MAT and Counseling: Why Therapy is Essential to Long-Term Recovery

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) has helped thousands of people take control of opioid and alcohol use disorders. But medication alone isn’t enough. Long-term recovery often depends on addressing the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioral patterns that contribute to substance use. That’s where therapy plays a critical role.

This article explains how MAT and counseling work together, the benefits of combining both, and what you can expect during treatment at BrightView.

What is MAT?

Medication assisted treatment is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders using FDA-approved medications. These medications help reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and decrease cravings, making recovery more manageable and sustainable.

BrightView offers medications like Suboxone, as well as other generic buprenorphine/naloxone products, to support patients during opioid use disorder treatment. These medications work by stabilizing brain chemistry and reducing the compulsion to use.

Suboxone is a brand name of a buprenorphine/naloxone medication. Other brand names include Sublocade, Brixadi, and Subutex.

While medication can be a powerful tool, it’s just one part of a larger recovery process. Therapy is what helps people rebuild routines, improve relationships, and manage co-occurring mental health challenges.

Learn more about our medication assisted treatment program.

The role of counseling and therapy in MAT

Therapy provides a safe space to understand the causes of substance use, build coping skills, and learn strategies to prevent relapse. In a MAT program, counseling is a core part of treatment.

Patients often receive a combination of:

• Individual therapy: Focused one-on-one sessions to address trauma, triggers, and personal goals
• Group therapy: Supportive group settings that encourage peer connection, accountability, and shared learning
• Family therapy: Sessions that help rebuild trust, improve communication, and support healing within relationships

At BrightView, patients work with trained clinicians who understand the unique challenges of addiction and the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Explore counseling and therapy for addiction recovery at BrightView.

Benefits of therapy for addiction recovery

Therapy helps people in recovery do more than just stop using. It helps them build a life that supports staying well.

Here are some of the most important benefits of therapy during addiction treatment:

• Addresses root causes of substance use like trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress
• Teaches practical coping strategies for managing cravings and emotional distress
• Improves communication skills and strengthens relationships with loved ones
• Builds resilience through structure, routine, and emotional support
• Reduces risk of relapse by helping patients recognize and respond to triggers

These benefits apply across all stages of recovery, from the early days of withdrawal to long-term maintenance.

Benefits of combining therapy and MAT

When used together, MAT and therapy create a comprehensive treatment plan that targets both the biological and behavioral aspects of addiction. This integrated model leads to:

• Stronger treatment engagement: Patients are more likely to stay in care when they feel supported
• Fewer relapses: Combining medication with counseling reduces return-to-use rates compared to medication alone
• Better mental health outcomes: Therapy addresses co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety
• Improved quality of life: Patients often report increased confidence, purpose, and daily functioning

Recovery is not just about avoiding drugs or alcohol. It’s about creating a meaningful, sustainable life. Therapy gives people the tools to make that happen.