“Dear: ‘A Friend,’” he narrates mysteriously over the click-clack of his antique typewriter. Slanted, dusty light filters through the window blinds, slicing the sepia-noir detective’s office. “I received your letter – and what a letter it was.”
We look over his shoulder to see a piece of creased paper with a simple, stark message in bold:
Detective Jud,
What is MAT?
And why does it MAT-ter?
A Friend
Thus begins “Peer Detective,” a brand-new miniseries from WellPower about the mystery of our medication assisted treatment (MAT) clinic, a science-based treatment that helps reduce cravings from substances and provides relief from withdrawal symptoms.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll join Peer Detective Jud Felder (who happens to be – spoiler – a real-life WellPower peer specialist with the MAT clinic) as he uncovers the truth about this life-changing addiction treatment program.
Click here to watch the trailer:
How to watch the full series
Each episode will be released on WellPower’s YouTube channel here – one episode a week starting in early November. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss anything.
In the meantime, how about a sneak peak at our MAT clinic? Read on for an important briefing before we start our mission.
Addiction Treatment at WellPower
MAT is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction, by combining FDA-approved medications with specialized therapy. This model is recognized by leading health authorities for its effectiveness in reducing cravings, preventing relapse and improving overall quality of life. At WellPower, our clinic provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that care is both holistic and respectful of each person’s unique recovery journey.
Our MAT Clinic’s Mission and Approach
The MAT Clinic at WellPower operates on the foundational belief that recovery is possible for everyone. Our multidisciplinary team – including psychiatrists, nurses, therapists and peer support specialists (like Jud Felder, our very own Peer Detective) – is dedicated to creating a safe, stigma-free environment where the people we serve feel valued and understood. We approach treatment not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a dynamic partnership between care providers and people served, rooted in trust, dignity and shared goals.
WellPower’s MAT clinic prescribes medications such as buprenorphine (also known as suboxone), naltrexone and vivitrol, which help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These medications, when combined with individual and group counseling, support the people we serve in rebuilding their lives, reconnecting with loved ones and pursuing long-term recovery from substance use. Our team works collaboratively to help people address underlying mental health challenges, promote healthy coping strategies and foster resilience in the face of adversity – whether that’s past trauma, current mental health concerns, housing instability or anything else preventing recovery.
Impact of MAT Addiction Treatment
This past year, the MAT Clinic served over 500 individuals seeking support for substance use disorders. Of those, more than 70% reported significant improvements in their physical health, mental well-being and social relationships within six months of starting treatment. Our retention rates continue to exceed national averages, highlighting the effectiveness of our integrated model and the commitment of the people we serve to their recovery. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every statistic is a person – a neighbor, a friend, a family member who has found hope through our clinic.
How We Partner with the Community
We know that healing does not happen in isolation. That’s why WellPower’s MAT Clinic actively collaborates with local hospitals, law enforcement, social service agencies and advocacy groups to ensure the people we serve have access to comprehensive care and resources. Our outreach efforts include educational workshops, Naloxone distribution events and recovery forums designed to reduce stigma and promote understanding among community members.
In addition, our clinic has partnered with local employers and housing agencies to help people served secure stable jobs and living arrangements – key factors in sustaining long-term recovery. These partnerships are vital in building a recovery-friendly community, offering support not just within our clinic walls but throughout the broader social landscape.
Adapting to Medicaid Cuts
While we celebrate our successes, we also recognize the ongoing challenges facing our clinic and the field of addiction treatment in general. Cuts to Medicaid funding, as well as other critical sources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), foreshadow further reversals of the progress we’ve made over the past years in tackling the opioid crisis. These latest cuts compound pre-existing barriers on the individual level such as transportation, insurance and stigma, which can already make it difficult to access care.
In response, WellPower is in the process of reimagining how we offer addiction treatment for our community. Over the coming months, we’ll be rolling out a brand-new model for our clinic, which we hope will make it much easier and simpler for people to access care, all on their terms. Keep an eye on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) for the latest on this exciting development.
How to Get Help with Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, we invite you to reach out to WellPower’s MAT Clinic. You can reach the clinic by calling our main line: (303) 504-7900.
For help in an emergency, call 911. To access immediate 24/7/365 support with mental health and substance use, call, text or chat 988, the Mental Health Lifeline. In Colorado, you can also visit a walk-in center for immediate, in-person help in a crisis. Denver’s walk-in center (operated by WellPower) is at 4353 E. Colfax Ave. Find the location closest to you here.
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