Shatterproof Expands Access to ATLAS Treatment Search Platform

Shatterproof, the not-for-profit advocacy group focused on addressing the addiction crisis in the United States, announced on Tuesday that it is expanding the availability of a tool it developed to help individuals connect with addiction treatment.

The web-based ATLAS (Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment and Standards) platform allows users to locate and compare treatment facilities, and it also includes a portal through which providers can conduct data-driven quality improvement initiatives. The platform launched in July 2020. On Tuesday, ATLAS’s availability was expanded to include Florida, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, joining states where it was previously available—Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and West Virginia.

“It is now more critical than ever, given the profound uptick in fatal overdoses and the impact that COVID-19 has had on addiction and mental health, that people are able to access a trusted, free resource when searching for quality substance use disorder treatment for themselves or a loved one,” Shatterproof chief impact officer Jen Velez said in a news release. “Trust is everything. We know that it can be a confusing, scary time when someone is seeking help, and we want to ensure that the information available to find quality care is trusted, unbiased, and meets the person’s needs.” 

Since its launch, ATLAS has recorded more than 100,000 user sessions. Among the platform’s features:

• Facilities’ use of best practices are measured against the Shatterproof National Principles of Care, which are standards derived from the 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on Addiction and input from other clinical experts.
• Feedback from patients and family members is updated daily.
• A treatment needs assessment, created with input from ASAM and OpenBeds, helps users identify appropriate treatment.
• Search functions allow for filters based on location, services and insurance provider.

For 2021, ATLAS is making all of its content available in Spanish, integrating state resources and adding features to its search function.

Data for providers, payers and policymakers

ATLAS also includes access to data for treatment centers, insurers and state policymakers with the intention of increasing transparency and accountability. Features for those stakeholders include:

• Providers are able to compare their quality data to that of their peers, which can inform internal quality improvement efforts.
• Payers can assess providers’ performance to align financial incentives and support quality care.
• Legislators can use data to inform policy and access changes, and also disseminate resources to support providers.