Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Evidence-based treatment for opioid, alcohol, and substance use disorders in Los Angeles and across California via telepsychiatry.

A Comprehensive Approach to Recovery

Addiction is not a character flaw or a failure of willpower. It is a complex medical condition with biological, psychological, and social dimensions that require real clinical treatment. For many people, medication is a critical part of that treatment.

At PsychBright Health, we offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as part of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to recovery from substance use disorders. Our board-certified psychiatrists combine FDA-approved medications with clinical support and personalized care to help patients reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, and build a sustainable path toward long-term recovery.

If you are struggling with addiction, you do not have to face it alone. We provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you can explore your options and take the next step forward.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling, psychotherapy, and other support services to treat substance use disorders. MAT is not a substitute for recovery. It is a clinically proven tool that addresses the neurological and physiological components of addiction, making it significantly easier for patients to engage in treatment, avoid relapse, and rebuild their lives.

Unlike abstinence-only approaches, MAT recognizes that addiction involves changes to brain chemistry that medication can help correct. Decades of research support MAT as one of the most effective treatments available for opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Substance Use Disorders Treated with MAT

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

MAT is most widely used for opioid use disorder, including addiction to heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications. Medications used include:

  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) — reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms and can be prescribed in an outpatient setting, making it highly accessible for patients who want to continue their daily responsibilities during treatment
  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol) — blocks opioid receptors in the brain, eliminating the rewarding effects of opioid use; administered as a monthly injection once the patient has completed detox

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

MAT for alcohol use disorder helps patients achieve and maintain sobriety or significantly reduce harmful drinking. Medications used include:

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) — creates an unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed, serving as a strong deterrent to drinking
  • Acamprosate (Campral) — reduces prolonged withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia that can persist for months after stopping alcohol, lowering the risk of relapse
  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol) — also effective for alcohol use disorder, reducing cravings and diminishing the pleasurable effects of drinking

Tobacco Use Disorder

For patients looking to stop smoking or using tobacco products, MAT options include:

  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) — available in multiple forms including patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhalers to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings
  • Bupropion (Zyban) — an antidepressant that also reduces nicotine cravings and eases withdrawal symptoms
  • Varenicline (Chantix) — reduces the urge to smoke and decreases the pleasurable effects of tobacco, making it easier to quit and stay quit

Other Substance Use Disorders

Research is ongoing for MAT applications in treating stimulant use disorders including cocaine and methamphetamine addiction. Our psychiatrists stay current with evolving evidence and can discuss the full range of available options during your evaluation.

The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

MAT has been extensively studied and consistently shown to produce meaningful outcomes for patients in recovery. Documented benefits include:

  • Higher rates of treatment retention and program completion
  • Significant reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths
  • Decreased illicit drug use and criminal activity associated with addiction
  • Improved physical health and reduction in infectious disease transmission
  • Greater ability to maintain employment, relationships, and daily functioning
  • Stronger motivation and capacity to engage in therapy and recovery support

Our MAT Approach at PsychBright Health

Every patient who comes to PsychBright Health for MAT begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We review your full medical and psychiatric history, current substance use patterns, previous treatment experiences, and personal goals for recovery before recommending any medications.

From there, we develop an individualized treatment plan that integrates medication with appropriate therapeutic support. MAT at PsychBright Health is never just a prescription. It is a structured, monitored, and evolving plan designed to address the full complexity of your recovery.

Follow-up appointments allow us to assess your response to medication, make adjustments as needed, monitor for side effects, and provide consistent support throughout the process. For patients in Los Angeles, we offer in-person visits. For patients throughout California, HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry appointments are available.

Frequently Asked Questions About MAT

Is MAT just replacing one addiction with another?

No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about MAT. Medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone are used at controlled doses under medical supervision to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and prevent withdrawal. They are not used to produce a high. The goal is to allow patients to function normally and engage in recovery without the destabilizing effects of active addiction.

How long does MAT last?

The duration of MAT varies by patient. Some individuals use medication for a defined period during early recovery, while others benefit from longer-term maintenance. There is no single right answer. Your psychiatrist will work with you to determine the appropriate timeline based on your clinical progress and individual circumstances.

Can I receive MAT via telepsychiatry?

Yes. PsychBright Health offers MAT evaluation and ongoing management via HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients throughout California. Certain medications, including buprenorphine, can be prescribed via telehealth under current federal guidelines.

Does insurance cover MAT?

Most major insurance plans cover MAT services. Call (213) 584-2331 to verify your coverage before your first appointment.

Medication-Assisted Treatment in Los Angeles and Across California

PsychBright Health is located at 1180 S Beverly Dr #700, Los Angeles, CA 90035, serving patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Culver City, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Telepsychiatry appointments are available for patients anywhere in California.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a substance use disorder, we are here to help. Recovery is possible, and medication-assisted treatment may be an important part of your path forward.

Call (213) 584-2331 or submit an appointment request online. Our team follows up within one business day.

1180 S Beverly Dr #700, Los Angeles, CA 90035 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

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