doesn’t end after treatment
The gap between getting sober and staying sober.
[03:00] – How behavioral health has changed in the last 5–7 years
Access to care, payer scrutiny, and the shift toward scalable models.
[05:00] – Why extended care is where real recovery happens
From detox to real-world reintegration.
[08:00] – The business model behind treatment centers
Why detox and residential dominate the market.
[10:00] – The uncomfortable truth about readmissions
How relapse is often built into the system.
[16:00] – Trust, trauma, and why time in treatment matters
Why real clinical work can’t happen in 30 days.
[18:00] – Insurance, reimbursement, and industry scrutiny
How past practices shaped today’s payer landscape.
[26:00] – Why PHP/IOP struggle as a business model
Marketing challenges and lower reimbursement realities.
[30:00] – Outcomes vs admissions: what actually drives growth
Reputation, referrals, and long-term success.
[36:00] – Alumni programs: support vs revenue strategy
Where many facilities get it wrong.
[40:00] – Advice for treatment center owners & investors
What it really takes to succeed in behavioral health today
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👤 Guest Details
* Frank Galimidi
* CEO, Sunview Wellness
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-galimidi-casac-cap-cradc-ncacii-icadc-sap-8669054/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-galimidi-casac-cap-cradc-ncacii-icadc-sap-8669054/]
* Website: https://sunviewwellness.com/ [https://sunviewwellness.com/]
📊 Resources & Links
* Learn more about elev8.io: https://elev8.io [https://elev8.io]
* Patient Acquisition ROI & Census Growth Calculator:
👉 https://growthcalculator.elev8.io [https://growthcalculator.elev8.io]
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