Drug Treatment Center Expands in Sherman Oaks

Addiction treatment center Cliffside Malibu has expanded its operations into the San Fernando Valley with a new outpatient facility in Sherman Oaks. The 2,000 square-foot clinic, located at 15250 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, officially began accepting new patients Monday. Established Cliffside patients have been able to receive treatment there since last week. “With the addition of this new facility we can provide a full spectrum of treatment programs to meet the needs of all individuals experiencing a substance misuse problem,” Cliffside Chief Executive John Peloquin said in a statement. The new facility is designed to care for individuals in the early stages of drug abuse or dependence, the company said. The Sherman Oaks Cliffside is staffed with a combination of clinicians from its Malibu location and new hires. Clinical Manager Shannon Caldwell came to the facility from Malibu, while Dr. Craig Smith, an addiction specialist, was a private practitioner before being brought in to head the new center’s detoxification programs. The location is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross and accepts most insurance plans, according to Cliffside.