Hope. Healing. Recovery. Every Day.
Medication-assisted treatment in Rio Rancho

Medical Support for Lasting Recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment combines appropriate medications with counseling, structured outpatient care, and ongoing recovery support for adults with opioid or alcohol use disorders.

Nurse Practitioner oversight Integrated with counseling and IOP Individualized treatment planning
Call Anytime (505) 270-0840
Rio Rancho, NM Serving Albuquerque Metro
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Compassionate Care

Dignity, respect, and individualized support.

Evidence-Based

Appropriate medications used as part of a clinical plan.

Integrated Support

Medication, counseling, IOP, and case management together.

Long-Term Recovery

Care focused on stability, health, and sustainable change.

A complete treatment approach

Medication Is One Part of Recovery

Desert Mountain Healing IOP provides Medication-Assisted Treatment for adults with opioid or alcohol use disorders in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and surrounding New Mexico communities.

When clinically appropriate, medication may reduce cravings, support stabilization, and make it easier to participate fully in treatment. MAT at DMHIOP is not medication alone. Each individualized plan may include Nurse Practitioner oversight, Intensive Outpatient Programming, individual counseling, group therapy, case management, relapse-prevention education, family support, and long-term recovery planning.

Recovery begins on day one. Clients do not have to wait until medication treatment is complete before beginning counseling and other recovery services.

Individualized Care From the Beginning

Medication decisions are based on a comprehensive assessment, medical history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and clinical appropriateness.

Our Nurse Practitioner works with each client to determine whether MAT may be helpful and to monitor the treatment plan. The medication, dose, duration, and level of monitoring vary from person to person.

There is no one-size-fits-all MAT plan.

How treatment works

Your MAT Care Path

Medical and behavioral health services are coordinated so clients receive one connected treatment plan rather than disconnected services.

1

Assessment

We learn about your history, needs, symptoms, and recovery goals.

2

Medical Evaluation

Our Nurse Practitioner completes a thorough clinical evaluation.

3

Medication Plan

An individualized plan is developed when medication is appropriate.

4

Counseling & IOP

Behavioral health services begin alongside medical support.

5

Monitoring

The plan is reviewed, adjusted, and supported over time.

6

Long-Term Recovery

Relapse prevention and continuing care support lasting progress.

Jennifer Barela, Nurse Practitioner at Desert Mountain Healing IOP
Meet your MAT provider

Jennifer Barela, NP

Certified Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Barela provides medical evaluation and patient-centered support as part of Desert Mountain Healing IOP's coordinated approach to addiction treatment. She works with clients to determine whether Medication-Assisted Treatment may be clinically appropriate and helps develop individualized plans based on medical history, symptoms, treatment needs, and recovery goals.

Jennifer's Role on Your Recovery Team

Jennifer works closely with counselors, therapists, case managers, and recovery support staff to ensure medical care is fully integrated into each client's overall treatment plan.

Her role includes:

  • MAT evaluations
  • Medication management
  • Monitoring progress
  • Adjusting treatment plans
  • Coordinating with counselors
  • Supporting long-term recovery
"Recovery is about treating the whole person—not just the addiction. Medication can be an important tool, but lasting recovery comes from combining medical care, counseling, personal growth, and ongoing support."
Potential benefits

How MAT May Support Recovery

Benefits vary by individual and depend on clinical needs, the medication prescribed, and participation in the full treatment plan.

Reduce Cravings

Appropriate medication may reduce cravings that can interfere with early recovery.

Support Stabilization

Medical support may ease withdrawal-related discomfort and improve stability.

Improve Engagement

Reducing physical symptoms can make participation in counseling and IOP easier.

Strengthen Continuity

Ongoing medical and behavioral care supports long-term recovery planning.

Medication options

Medications That May Be Used in MAT

Medication selection is based on an individual clinical assessment and medical appropriateness.

Opioid use disorder

Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®)

A prescription medication that may reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Extended release

SUBLOCADE®

A monthly extended-release buprenorphine injection for certain people already receiving buprenorphine treatment.

Weekly or monthly

BRIXADI®

An extended-release buprenorphine injection available in weekly or monthly formulations for opioid use disorder.

Opioid or alcohol

VIVITROL®

An extended-release naltrexone injection that may be used for alcohol dependence or opioid-relapse prevention after an opioid-free period.

Medication names are provided for general educational purposes. Availability and suitability depend on medical assessment, current prescribing practices, insurance coverage, and individual clinical needs.

Whole-person care

MAT Is Integrated With Recovery Services

Medication support is coordinated with the rest of the treatment plan so clients can address both physical and behavioral aspects of recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Programming

Structured treatment while continuing to live at home and meet daily responsibilities.

Individual & Group Counseling

Support for triggers, coping skills, relationships, emotions, and personal recovery goals.

Case Management

Help addressing practical barriers that can affect stability and treatment participation.

Relapse Prevention

Tools for identifying warning signs, responding early, and protecting long-term progress.

Common questions

Medication-Assisted Treatment FAQ

Clear information can help clients and families make informed treatment decisions.

Is MAT simply replacing one substance with another?

No. MAT uses carefully prescribed medications as part of a clinical treatment plan. The goal is to reduce cravings, support stability, and help the client participate more fully in recovery services.

Can I attend IOP while receiving MAT?

Yes. At Desert Mountain Healing IOP, MAT and IOP services may be provided as part of the same coordinated treatment plan when clinically appropriate.

How long will I need medication?

The length of treatment varies. Medication decisions are individualized and should be made with the prescribing clinician rather than according to a fixed timeline.

Is MAT only for opioid use disorder?

No. Certain medications may also be used as part of treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Will insurance cover MAT?

Coverage varies by insurance plan, medical necessity requirements, authorization rules, deductibles, copayments, and medication benefits. Our team can verify your benefits before treatment begins.

Insurance and next steps

Let Us Help You Understand Your Options

We work with a range of insurance plans and can review benefits for MAT, IOP, and related services. Verification of benefits is not a guarantee of payment by an insurance company.

A hopeful next step

Ready to Begin Your Recovery?

You do not have to face addiction alone. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone you love, our caring team is here to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you take the first step toward lasting recovery.