BHN Celebrates Fully Board‑Certified Addiction Medicine Team

February 9, 2026

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is proud to celebrate a major milestone in clinical excellence: every physician in BHN’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Division is now board‑certified in Addiction Medicine. This achievement reflects years of dedication, practice‑based training, and rigorous preparation and strengthens access to high‑quality, evidence‑based addiction care across Massachusetts.

“This milestone elevates the standard of care for our patients and communities. Our entire SUD provider team is superb, and I am proud of these young physicians who have taken the extra step of getting board-certified.” 

- Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director

“This milestone elevates the standard of care for our patients and communities. Our entire SUD provider team is superb, and I am proud of these young physicians who have taken the extra step of getting board-certified.” 

- Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director

What This Means for Patients and Families

When you receive care from a board‑certified addiction medicine physician, you benefit from the most current expertise in diagnosing, treating, and supporting long‑term recovery from substance use disorders. This translates into:


  • Faster access to medications for addiction treatment (MAT) and integrated behavioral health services 
  • Evidence based, individualized treatment plans that support engagement and lasting recovery 
  • Seamless coordination across primary care, mental health, and recovery supports 
  • Fewer barriers to beginning and sustaining treatment 

 

Training Future Leaders in Addiction Medicine 

The year 2026 marked the final opportunity for clinicians to become certified through the “practice pathway,” which recognizes extensive real‑world experience in addiction care. Over the past six years, BHN has trained nearly 100 medical learners—including medical students, residents, fellows, and physician assistants—across diverse clinical settings. Learners consistently describe BHN as a top tier training environment thanks to: 


  • Exceptional mentorship from experienced Addiction Medicine clinicians 
  • Deep clinical exposure across outpatient, community, and integrated care settings 
  • Strong interprofessional teams delivering recovery oriented, person-first care 
  • Opportunities to serve diverse communities across Western and Central Massachusetts 

 

BHN's reputation for its excellent teaching environment and progressive, patient‑centered care across the spectrum of addiction services continues to grow. Massachusetts General Hospital recently received a federal grant to help support their addiction fellows to train in more rural addiction sites through BHN.   

Physician Spotlight: Dr. Sara Schlotterbeck

Dr. Schlotterbeck provides care across BHN’s Holyoke and Springfield Medication Addiction Treatment (MAT) programs and our Office‑Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) services, supporting patients who receive methadone and other medication‑assisted treatments for opioid and other substance use disorders. 


Her hands‑on training, mentorship, and extensive real‑world experience at BHN played a significant role in preparing her for this milestone. She first spent time at BHN while training as a family medicine resident working closely with Dr. Potee—an experience she describes as “formative” in developing her interest in addiction medicine. When she returned to the area three years ago and joined BHN full‑time, she was able to work exclusively in addiction care for the first time. 

Physician Spotlight: Dr. Sara Schlotterbeck

Dr. Schlotterbeck provides care across BHN’s Holyoke and Springfield Medication Addiction Treatment (MAT) programs and our Office‑Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) services, supporting patients who receive methadone and other medication‑assisted treatments for opioid and other substance use disorders. 


Her hands‑on training, mentorship, and extensive real‑world experience at BHN played a significant role in preparing her for this milestone. She first spent time at BHN while training as a family medicine resident working closely with Dr. Potee—an experience she describes as “formative” in developing her interest in addiction medicine. When she returned to the area three years ago and joined BHN full‑time, she was able to work exclusively in addiction care for the first time. 

“My colleagues and patients have been tremendously helpful in teaching me how to be a good addiction medicine provider,” she shared. “I feel that we are really on the forefront of addiction treatment in terms of the care we provide. Through BHN I was able to complete the clinical hours required for the certification and build a strong and current knowledge base.” 


When asked why board certification is meaningful for the care BHN provides, she emphasized the importance of advanced training: 

“Board certification implies that providers have extensive and current knowledge on addiction treatment. It is important that our vulnerable and high‑needs patient population receives the highest quality care, and it is fitting that our providers should have the credentials to provide this care.” 

Reflecting on what the achievement means to her personally, Dr. Schlotterbeck added: “I have learned so much working here, including during the board certification process. It has made me able to provide better care to our patients, able to better teach our students and trainees, and able to be a better member of our team—overall, it has made me a better doctor.” 

BHN Physicians - Board‑Certified in Addiction Medicine 


  • Ruth A. Potee, MD, DFASAM, FAAFP 
  • Ari Kriegsman, MD FASAM 
  • Jennifer Fyler, MD 
  • Sara Schlotterbeck, MD 
  • Talie Singer‑Clark, MD 
  • Adam Chamberlain, MD 
  • Elizabeth Langmore‑Avila, MD 


Thank you to each newly certified physician for strengthening BHN’s capacity to deliver high‑quality, equitable, and compassionate addiction care.

Learn More & Get Care 

BHN provides a comprehensive continuum of care for adults seeking treatment and long-term recovery from substance use disorders. Our approach integrates mental health support, gender-specific programming, and trauma-informed services to create a safe, empowering environment where individuals can heal and thrive. 


Learn more about BHN Addiction and Recovery programs on our website. To make a referral contact our intake team by completing this form or calling 413-301-WELL (9355)

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