Not sure where to start with Outpatient Care? We sat down with Kayla Nelson, Doctor of Nursing Practice at ShareHouse, to learn more about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services and what to expect on your first visit.
What services are provided by ShareHouse?
ShareHouse provides clinical services such as MAT specifically for individuals struggling with opioid use, medication for other Substance Use Disorders (SUD), and mental health services.
What should patients expect on their first visit?
On your first visit with Outpatient Care you should expect a longer visit with me, typically an hour, which is used as a “get to know you visit.” ShareHouse staff goes through several details including past medical and family history, medication history, and social history. Our team will also complete a diagnostic assessment as well as discuss a treatment plan with you during this appointment.
What is MAT?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. It uses a combination of medications along with counseling and behavioral therapies, providing individualized care.
Why is MAT so important?
MAT can be life-changing and lifesaving. The opioid crisis has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. In 2018, an estimated 10.3 million people misused opioids, and at that time, approximately 2 million people in the United States met the DSM-5 criteria for Opioid Use Disorder.
MAT can help an individual sustain recovery and can also be a crucial piece for preventing or reducing opioid overdose. Although MAT might not be a fit for everyone with an opioid use disorder, it can certainly play a big role in long term recovery, especially when combined with other counseling and behavioral therapies.
What Makes ShareHouse stand apart from other facilities?
Without question, the team approach, and the multitude of services available (including walk-in assessments, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, aftercare, recovery living, recovery coaching, mental health services, and prescriptive services) makes ShareHouse a top leader in treatment programs.
What do you love most about working for ShareHouse?
When working at ShareHouse, I have the ability to see someone recover and succeed. I get to take part in someone’s journey to recovery and to do so with fantastic colleagues.
