BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Addiction Centers (AAC), a leading national provider of addiction and mental health treatment, today announced a new nationwide initiative with the National Association of Bail Agents (NABA) to connect people in the legal system with treatment. Spearheaded by Scott Frankel, Executive Director of AAC’s Recovery First Treatment Center, and NABA President Michelle Esquenazi, the effort will equip thousands of bail agents across the country with direct ways to connect individuals and families with high-quality, accredited substance use and mental health care through AAC.
According to Esquenazi, an estimated 60% to 80% of people seeking assistance from their bail agents may be struggling with addiction and/or mental health challenges. For those who need treatment, an arrest could be more than a wake-up call. It could be a turning point, offering an opportunity to get the help they need to turn their lives around.
For Frankel and Esquenazi, this new opportunity builds on years of collaborative trust and a shared mission to serve communities in crisis. “We have always worked exceptionally well together, and this collaboration comes at a critical time when direct intervention can alter the trajectory of a person’s life,” said Frankel. “Bail agents are often on the front lines, interacting with individuals at one of their lowest points. By offering immediate access to comprehensive treatment instead of a revolving door in the justice system, NABA and American Addiction Centers can truly save lives together.”
The initiative gained momentum following the announcement that Frankel will serve as a featured speaker at the upcoming NABA National Convention, scheduled for June 2027 in Houston, Texas. The convention will provide an opportunity to educate bail agents on identifying addiction and understanding treatment resources.
“Working with Scott Frankel and American Addiction Centers allows our members to offer a compassionate, practical lifeline to the individuals and families we serve,” said Esquenazi. “Our agents operate in every corner of the country. Having a trusted national ally like AAC means we can help our clients get the professional treatment they desperately need while navigating the recovery process.”
Through the new connection process, NABA members will be able to put individuals and families in direct contact with AAC’s admissions team for information about available treatment options at AAC’s network of treatment facilities across seven states, including medical detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services and mental health care. Treatment resources will be available regardless of whether families ultimately secure bail through a NABA member agent. Admission to treatment will depend on individual clinical needs and applicable requirements during active legal proceedings.
“We believe this collaboration will not only open doors to treatment but also help break the cycle of addiction, incarceration, and crisis for generations to come,” said Frankel. “Our hope is that this becomes a model for how organizations across different sectors can work together to address addiction and mental health challenges in their communities.”
About American Addiction Centers
At American Addiction Centers (AAC), we believe in the power of recovery. As a national leader in substance use disorder treatment, we provide compassionate, evidence-based inpatient and outpatient care for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. Our mission is to restore hope and empower individuals and families, offering a foundation for lasting recovery that transforms lives. We envision a world free from the stigma of addiction, where high-quality care is accessible to all. Learn more at americanaddictioncenters.org.
About the National Association of Bail Agents (NABA)
The National Association of Bail Agents (NABA) represents professional bail agents throughout the United States. Dedicated to upholding the integrity of the bail industry and supporting public safety, NABA advocates for ethical practices, professional development, and community-centered interventions for justice-involved individuals.
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