With the depression and addiction mat program at Ascend Health, you can address opioid dependence and co-occurring mental health conditions in one comprehensive, coordinated treatment plan. Integrated medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications—methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone—with counseling and behavioral therapies to create a whole-patient approach. This model not only helps you manage withdrawal and cravings but also supports your recovery from depression, anxiety, trauma or PTSD, all under one roof.
At Ascend Health, you benefit from evidence-based care that draws on national guidelines from SAMHSA and other authorities. By situating medication management alongside individual and group therapy, you avoid fragmented care and reduce the risk of relapse. Whether you’re just beginning treatment or seeking to enhance an existing plan, a depression and addiction mat program can give you the tools to rebuild stability in your life.
Understand dual diagnosis challenges
When you’re coping with both opioid use disorder and depression, you’re facing a dual diagnosis. These co-occurring conditions interact in ways that can make each one harder to treat alone. Substance use can worsen mood disorders, while untreated depression may drive you to self-medicate with opioids.
• Approximately half of individuals experiencing a substance use disorder will also face a mental health condition such as depression [1].
• According to NAMI, 33 percent of people with mental illness experience addiction, rising to 50 percent among those with severe symptoms [2].
If left unaddressed, this interplay can fuel a cycle of relapse, worsening symptoms and increased risk of overdose. A targeted depression and addiction mat program treats both disorders simultaneously, reducing barriers and improving outcomes.
Explore integrated MAT care
Integrated MAT care brings together medication management and psychotherapy in a single framework. You receive both the pharmacological support needed to stabilize brain chemistry and the therapeutic tools to build coping skills, address trauma and develop healthy routines.
Medication options
MAT relies on three FDA-approved medications to normalize brain function and relieve cravings without producing euphoric highs. At Ascend Health, your care team will help you choose the right option based on clinical need, preference and lifestyle.
| Medication | Type | Administration | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methadone | Full opioid agonist | Oral, daily dosing at clinic | Reduces withdrawal, stabilizes hormone function, proven efficacy in opioid treatment |
| Buprenorphine | Partial opioid agonist | Sublingual, subcutaneous, injectable | Lower risk of overdose, flexible office-based prescribing, fewer highs and lows |
| Naltrexone | Opioid antagonist | Extended-release injection monthly | Blocks euphoric effects, reduces cravings, no daily dosing commitment |
Sources and further reading on these medications are available at Behavioral Health Group and SAMHSA.
Methadone
Methadone is dispensed in highly regulated clinics. If you require a full agonist that can fully occupy opioid receptors, methadone may be the right choice. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and normalizes brain chemistry over time.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, can be prescribed in physician offices and clinics, making it more accessible. You may take it as a daily film or tablet, or opt for the extended-release injection to reduce dosing frequency. Learn more about our buprenorphine treatment and counseling services and suboxone program with mental health therapy.
Naltrexone
If you prefer not to be on an opioid agonist, naltrexone blocks opioid receptors to prevent any euphoric effect. The once-monthly injectable can simplify your routine and support long-term abstinence. Ask about our sublocade treatment with behavioral therapy for extended-release options.
Behavioral therapies
Medication alone is rarely sufficient for enduring recovery. Ascend Health integrates individual, group and family therapies to address underlying issues:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier responses.
- Motivational interviewing enhances your readiness to change by resolving ambivalence. A Norwegian trial found that combining CBT and MI significantly boosted treatment motivation over 12 months compared to usual care (p = 0.043) [3].
- Trauma-informed care ensures your history of abuse or PTSD is treated sensitively. Explore our suboxone and trauma therapy integration.
By weaving together medication and therapy, an integrated approach supports both your physical and emotional healing.
Evaluate treatment outcomes
Research on integrated MAT programs shows meaningful improvements in substance use, mental health and pain management. Understanding these outcomes can help you set realistic expectations.
Substance use improvements
In a rural Colorado MOUD pilot program, 1005 patients were treated between 2017 and 2020 by newly trained practitioners. Those who remained in treatment at six months saw:
- Heroin use drop from 52.1 percent to 20.4 percent
- Opioid use decline from 22.3 percent to 11.0 percent
- Alcohol use decrease from 28.6 percent to 13.1 percent
All changes were statistically significant (p <0.01) [4].
Mental health improvements
Participants in that same program reported reduced anxiety and depression after six months:
- Moderate to high anxiety fell from 49.7 percent to 23.2 percent
- Moderate to high depression dropped from 54.1 percent to 23.3 percent
Pain levels also eased, with moderate to severe pain decreasing from 67.5 percent to 53.6 percent (p <0.01) [4].
While retention at six months was 28.7 percent, targeted outreach and behavioral health support can boost engagement and help you stay on track.
Choose Ascend Health program
Ascend Health stands out as a leading provider of integrated care, delivering MAT plus therapy for patients managing anxiety, depression, trauma or PTSD alongside opioid recovery. Here’s how we structure our offerings to meet your needs.
Personalized treatment plans
Your care begins with a comprehensive assessment. Based on your history, substance use and mental health profile, we craft a plan that may include:
- Medication selection and dosing schedule
- One-on-one counseling sessions
- Group support tailored to dual diagnosis
- Family education and involvement
Our dual diagnosis mat treatment program ensures each element aligns with your goals.
Telehealth and outpatient options
To fit your lifestyle, Ascend Health offers flexible care:
- Virtual appointments for medication management and therapy via our telehealth dual diagnosis treatment platform
- In-person outpatient visits if you prefer face-to-face support
- Evening and weekend hours for work or school commitments
You can also explore our virtual dual diagnosis mat program or join an outpatient dual diagnosis mat program.
Support services
Beyond primary treatment, we provide wraparound services to support your recovery:
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication adjustments [5]
- Individual counseling for stress, trauma and relapse prevention [6]
- Peer support groups and family education
- Case management to connect you with housing, employment and social services
Our integrated model, detailed at integrated behavioral health and mat services, helps you address every aspect of your well-being.
Start your recovery journey
You do not have to navigate depression and opioid use disorder on your own. A depression and addiction mat program at Ascend Health offers the medication support and therapeutic guidance you need to heal both mind and body.
Reach out today to schedule your free consultation. Our team will answer your questions, outline treatment options—including low barrier models for easy access—and help you take the first step toward lasting wellness. Discover how our comprehensive mat and mental health care can empower you to reclaim your life.
