Medical services in outpatient treatment are the psychiatric and medication care that support your therapy, from your first evaluation through recovery. At Lotus Recovery Treatment Center, a board-certified psychiatrist leads the medical team, and doctors are on call 24/7.
What Are Medical Services in Treatment?
Your medical care runs alongside your therapy from day one. A board-certified psychiatrist leads the medical team and works with your therapist, so medication and therapy support each other. Medical services at Lotus Recovery include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, medication-assisted treatment, TMS therapy and drug testing.
Many mental health and substance use conditions have a physical side. Withdrawal, cravings, poor sleep and mood symptoms can all make it harder to stay in therapy. Treating them medically gives therapy a better chance of working.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medication with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. The medication eases cravings and withdrawal, or blocks the effects of the substance, while therapy works on the thoughts and habits behind use.
At Lotus Recovery, our medical team offers Suboxone or Vivitrol for opioid use and Vivitrol for alcohol use. We do not offer methadone. According to SAMHSA, MAT can:
- Improve survival rates
- Help people stay in treatment longer
- Reduce illicit opioid use and binge drinking
- Improve daily functioning, including keeping a job
- Improve birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders
Psychiatric Evaluation
Treatment starts with a psychiatric evaluation. A provider reviews your symptoms, your mental health and substance use history and any medications you take, then confirms a diagnosis so your plan fits what you are facing. When a clearer diagnosis is needed, psychological testing is part of the assessment.
Expect questions about your current symptoms, past diagnoses and treatment, alcohol and drug use, medical history, current prescriptions and family history. Your provider then explains the diagnosis and talks through your options, including whether medication makes sense for you.
Psychiatric Medication Management
If medication can help, your provider prescribes it and checks in regularly about sleep, mood, side effects and cravings. Doses are adjusted or medications changed when needed, and you are part of every decision. Our psychiatry team treats depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD, among other conditions.
In our programs, you meet with your psychiatrist weekly, so a medication that is not working or causes side effects can be changed quickly.
TMS Therapy for Depression
For depression that has not improved with medication, TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood. It is non-invasive, needs no anesthesia, and you can drive yourself home after each session.
TMS is FDA-cleared for depression that has not responded to medication. A typical course involves sessions five days a week for several weeks, and each session lasts well under an hour.
Drug Testing for Accountability
Drug testing supports accountability in recovery, especially for residents of our sober supportive housing. Results are kept confidential and shared only with you and your care team.
Residents are tested when they move in and randomly after that, using urine tests, saliva tests or breathalyzers.
Medical Detox Before Treatment
Lotus Recovery does not provide on-site detox. If you need medical detox first, we help you arrange it with a medical provider, then you start treatment with us.
Detox matters most for alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioids, where withdrawal can be uncomfortable or dangerous without medical supervision. Once detox is complete, our medical team picks up your care for the next stage of treatment.
Getting Started With Medical Services
Medical care is part of every program at Lotus Recovery, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and our outpatient program. Your first step is a psychiatric evaluation, and doctors are on call 24/7 once you start.
Call (805) 856-6690 to schedule an evaluation. Admissions is open 24/7, and most insurance is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical services are included in outpatient treatment?
Psychiatric evaluation, medication management, medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone or Vivitrol, TMS therapy for depression and drug testing.
Do you offer medical detox?
No. If you need detox, we help you arrange it with a medical provider first, then you start treatment with us.
Do I have to take medication?
No. Medication is offered when it can help, and you decide with your provider. Many people do well with therapy alone.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
MAT combines FDA-approved medication, such as Suboxone or Vivitrol, with counseling and therapy to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder.
What is the difference between Suboxone and Vivitrol?
Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone and is taken daily. Vivitrol is a monthly naltrexone injection, and you need to be opioid-free for about 7 to 10 days before the first dose. Your provider helps you choose.
How often will I see a psychiatrist?
Most clients meet with their psychiatrist weekly, with changes to medication made as needed.
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover TMS for depression that has not improved with medication. Call (805) 856-6690 and our team can check your coverage.