Medication assisted treatment (MAT) in Denver can help people with opioid addictions and opioid use disorder manage cravings and withdrawal while they build a healthier life with counseling and support. This guide explains what MAT is, how to access care, what to expect and how WellPower connects medication, therapy and other recovery services.
What medication assisted treatment is and what it is not
Medication assisted treatment, often called MAT, combines FDA approved medications with behavioral health care such as counseling, peer support and treatment planning. The goal is practical: reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings so you can focus on recovery, relationships and daily life.
MAT is not a shortcut or a sign of weakness. It is a science-based approach that can help stabilize the brain and body, especially for opioid use disorder. Many programs, including WellPower in Denver, use a harm reduction approach and a person first model, meaning care is tailored to your needs and goals rather than a one size fits all plan.
For opioid use disorder, common MAT medications include buprenorphine and naltrexone (both of which are offered by WellPower through our pharmacies). A clinician can help you understand which medication fits your situation, including your opioid use history, withdrawal risk and treatment preferences.
Who MAT can help in Denver
MAT is commonly used to treat opioid use disorder. You might consider it if you have tried to stop using opioids and withdrawal or cravings kept pulling you back, if fentanyl exposure is a concern or if you want medical support while you work on counseling goals.
At WellPower, addiction and substance use services are focused on adults 18 and older in Denver who have Medicaid. WellPower’s MAT Clinic has three key criteria to receive services: you are experiencing opioid use disorder, you are interested in therapeutic support and you have Medicaid insurance.
How to access medication assisted treatment in Denver
Getting MAT usually starts the same way as other behavioral health care: you connect with an intake team, review your needs and insurance and then get scheduled with the right program. If you are looking for MAT through WellPower, there are two main paths depending on whether you are already enrolled.
- If you are new to WellPower, call us at (303) 504-7900, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You will complete a phone screening that covers why you are seeking services, basic background information and insurance. You can also request a phone call by filling out this form.
- If you are already in WellPower services, ask your care team about MAT to discuss a referral and whether MAT is the right fit for you.
- Confirm you meet MAT Clinic criteria. WellPower’s MAT Clinic requires opioid use disorder, interest in therapy support and Medicaid coverage.
- Attend intake and medication visits. You will meet with a MAT clinician and a pharmacist to discuss medication options and next steps.
When you call to start services, it helps to have any current or past treatment information, insurance details and your Social Security number, if available. If you are not sure what you need, you can still call and ask questions. Our team’s job is to connect you to the right level of care.
What to expect in a MAT program
MAT typically begins with an assessment of your opioid use, withdrawal risk, medical history and recovery goals. Early care is often focused on stabilization, finding the right dose and reducing cravings so treatment feels manageable.
WellPower’s MAT Clinic uses a team-based approach that includes medical staff, nursing, pharmacy and both individual and group therapy. The clinic coordinates with a person’s primary WellPower team so medication support and counseling work together, not in separate silos.
One common question is how long MAT lasts. With WellPower, there is no minimum or maximum amount of time required. Some people use MAT for weeks, others for months or years. Your care team will review progress, side effects and goals with you and adjust the plan over time.
Medication is also only one part of recovery. Many people benefit from individual therapy, group therapy and peer support (a form of support where a person who has experienced similar struggles has received certification to provide care in a more mutual way).
If you are also working on mental health symptoms while using substances to cope, an intensive outpatient program may be another option. WellPower’s Intensive Outpatient Program is a 12-week program with group sessions three times a week plus weekly individual therapy.
MAT and mental health: treating the whole person
Substance use and mental health challenges often show up together. Anxiety, depression, trauma and severe stress can make cravings worse, while ongoing opioid use can make sleep, mood and motivation harder to manage. That is why WellPower aims to treat both at the same time.
Insurance, Medicaid and cost questions
Cost should not be a barrier to lifesaving care, but insurance rules can be confusing. WellPower welcomes Medicaid members and MAT services are fully covered by Medicaid at WellPower. If you have questions about Medicaid eligibility or want to connect with our team about accessing services, we encourage you to give us a call at (303) 504-7900.
MAT in Denver: common questions
Do I have to be totally abstinent before starting MAT? Not at WellPower. Our program starts by focusing on safety and stabilization. Be honest during your screening so clinicians can plan for withdrawal risk and medication timing.
Will I be on medication forever? Treatment length varies. With WellPower’s MAT clinic, there is no minimum or maximum time required. The safest plan is one you and your prescriber review regularly based on cravings, stability and your goals.
What if I return to use? A return to use can be part of many people’s recovery story. Tell your care team quickly so they can adjust support, review overdose risk and strengthen your plan. The point of treatment is progress and safety, not perfection.
What will intake ask me? Expect questions about why you are seeking care, current and past treatment, basic background information and insurance. WellPower’s access process also asks for insurance information and a Social Security number if available. If you do not have Medicaid but think you may qualify, ask what steps to take next and what other community options may be available.
How to prepare for your first MAT appointment
Starting treatment can feel overwhelming, especially if you have had negative experiences in health care. A little preparation can help you get the most from your first visit.
- Be honest about what you are using. Your care team needs accurate information to keep you safe and select the right medication plan.
- Bring a medication list. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter meds and supplements.
- Plan for questions. Ask about side effects, how quickly cravings should ease, what to do if you miss a dose and how counseling fits into the program.
- Talk about barriers. Transportation, work schedules, child care and housing instability can affect attendance. WellPower can help problem solve and connect you to resources.
Bottom line
Medication assisted treatment in Denver can be a steady, realistic way to move out of daily withdrawal and craving and into recovery. The most important step is starting. If you are seeking MAT through WellPower, call us at (303) 504-7900 to get started with services or, if you are already enrolled, connect with your care team to discuss whether MAT is the right fit for you. With the right medication plan and the right support, recovery can be built one day at a time.