About
About Ken Starr MD Addiction Medicine Group
Ken Starr MD Addiction Medicine Group is a CARF-accredited substance use treatment practice located at 107 Nelson Street in Arroyo Grande, California, within San Luis Obispo County. The practice is founded and led by Dr. Ken Starr, a physician holding board certification through the American Board of Addiction Medicine and fellowship credentials in addiction medicine, emergency medicine, and emergency physicians — a clinical background that directly informs how withdrawal and addiction are managed at this facility.
The center provides three distinct levels of care: medical detox, a standard outpatient program, and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Medical detox positions the practice to manage supervised withdrawal for patients with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder under direct physician oversight. For patients stepping down from detox or entering treatment without requiring inpatient-level withdrawal management, the outpatient and IOP tracks provide structured, ongoing clinical support.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is among the confirmed therapeutic methods used within the program. Treatment addresses alcohol use and opioid use — the two substance categories the practice explicitly treats. Dr. Starr’s dual board credentials in addiction medicine and emergency medicine reflect a clinical orientation toward medically complex presentations, which is particularly relevant for patients managing withdrawal from alcohol or opioids.
Ken Starr MD Addiction Medicine Group accepts private insurance from Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield (Magellan), United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Beacon, as well as self-pay and cash arrangements. CARF accreditation signals that the facility has met independently reviewed standards for addiction treatment service delivery. For individuals or families in San Luis Obispo County evaluating medical detox options with physician-led oversight, this practice represents a clinically grounded option for both detox and continuing care.
- Led by Dr. Ken Starr, a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine with additional board certifications in emergency medicine — clinical depth uncommon in outpatient addiction practices
- Offers medical detox alongside IOP and outpatient care under one CARF-accredited practice, allowing patients to transition between levels of care without changing providers
- CARF accreditation reflects independently reviewed quality standards for substance use treatment delivery
- Accepts six major insurance carriers including Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna, broadening access for privately insured patients
- Explicitly treats both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder — the two conditions most commonly requiring medically supervised detox