Medication-Assisted Treatment at RCMS

​Medication-assisted Treatment is a service available at RCMS for individuals experiencing addiction to or dependency on opioids.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery.

MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids, such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opioids. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve physiological cravings and normalize body functions without the negative or euphoric effects of the substance.

RCMS uses Suboxone in its MAT program. Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone, which attach to opioid receptors. It has a strong binding ability, replacing and blocking other opioids so that they become ineffective. Patients who participate in our MAT program often report, “I just feel normal” once they begin treatment.

MAT is highly effective. It has the lowest relapse rates and helps people stop using opioids with minimal physical discomfort. Everything about our program is private, confidential and discrete.

Our goal is to help every patient get back to a healthy life. Our providers understand that addiction is a chronic medical condition and we recognize that effective treatment requires a whole-person approach. Opioid addiction is not a choice but recovery can be.

To allow for an increased sense of privacy, we are holding MAT clinics in our main office located in Gualala on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also schedule an appointment during the week in Gualala or Point Arena. Please call (707) 884-4005 for an appointment.
Pain Management and Addiction Treatment
RCMS  does not turn anyone away, call to set an appointment and discuss your options.
(707) 884-4005
Learn more about MAT from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
You will be redirected to the SAMHSA website.

MAT Trained Staff

RCMS Team members Carolyn Hand, NP/MSN, Tom Bertolli, MD, and Shaye Larie, NP/DNP, are all MAT trained and credentialed.

Carolyn Hand, NP/MSN

Tom Bertolli, MD

​Shaye Larie, NP/DNP