New owner for clinics

Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic (FVCDC) in Thompson Falls will be seeing some changes as Gateway Community Services (GCS) will be the new clinic owner.

On June 24, the Great Falls based nonprofit treatment center will obtain clinic operations. Staffing and current services will continue, and current FVCDC Executive Director Mike Cummins stated he is hopeful that more services will be provided under GCS.

In Thompson Falls, “there will just be a different sign out front and internal procedural things” that will change, said Cummins. Nothing should change based on an “agreement of one year” FVCDC and GCS have entered upon ownership transfer.

The change in ownership resulted from increased availability of mental health treatment at primary care facilities, making it difficult for nonprofits who specialize in that aspect to remain competitive. Secondly, funding competition has increased as the new expansion allows for both nonprofit and for-profit entities to qualify for federal, state and county funding.

In the last few years, FVCDC has battled to provide services to their clients. The Kalispell clinic cut two full-time counselors. The remaining counselors averaged 18 clients a month, versus 35 clients when they were operating at full capacity.

In Eureka, FVCDC closed their clinic last spring in hopes to find comfort financially.

The FVCDC conclusion is the result of competition in client services and funding. FVCDC received 60% of their funding came from federal, state and county funds, and the remaining 40% from service fees.

FVDC has provided recovery, addiction and counseling services for nearly 45 years. Clinics in Libby and Kalispell will remain open with no changes as will the eight-bed women’s home in Kalispell.