
At a Glance
Primary Focus
Treatment Settings
Treatment Approaches
About National Institutes of Health Hatfield Clinical Research Center
The National Institutes of Health Hatfield Clinical Research Center in Bethesda, Maryland operates as a specialized hospital program focusing on opioid addiction treatment through clinical research initiatives. This 200-bed research facility provides medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders including heroin and fentanyl addiction.
The National Institutes of Health Hatfield Clinical Research Center stands as a unique addiction treatment facility in Bethesda, Maryland, combining clinical care with groundbreaking research in substance abuse treatment. Operating as a hospital program within the federal research infrastructure, this specialized recovery center offers a distinctive approach to addiction treatment through its integration of patient care and clinical studies. The facility's location in Montgomery County positions it as a regional resource for those seeking research-based addiction treatment options.
The center specializes in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders, with particular expertise in treating heroin and fentanyl addiction. This focused approach to opioid addiction treatment represents a critical component of comprehensive substance abuse treatment, especially for individuals requiring specialized intervention for complex opioid dependencies. The facility's research orientation means patients receive access to innovative treatment protocols and emerging therapies in the addiction treatment field.
Under the leadership of Acting CEO Pius A. Aiyelawo, FACHE, and with clinical oversight from specialists like Dr. Courtney Fitzhugh, the center operates with CARF accreditation ensuring quality standards in addiction treatment delivery. The facility's 24-hour operating schedule reflects its commitment to providing continuous care for individuals in recovery. The integration of clinical research with patient care creates opportunities for advancing addiction treatment methodologies while serving current patients.
The recovery center serves a diverse population including men, women, adolescents, young adults, seniors, and veterans, with services available in both English and Spanish. This broad demographic approach ensures accessibility across different communities seeking opioid addiction treatment. The facility's research hospital designation, combined with specialized addiction treatment capabilities, offers patients access to both established and innovative approaches to recovery from opioid use disorders.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Through Clinical Research
The National Institutes of Health Hatfield Clinical Research Center represents a distinctive model in addiction treatment, where clinical research and patient care intersect to address opioid use disorders. This specialized approach allows individuals struggling with heroin and fentanyl addiction to access treatment protocols that emerge from ongoing research initiatives. The facility's position within the federal research infrastructure provides unique advantages for patients seeking comprehensive opioid addiction treatment.
Medication-assisted treatment forms the cornerstone of the center's therapeutic approach, reflecting current best practices in opioid addiction recovery. The integration of clinical research means patients may have access to emerging MAT protocols and innovative approaches to managing opioid dependence. This research-informed treatment model distinguishes the facility from traditional addiction treatment centers in the region.
Recovery Center Leadership and Accreditation
Under the leadership of Acting CEO Pius A. Aiyelawo, FACHE, and with clinical expertise from professionals like NIH Lasker Clinical Research Scholar Dr. Courtney Fitzhugh, the facility maintains high standards in addiction treatment delivery. The center's CARF accreditation demonstrates commitment to quality care and continuous improvement in substance abuse treatment protocols.
The facility's 24-hour operating schedule ensures availability for individuals requiring immediate access to opioid addiction treatment services. This round-the-clock availability, combined with the center's research hospital designation, creates a comprehensive environment for addressing complex addiction cases that may require intensive medical support and monitoring.
Population Served and Language Access
The recovery center serves a broad demographic including adolescents, young adults, seniors, and veterans, recognizing that opioid addiction affects individuals across all age groups and backgrounds. This comprehensive approach to population service ensures that treatment protocols can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different groups within the recovery community.
Bilingual services in English and Spanish enhance accessibility for diverse communities in the Bethesda area and surrounding Montgomery County region. The facility's commitment to serving veterans reflects recognition of the unique challenges this population faces regarding opioid use disorders and the need for specialized understanding of military-related addiction issues.
Why Choose National Institutes of Health Hatfield Clinical Research Center
- Research hospital setting combining clinical studies with addiction treatment
- Specialized focus on opioid use disorders including heroin and fentanyl addiction
- CARF-accredited facility with 24-hour availability
- Federal research infrastructure supporting innovative treatment approaches
- Bilingual services serving diverse populations including veterans
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of addiction treatment does the NIH Hatfield Clinical Research Center provide?
The center specializes in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, with particular focus on heroin and fentanyl addiction. As a research hospital, the facility combines clinical care with ongoing research studies in addiction treatment.
Who can receive treatment at this recovery center?
The facility serves men, women, adolescents, young adults, seniors, and veterans struggling with opioid addiction. Services are available in both English and Spanish to accommodate diverse communities in the Bethesda area.
What makes this addiction treatment facility different from other rehab centers?
The center operates as a 200-bed research hospital within the NIH system, combining patient care with clinical research. This unique setting allows patients to access innovative treatment approaches while contributing to advances in opioid addiction treatment.
Is the facility accredited for addiction treatment services?
Yes, the center maintains CARF accreditation, ensuring quality standards in addiction treatment delivery. The facility operates 24 hours daily and is led by experienced healthcare administrators and clinical researchers.
What is medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorders. The center specializes in this approach as part of its comprehensive treatment for heroin and fentanyl addiction.
Does the recovery center serve veterans with addiction issues?
Yes, the facility specifically includes veterans among the populations served, recognizing the unique challenges military personnel may face with opioid use disorders. The center provides specialized understanding of veteran-specific addiction treatment needs.
How does the research component benefit patients in recovery?
The integration of clinical research with patient care means individuals may have access to current treatment protocols and emerging therapies in opioid addiction treatment. This research-informed approach can provide additional options beyond standard addiction treatment methods.
What areas does this addiction treatment center serve?
The facility is located in Bethesda, Maryland, and serves the surrounding Montgomery County region. The center's position within the federal research infrastructure makes it accessible to individuals seeking specialized opioid addiction treatment.
Nearby Treatment Centers

Suburban Hospital Behavioral Health Services
Bethesda, MD
- Detox
Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy · Dialectical behavior therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, Medicare
Ryan Rehabilitation LLC
Kensington, MD
- IOP
Substance use treatment · Does not treat opioid addiction · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid

Maryland Wellness and Recovery
Rockville, MD
- IOP
- MAT
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
Sandstone Care Maryland
Rockville, MD
- PHP
- IOP
- MAT
- Sober Living
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Private health insurance, Military insurance
Potomac Programs
Cabin John, MD
- PHP
- IOP
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid, Private health insurance
JHH Suburban Hospital Addiction Treatment Center
Potomac, MD
- Outpatient
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, Medicare
