About Emergence
Emergence provides cutting-edge recovery for people who experience substance use, mental health symptoms, and disordered gambling.
Emergence History
Emergence Addiction and Behavioral Therapies is a non-profit treatment provider serving Lane and Linn Counties. In 1981, our organization was established in Eugene under the name Addiction Counseling and Education Services (ACES) by licensed professional counselors Susan Johnson and Diane Reed, who recognized a need to provide treatment—including evaluation, referral, individual counseling, and group therapy—for people who struggle with substance use.
In 1986, the Board of Directors appointed Michael Bean to serve as Executive Director, and over the next 36 years the agency grew and thrived under his stewardship. In 1991, we added two new full-service offices in Albany and Springfield. In 1994, we created the Meridian program for people who experience disordered gambling. Also in 1994, we became a founding partner in the Lane County Drug Court. In 2001, we began operation of a statewide 24-hour problem gambling helpline. In 2003, we created the Endeavor program to provide substance use treatment to our neighbors who are on probation or re-entering the community after a period of incarceration. In 2004, ACES adopted the name by which we are known today—Emergence Addiction and Behavioral Therapies. In 2013, Odyssey Community Counseling was created to meet a need for accessible, affordable mental health treatment.
Now in our fifth decade, and under the stewardship of Executive Director Chris Wig, Emergence is a trusted resource for those seeking treatment and recovery for substance use, gambling, and mental health disorders. Emergence’s treatment approach is grounded in the principles of evidence-based practice, cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic care. We provide a wide range of treatment options, including intensive outpatient (IOP) programs, DUII education and treatment, treatment for people involved in the criminal justice system, peer support services, and aftercare recovery support. With a team of experienced clinicians and a commitment to compassionate care, Emergence stands ready to help and support our neighbors as they take their first steps toward a life in recovery.
Values
At its core, Emergence values reflect the work we do: provide comprehensive, integrated substance use, mental health and disordered gambling treatment to promote the health and quality of life for people in our communities. Our professional staff strive to maintain the highest standards of quality by utilizing new technologies and best practices in our field.
Our agency promotes professional excellence through continuing education, dedicated support, and innovative solutions to enable us to aid our clients in their journey towards recovery, health, and happiness. At Emergence, our friendly, courteous, and efficient staff work as a team and respond with empathy and compassion to the needs of the people we serve. As respected members of our community, Emergence staff regularly participate in community activities important to the well-being of the public and promote a broad-based partnership of coordinated community care.
Emergence vows to protect the dignity and privacy of our clients and honor community diversity by providing culturally responsive, client-focused treatment.