More options for mental health services and substance abuse treatment in Visalia

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's a full circle moment for Visalia Recovery Center CEO Nolen Burchett

"Opening a facility in our own hometown was a dream come true," said Burchett.

Visalia Recovery Center is opening up at its new location on East Caldwell Avenue in the city.

The new treatment center will not only offer expanded services, but also be able to take in more patients. Burchett believes that there is a critical need for treatment in the South Valley.

"Visalia doesn't have any other private treatment services," said Burchett. "It's a need for this community. We all know how bad drug addiction and alcoholism has affected this community."



Visalia Recovery Center offers treatment for people over 18-years-old from all walks of life.

The facility has multiple counseling and office spaces for staff, as well as a group room.

"At our old location, it was only 2000 square feet and we were only able to have 10 - 15 clients in the building at a time," said Burchett. "Now we've essentially tripled our capacity. We'll be able to serve up to 25 to 30 people at any given time."

Just next door to the substance abuse treatment center is Ascend and Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health, where South Valley families can get mental health help for both kids and adults. Whether it's intensive outpatient care or partial hospitalization services.

Ascend Behavioral Health says one of the barriers they see for families is distance.



"We want to help Visalia and the surrounding communities have access to those services," said Dr. Jason Christopherson, the Vice President of Pediatric Services. "So that they can feel like they have high quality services that a large city can provide."

Dr. Christopherson says the expansion means bringing in a more talented and diverse team.

"We're able to have a much more varied team," said Dr. Christopherson. "It's going to be people who are mental health professionals, as well as people who are training to be child psychiatrists, as well as individuals who specialize in group facilitation or case management."

By connecting the two sites together, both facilities hope to address addiction and mental health hand-in-hand.

On Wednesday, there will be an open house at the new location where community members can tour the new site.



A ribbon cutting will also be held.

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