Recovery and Wellness Center Earns ASAM Accreditation and Connecticut Building Congress Recognition
June 16, 2026
For more information contact:
Carlah Esdaile – Bragg,
Director of Marketing and Community Relations
Cornell Scott – Hill Health Center
203-506-2424,
cesdaile@cornellscott.org
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center's Recovery and Wellness Center (RWC) is proud to earn Level I accreditation in its inaugural ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) certification audit. Additionally, the Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) recently recognized the Recovery and Wellness Center facility in its “Healthcare (Large)” award. Both achievements underscore Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center’s (CS-HHC) commitment to excellence in both healthcare delivery and physical environment it provides.
Less than one year after the program's launch in September 2025, the RWC recently completed its initial Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) audit, a critical component of Connecticut's 1115 Waiver to expand substance use disorder (SUD) coverage and integrate low-income health insurance. The Partial Hospitalization Program provides structured, intensive treatment while allowing individuals to maintain connections with their families, communities, and support systems while the ASAM framework supports a multidimensional approach to care. These requirements ensure that treatment decisions consider individual medical, psychological, social, and recovery support needs.
The RWC achieved a Level I accreditation and was awarded certification for a three-year period. The ASAM Criteria are widely regarded as the gold standard for assessment, placement, and treatment planning in addiction medicine.
"This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and quality care," said Dr. Tek (Chief Medical Officer, Mental Health & Addiction Services.) "Achieving a Level I ASAM accreditation on our first review demonstrates that our program meets rigorous standards for delivering individualized treatment that addresses the unique needs of each person we serve."
The audit specifically noted the depth, scope, and coordination of care provided to patients, recognizing RWC's ability to deliver whole-person treatment consistent with the goals of Connecticut's behavioral health transformation efforts under the 1115 Waiver.
"Our team has worked diligently to implement best practices and strengthen our clinical programming to meet these nationally recognized standards," said Daena Murphy, LCSW (Director, Recovery and Wellness Center.) "This recognition provides patients, families, referral partners, and healthcare organizations with confidence in the quality, effectiveness, and integrity of our services."
In addition to this clinical achievement, the Recovery and Wellness Center building was recognized with a Connecticut Building Congress Project Team Award. The award celebrates excellence in Connecticut's built environments and acknowledges the successful partnership among project owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
The RWC was intentionally designed to create a welcoming, healing environment that supports recovery and wellness while expanding access to integrated behavioral healthcare services throughout the region. The facility serves as a physical reflection of CS-HHC’s commitment to treating the whole person and reducing barriers to care.
"Achieving a Level I ASAM accreditation validates the quality and effectiveness of our clinical services and being recognized with the Connecticut Building Congress award affirms the collaborative vision that created a welcoming, open space for healing and recovery,” said Michael Taylor, President and CEO of CS-HHC. “Together, these accomplishments demonstrate how we are investing in both innovative care and environments that cultivate healing, dignity, and long-term recovery."
The RWC remains dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based care, offering a continuum of services designed to meet patients where they are in their recovery journey.
About the Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center
The Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center (CS-HHC) is the oldest and among the largest Community Health Centers in Connecticut. Ranking in the top ten percent of 1,500 community health centers nationwide, CS-HHC provides integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services throughout the Greater New Haven area and the Lower Naugatuck Valley with the goal of improving the health status of patients and the community at large. CS-HHC has been a leader in community healthcare innovation since 1968 and currently serves residents from 166 of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.
