Mental Health Services at Stiff Health & Wellness Care

Evaluation, treatment, and management through individual therapy can be beneficial for individuals seeking to strengthen their emotional outcomes at all stages of their mental health care. Additionally, Medication-Assisted Treatment options are available. Our online sessions are conveniently held from the safety of your own home, made easy through our scheduling platform.

Our Approach to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

At Stiff Health and Wellness Care, we recognize that opioid use disorder is a chronic medical condition rather than a moral failing. Our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program employs an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, including individual therapy, to provide a comprehensive, holistic path to recovery.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT is the gold standard of care for opioid use disorder. This highly effective, whole-person approach addresses the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction. Our goal is to help you regain control of your life while building a stable foundation for long-term recovery.

How does MAT work?

The medications used in MAT are designed to normalize brain chemistry and alleviate the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms that often lead to relapse. This stabilization allows you to concentrate on your recovery and engage in counseling and other mental health care services without the constant physical and mental struggle of addiction.

Our MAT Services Include:

We offer a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include:

Medication Management:

Our team of licensed medical providers specializes in prescribing and managing the appropriate medications for your treatment.

The primary medications we use are:

Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone): Suboxone is a common medication in our MAT program and contains two medications:

Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same "high" as other opioids.

Naloxone: An opioid blocker that helps prevent misuse of the medication.

Vivitrol (Naltrexone): An injectable medication that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. This non-narcotic and non-addictive option can only be initiated after you have been completely off opioids for 7-10 days, as it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms if administered too early.

Comprehensive Support Services: We provide access to various support services, including individual therapy, to help you rebuild your life, such as:

Mental and behavioral health assessments

Referrals to other services as needed

The Treatment Process

Your journey with us will be a collaborative process. Here’s what you can expect:

Comprehensive Assessment: You will meet with our medical and clinical staff for a thorough assessment to determine if MAT is the right treatment for you. This includes a medical evaluation, drug screening, and a discussion of your treatment goals.

Induction: If Suboxone is part of your treatment plan, you will begin the "induction" phase. This involves administering the first dose of medication when you are in a mild-to-moderate state of withdrawal. Our team will guide you through this process to ensure your comfort and safety.

Stabilization and Maintenance: After induction, you will enter the stabilization phase, where we will work with you to find the most effective dose of medication. Once stable, you will transition to the maintenance phase, which includes regular appointments and participation in counseling.

Long-Term Recovery: The duration of your treatment is a personal decision made in collaboration with your medical team. We will support you every step of the way, for as long as you need it.

Important Note:

Medication-Assisted Treatment is a safe and effective way to address opioid use disorder. When prescribed properly and accompanied by adequate support, these medications do not create a new addiction. They serve as a valuable tool to help you reclaim your life and health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder, please contact us at 405-888-5616 to learn more about our MAT program. We are here to assist you in starting your journey to recovery.

Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions we might face at various points in our lives. Through individual therapy, along with evaluation, management, and Medication-Assisted Treatment, we can help you regain the motivation, perspective, and joy you once experienced. Our comprehensive mental health care approach is designed to support your recovery.

Gaining weight on psychiatric medication is a common and frustrating side effect, but there are effective strategies to manage it and improve your overall health. Weight gain can be caused by medication effects on metabolism, appetite, and cravings. Understanding how to manage weight while on these medications is crucial for your mental health care.

Understanding Weight Gain from Psychiatric Medications

Many medications used in mental health care can lead to weight gain. This isn't a sign of weakness; it's a physiological response to how these drugs work. They can affect:

Appetite and Cravings: Some medications increase your appetite, particularly for carbohydrates and sweets.

Metabolism: They can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to burn calories.

Insulin Resistance: Certain medications can affect how your body uses insulin, which can lead to weight gain and increase the risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes. Common culprits include some antidepressants (e.g., mirtazapine, paroxetine), mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate), and antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone).

Weight Loss and Management Options

Managing your weight involves a combination of lifestyle changes, behavioral strategies, and sometimes, additional medical support, including individual therapy.

1. Dietary Adjustments

Focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in processed foods. This doesn't mean you have to be on a strict diet, but rather make sustainable, healthier choices.

Increase Protein and Fiber: Foods like lean meats, legumes, fruits, and vegetables help you feel full and satisfied, which can reduce cravings.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes, your body can confuse thirst with hunger.

Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Avoid eating while distracted (e.g., watching TV) and savor your meals.

2. Physical Activity

Regular exercise is crucial for both physical and mental health. It helps burn calories, boost metabolism, and improve mood.

Find Activities You Enjoy: Whether it's walking, dancing, swimming, or weightlifting, choose something that's fun for you to make it a sustainable habit.

Aim for Consistency: Start small and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. The goal is to move your body most days of the week.

3. Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes

Prioritize Sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased hunger and cravings.

Stress Management: High stress levels can contribute to emotional eating and weight gain. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

4. Medical Monitoring and Options

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for managing your weight and overall health. Medication-Assisted Treatment may also be considered as part of your comprehensive plan.

Routine Monitoring: Your doctor should regularly monitor your weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and blood work (including cholesterol and blood sugar) to catch any potential issues early.

Medication Review: Talk to your doctor about your concerns. It may be possible to switch to a different medication with a lower risk of weight gain. Never stop or change your medication on your own.

Prescription Weight Loss Medications: In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe a weight loss medication to help. Options include GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic) and other medications like phentermine/topiramate. These are typically used in combination with lifestyle changes.

Monitoring Your Progress

Regularly monitoring your weight and health metrics is key to a successful plan. Your healthcare team will likely track:

Weight and BMI: A simple way to track changes in your body weight relative to your height.

Waist Circumference: An important indicator of abdominal fat, which is linked to increased health risks.

Vital Signs: Blood pressure and heart rate.

Lab Work: Including fasting glucose and lipid panels to check for changes in blood sugar and cholesterol.

By working closely with your healthcare provider and considering individual therapy, you can create a comprehensive plan that effectively manages your mental health and physical well-being.

Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Emotions such as anxiety, fear, and hopelessness can linger after traumatic events. Through our individual therapy sessions and Medication-Assisted Treatment options, we can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing as part of our comprehensive mental health care.

Deprescribing is the systematic process of reducing or stopping medications that are no longer beneficial, may be causing harm, or are no longer aligned with a patient's goals of care. It is an essential component of good medication management, especially for older adults or individuals with multiple chronic conditions who are often taking many different medications (a state known as polypharmacy). Additionally, integrating individual therapy and Medication-Assisted Treatment can enhance mental health care for these patients.

The core principle of deprescribing is to optimize a patient's medication regimen to improve their quality of life, rather than simply adding more and more drugs.

Why is Deprescribing Important?

Reduces Harm: As people age or their health changes, a medication that was once beneficial can become harmful. This can be due to changes in how the body processes drugs, an increased risk of side effects, or dangerous drug-drug interactions. Deprescribing helps prevent issues like falls, cognitive decline, hospitalizations, and other adverse drug events.

Decreases Pill Burden: Taking multiple medications can be confusing, burdensome, and expensive. Deprescribing can simplify a patient's daily routine, making it easier for them to adhere to their remaining essential medications.

Improves Quality of Life: By eliminating medications that cause side effects like fatigue, dizziness, or confusion, deprescribing can lead to a significant improvement in a patient's overall well-being and function.

Avoids "Prescribing Cascades": This is a common phenomenon where a new medication is prescribed to treat a side effect of another medication, leading to a cycle of more drugs and more side effects. Deprescribing can break this cycle.

The Deprescribing Process

Deprescribing is not about simply stopping a medication. It is a careful and deliberate process that requires the collaboration of the patient, their caregivers, and a healthcare team (which often includes a physician, nurse practitioner, and pharmacist). The process typically involves these key steps:

Comprehensive Medication Review: A thorough review of all medications a patient is taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. The healthcare provider works to understand the reason each drug was prescribed and its current effectiveness.

Identify Potential Candidates for Deprescribing: The team identifies medications that may be unnecessary, ineffective, or harmful. This is often guided by specific criteria and tools (like the Beers Criteria for older adults). Common medication classes for deprescribing include:

- Sedatives and sleeping pills (e.g., benzodiazepines)

- Certain antidepressants and antipsychotics

- Medications for high blood pressure or diabetes that are no longer needed

- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for long-term use

Collaborative Decision-Making: The healthcare provider discusses the potential benefits and risks of deprescribing with the patient. The patient's preferences, fears, and goals of care are central to this step.

Implement a Plan: A specific plan is developed to safely reduce or stop one medication at a time. Many medications, especially those affecting the central nervous system, must be tapered slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms or a return of the original condition.

Monitor and Follow-Up: Close monitoring is crucial to assess for any side effects from the reduction and to ensure the patient's condition remains stable. The plan can be adjusted as needed based on the patient's response.

In essence, deprescribing is the opposite of the initial prescribing process. It requires the same level of expertise and careful consideration to ensure a patient's medication regimen is as safe and effective as possible for their current health status.

Book your evaluation today!

My work revolves around empowering you through individual therapy. I help patients resolve their emotional issues of the past and present to pave the way for a balanced and stable future. 

I have partnered with like-minded individuals who are passionate about empowering you with the balance and positive changes you seek, as well as addressing your mental health care needs through effective solutions, including Medication-Assisted Treatment, ensuring healthy outcomes.