Meeting the Moment: How ThriveNow Recovery Centers Are Expanding Access to Addiction Treatment in DSM and Beyond

Access to compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care is a growing need across Greater Des Moines (DSM) and throughout Iowa. As communities work to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, new solutions are emerging that offer both immediate help and long-term healing.

ThriveNow Recovery Centers, managed by national behavioral health leader Ascension Recovery Services, opened in 2024 to expand access to care in DSM. Through a full continuum of services — including medical detox, residential treatment and access to outpatient programming — ThriveNow Recovery Centers is helping individuals regain stability, rebuild relationships and return to meaningful lives.

Early Results with Lasting Impact

In just a few months of operation, ThriveNow Recovery Centers in Pleasant Hill, Iowa has already made a measurable impact: 40 individuals successfully graduating from its residential treatment program and five individuals completing the full continuum of care, transitioning from medical detox to residential treatment — a new service that launched last month.

These early outcomes reflect the real progress made possible by removing barriers to care and investing in recovery-centered solutions.

Supporting Recovery in Greater Des Moines

As the DSM population and workforce continue to grow, so does the need for comprehensive behavioral health services. Substance use disorder affects individuals from all walks of life and has ripple effects across families, healthcare systems, workplaces and communities.

ThriveNow Recovery Centers is designed to meet this need head-on. By supporting individuals in recovery, ThriveNow Recovery Centers also contributes to workforce reentry, economic resilience and improved community well-being across DSM and Iowa.

Comprehensive Care Close to Home

At ThriveNow Recovery Centers, individuals can access a complete recovery journey under one roof — beginning with medical detox, continuing with residential treatment and progressing into outpatient care and alumni support (coming soon). The center’s evidence-based treatment programming includes individual therapy, group counseling, life skills development, trauma-informed care and comprehensive discharge planning. While successful community reintegration is often a result of this care, each treatment plan is personalized to support sustainable recovery at every stage.

Regional Reach, Local Impact

ThriveNow Recovery Centers is equipped to serve not only DSM, but communities across the state. By partnering with local healthcare providers, referral sources and employers, ThriveNow ensures that individuals can access care without leaving the state.

This integrated model helps reduce emergency room visits, shortens hospital stays and provides a clear path forward for individuals who are ready to recover and reconnect with their families, careers and communities.

Looking Ahead

ThriveNow Recovery Centers is committed to growing alongside the communities it serves. In April 2025, the organization will open a second Iowa location in Iowa City, increasing access to care in eastern Iowa and strengthening the statewide recovery network.

The public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of ThriveNow Recovery Center Iowa City on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 11a.m. – 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet the dedicated team, and learn more about the services available.

ThriveNow Iowa City will be accepting referrals and admitting people for treatment on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Click here to RSVP for the Iowa City Grand Opening.

ThriveNow Recovery Centers is proud to be part of a growing movement that supports Iowans on their path to recovery — because when people recover, communities thrive.

To learn more about ThriveNow Recovery Centers or to make a referral, visit thrivenowrc.com.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 13% below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life. In 2022, Site Selection Magazine named it a top metro for a number of economic development projects.