New MOTIVATE clinic uses comprehensive approach to treat addictions

Posted on Friday, February 17th, 2012

UT Physicians has opened a new outpatient clinic founded on evidence-based treatments focused on addictions.

The clinic’s program, Multidisciplinary Outpatient Intensive Treatment (MOTIVATE), will treat those with addictive disorders, including smoking, alcoholism, the use of illegal substances, and the abuse of prescription medications.

The treatment program combines pharmacological interventions with behavioral therapy, drawing upon research carried out at Centers of Excellence like the one at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

“This allows us to transfer our technology and research to the next step, such as the use of medication for cocaine addiction,” said Gerald Moeller, M.D., UT Physicians psychiatrist and director of the clinic. “For example, we have published results showing that a medication prescribed for depression reduces cocaine use in some people with cocaine addiction, even if they don’t have depression.”

The clinic’s team approach includes licensed professional counselors and physicians. Dr. Moeller, Joy Schmitz, Ph.D., and Joel Steinberg, M.D., will be among the staff treating patients.

“The treatment plan at MOTIVATE is individually tailored, based on results of an initial and comprehensive medical, psychiatric, and behavioral evaluation,” Schmitz said. “We know that addiction is not just about taking a drug. It affects so many areas of functioning.”

After the medical and psychiatric screening, patients will be seen at the clinic twice a week over a 12-week period. Post-treatment recommendations will follow, including options for extending the MOTIVATE program. For more information, call 713.486.2790 or visit www.ut-motivate.org.

— Deborah Mann Lake, Office of Advancement, Media Relations

The medical group practice of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, UT Physicians offers the most advanced technologies with a personalized touch from its flagship location in the Texas Medical Center and at a growing number of clinics throughout the greater Houston area.

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