For Credentialed Counselors: Facilitating MOUD Within Primary and Other Care Settings

As a credentialed counselor, you are a vital part of the continuum of care for patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Although you do not prescribe medications, your role is crucial in guiding people toward improving their health and achieving their treatment and recovery goals.

The Role of Counselors

There are various pathways to recovery. The use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for OUD, including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, is one component of an evidence-based care plan that may also include counseling, behavioral therapies, medical services, and social supports to meet the needs of each individual.

With the elimination of the DATA-Waiver (X-Waiver), individuals seeking treatment for OUD now have expanded access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) through primary care and other non-specialty settings. This policy change enhances your role on the continuum of care, as your relationship with clients provides essential support, reduces stigma, facilitates warm handoffs, and ensures that patients remain engaged in their recovery through individual and group counseling services and support for self-directed recovery.

Integrating MOUD into Counseling

Explore Continuing Education

NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals’ (NAADAC) Recovery to Practice Certificate Program (RTP) is designed to further awareness, acceptance, and adoption of recovery-based practices in the delivery of SUD treatment services and builds on SAMHSA’s definition and fundamental components of recovery. By obtaining this certificate, addiction professionals demonstrate their advanced education in recovery concepts, skills, and practices. Learn more about the RTP Certificate Program on the NAADAC website.