Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with counseling for opioid and alcohol use disorders at NCADD-SFV in Van Nuys and Santa Clarita. Medi-Cal accepted.
Medi-Cal accepted100% confidentialOutpatient and IOP
What is Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)
We believe there is no single path to recovery, and we embrace the advances in medical research that have developed Medication Assisted Treatment as a tool for those needing additional support. Medication Assisted Treatment, often referred to as MAT, is the use of Addiction Medicine Physician-prescribed medications that are designed to act as anti-craving medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT is not for everyone, but it can be a good option for people who have been unsuccessful in battling cravings on their own.
How Does it Work?
Addiction affects everyone differently, and no two person’s path to recovery is the same. We find that in some cases, medication can support a person’s recovery process. Our Medical Director, Dr. Dagmar Liepa, is an addiction medicine specialist physician and oversees the care of clients that are choosing this course for their recovery.
Whether you have gone through detox and are clean from all medications but experiencing high cravings, or have done MAT and would like to continue, you will be seen by the doctor who will prescribe one of several medication if the physician believes you are a candidate for medication maintenance.
Throughout the program, you will work on the high cravings in a safe place and manner, while working through your substance use disorder in group and individual sessions.
The duration of MAT can either be short-term, to allow you to gain some stability in your life while slowly reducing the dosage until you no longer need medications of this kind, or long-term, to avoid chronic relapse. Ultimately, you will be collaborating with the doctor to determine the duration of the medication.
What is it Important?
The days after someone detoxes from opioids, alcohol or benzodiazepines are the most dangerous. Tolerance has decreased, and many people who relapse in this window use the same amount they were using before, only to overdose and experience severe health issues or death.
Research has shown that MAT decreases the risk of relapsing significantly, prevents infectious diseases, and prevents overdoses effectively. Unfortunately, most treatment centers will not continue MAT after a patient finished detox or inpatient care.
Sobriety can be difficult for those who have become exhausted from falling or relapsing repeatedly. NCADD SFV embraces the use of MAT as an effective means of giving you support and allowing you to experience a clean and sober life while gaining the confidence to succeed in sustaining long-term sobriety.
Who MAT can help
Is medication-assisted treatment right for you?
MAT is not for everyone, but it can be a strong option if:
You have finished detox but still struggle with strong cravings
You are already on MAT and want to continue with a provider who supports it
You have tried to stop using opioids or alcohol before and relapsed
You want medical support alongside counseling, not instead of it
What to expect
How MAT works at NCADD-SFV
Call our Van Nuys or Santa Clarita center to set up an assessment.
Meet with the doctor. Our Medical Director, Dr. Dagmar Liepa, is an addiction medicine specialist who decides with you whether medication is a good fit.
Start MAT alongside individual and group counseling in our outpatient program.
Decide the length together. MAT can be short term while you stabilize, or longer term to prevent relapse.
MAT in Los Angeles County
Medication-assisted treatment in Van Nuys and Santa Clarita
NCADD-SFV offers MAT at both of our San Fernando Valley area centers as part of CARF-accredited, DHCS-certified outpatient care. We accept Medi-Cal and My Health LA, and we are in network with Evernorth (Cigna), Aetna, Optum, Magellan and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Is MAT available at both locations?
Yes. Medication-assisted treatment is offered at NCADD Van Nuys (6166 Vesper Avenue) and NCADD Santa Clarita (24460 Lyons Avenue).
Who prescribes the medication?
MAT is overseen by our Medical Director, Dr. Dagmar Liepa, an addiction medicine specialist physician. The doctor decides whether you are a candidate and which medication fits.
Do I have to do counseling with MAT?
Yes. MAT at NCADD-SFV always combines medication with group and individual counseling, because medication works best as part of a full recovery plan.
How long does MAT last?
It depends on you. Some people use MAT short term while they stabilize and slowly reduce the dose, and others stay on it longer to prevent relapse. You decide the length together with the doctor.
Does Medi-Cal cover MAT?
We accept Medi-Cal and several private insurance plans. Call either location and we will verify what your coverage includes.
Ask us about MAT
Talk with our team about whether medication-assisted treatment could help you or someone you love.
