Evidence-Based MAT for Opioid Use Disorder
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Orlando
FDA-approved medications combined with psychiatric care, counseling coordination, and recovery support. Comprehensive MAT starts with a clinical evaluation — not a prescription.
Most major insurance accepted • Self-pay options available
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What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) — also referred to as medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) — is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. SAMHSA and the FDA recognize MAT as a safe, effective treatment that supports recovery and reduces harm.
At Empathy Health Clinic in Orlando, our board-certified psychiatrists provide MAT as part of comprehensive, individualized treatment plans. Every plan starts with a thorough psychiatric evaluation — because effective treatment begins with an accurate understanding of your full clinical picture.
MAT is not "substituting one drug for another." SAMHSA explicitly states that medications used in MAT are evidence-based treatments that do not simply substitute one drug for another — they normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve cravings, and normalize body functions without the harmful effects of the substance being misused.
FDA-Approved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
The FDA has approved three medications for treating opioid use disorder. Each works differently, and your provider will determine which is appropriate based on your clinical evaluation.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
A partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Combined with naloxone to discourage misuse. Can be prescribed in office-based settings.
Methadone
A full opioid agonist dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Requires daily visits to a specialized clinic; not prescribed in office-based settings.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
An opioid antagonist that blocks opioid effects entirely. Available as a monthly injection. Requires full detoxification before starting.
At Empathy Health Clinic, we prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone) for opioid use disorder. We do not dispense methadone (which requires an OTP license). We can discuss naltrexone candidacy during your evaluation. All prescribing decisions require a clinical evaluation.
Evaluation-First Approach
Every treatment plan starts with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Evidence-Based Medications
FDA-approved medications recognized by SAMHSA as safe and effective
Integrated Psychiatry
Co-occurring anxiety, depression, and trauma treated alongside substance use
Same-Week Appointments
Confidential scheduling with in-person and telehealth options
Compassionate Care
Judgment-free environment focused on recovery and long-term stability
Monitoring & Safety
Ongoing follow-ups, safety checks, and treatment adjustments as needed
What MAT Includes at Empathy Health Clinic
Evaluation-first, comprehensive care — never medication alone
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
A thorough assessment of substance use history, mental health symptoms, medical background, and co-occurring conditions. This evaluation is the foundation of your individualized MAT plan.
Individualized Medication Selection
Based on your evaluation, your provider will discuss which medication option is most appropriate for your situation. Not every patient is a candidate for every medication, and treatment is never guaranteed.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If co-occurring mental health conditions are identified (anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar), your MAT plan will integrate treatment for both. Treating substance use without addressing underlying mental health often leads to relapse.
Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up
Regular appointments to assess medication effectiveness, manage side effects, conduct safety checks, and adjust treatment as needed. Includes both in-person and telehealth options.
Relapse Prevention Planning
Structured support focused on identifying triggers, building coping strategies, and maintaining recovery momentum. We work through setbacks without judgment.
Care Coordination
We coordinate with therapists, counselors, primary care providers, and community recovery resources to support your comprehensive treatment plan.
Insurance & Payment Options
We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options
Find an in-network provider from most insurance plans
Add your insurance to see in-network mental health providers
Most major insurance plans cover MAT. We accept BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, Tricare, UMR, and Oscar Health. We do not accept Medicaid or Sunshine Health.
Why Choose Empathy Health Clinic
Licensed Professionals
Board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists
HIPAA Compliant
Your privacy and confidentiality are protected
Insurance Accepted
We accept most major insurance plans
Same-Week Appointments
Fast access to care when you need it most
MAT: Myths vs. Facts
Misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment remain common. Here is what the evidence actually shows.
MAT is just trading one addiction for another.
SAMHSA states that MAT medications are evidence-based treatments that normalize brain chemistry and reduce harm — they do not simply substitute one drug for another.
People on MAT aren't really in recovery.
Recovery includes managing a chronic condition with appropriate medical care. MAT enables patients to hold jobs, maintain relationships, and engage in therapy — all hallmarks of recovery.
MAT should only be short-term.
Research consistently shows that longer duration of MAT is associated with better outcomes. Treatment length is individualized and should not be arbitrarily limited.
You can get high on Suboxone.
When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine (Suboxone) produces no significant euphoria. It is a partial opioid agonist designed to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal, not to produce a high.
What Comprehensive MAT Looks Like
SAMHSA emphasizes that MAT is most effective when combined with other strategies and services that support recovery. At Empathy Health Clinic, MAT is never medication alone.
Medication Component
- FDA-approved medication (buprenorphine/Suboxone)
- Careful dose titration and monitoring
- Drug interaction screening
- Regular safety assessments
Support Components
- Psychiatric care for co-occurring conditions
- Therapy and counseling coordination
- Relapse prevention planning
- Recovery resource referrals
Medical References
Verified On
Medication-Assisted Treatment FAQs
Start With an Evaluation
Effective treatment begins with understanding your full clinical picture. Our psychiatrists provide confidential, evaluation-first MAT with integrated psychiatric care.