Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a promising way to treat opioid use disorder, combining the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to support people in their journeys of recovery. We launched a MAT program with the lowest barriers in King County in 2018. Our program is designed for people who can’t travel to the same location each day or use traditional clinics. Treatment is available to people in our emergency shelters, outpatient programs and in supportive housing.
BAT & OTN (Buprenorphine Assisted Treatment & Opioid Treatment Network) are DESC’s Medication Assisted Treatment programs, providing Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) or Naltrexone (Vivitrol) to people with Opioid Use Disorder. This stabilization and maintenance treatment is not contingent on abstinence from drugs or alcohol, or enrollment in other services. While primarily aiming to help those suffering from Opioid Use Disorder, the team also serves those with co-occurring substance use or mental health disorders. Our program specializes in working with those whom other buprenorphine programs have discharged, and those needing outreach services. DESC is currently unable to provide Methadone therapy.
BAT/OTN offers services at 216 James St., Seattle, not just to clients enrolled in DESC services, but also to community members, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Walk-in appointments are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The team provides same-day prescriptions whenever possible and regularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact OTN@desc.org. For additional questions, contact OTN Project Manager April Gerard, (206) 945-5082.