Establishing a Relationship with Mental Health Professionals and Facilities

DATA 2000 requires that physicians have the capacity to refer patients being treated with buprenorphine for appropriate counseling and psychotherapy. Psychosocial therapy is a crucial component in successful addiction treatment.

Before starting a buprenorphine practice, you should assemble a list of treatment providers in your area where you can refer patients for psychosocial treatment. SAMHSA maintains a searchable database of substance abuse treatment facilities and providers to help you get started (see link below).

Consider the following guidelines regarding referral to psychosocial treatment:

• Discuss the importance of psychosocial treatment with patients prior to referral. Because buprenorphine counters withdrawal rapidly, many patients believe the problem is purely physiological and do not follow through with their psychosocial treatment (Meier & Patkar, 2007). Consider making psychosocial counseling a treatment requirement for your buprenorphine patients.
• Make sure that your requirement for psychosocial treatment is explained to patients prior to buprenorphine induction and re-review over time so that everyone is clear of the expectations and responsibilities.
• Remember to submit all needed treatment information when making a referral, but keep your state's confidentiality laws in mind
• Ask treatment facilities to keep you updated on the patient's status and progress throughout buprenorphine treatment.