To find MAT for a loved one, start by comparing methadone and buprenorphine. Look for programs near you. Call them to check availability and costs.
Try to involve your loved one in these choices. Respect their privacy and their final decisions.
This guide covers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It does not cover grief-related meanings of “mat.” It also supports our broader guide to the steps for finding opioid treatment.
We are a U.S. treatment-directory publisher, not a treatment provider. Talk with a licensed clinician about specific medical decisions.
What Medication Treatment Means in This Guide
In this guide, "MAT" stands for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. It refers to FDA-approved medications like methadone and buprenorphine, not a physical mat or a memorial gift. You may also see the term "medications for opioid use disorder," or MOUD, used to describe these same treatments.
This guide helps you navigate options and find care. It does not replace medical advice. Always talk with a doctor or licensed clinician about what is right for your loved one.
24/7
SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information[1]
24/7
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for emotional crisis support by call, text, or chat[2]
Methadone Clinics and Buprenorphine Prescribers
Knowing where to look saves time. The two main medications are handled differently. Federal rules require that methadone for opioid use disorder be given only by certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs).[3] These programs must be certified and registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).[3] Before you choose a provider, learn how to verify mat clinic accreditation to ensure the facility meets required standards.
Buprenorphine is more flexible. An OTP can prescribe it, but so can an office-based prescriber.[3] Practitioners no longer need a special federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, though they still need a DEA license.[4] Because access routes differ, you may need to contact different types of providers. This depends on the medication your loved one is considering.
| Provider type | Where to search | How treatment is accessed | What to confirm on the first call |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTP (methadone) | SAMHSA's treatment locator or state health department lists | Daily visits to the clinic for dosing, especially at first | Days and hours open, intake wait time, insurance accepted |
| OTP (buprenorphine) | Same as above; ask if they offer buprenorphine | Often similar to methadone at that site, but schedules vary | Whether they offer buprenorphine, dosing frequency, insurance accepted |
| Office-based prescriber (buprenorphine) | Primary care offices, behavioral health clinics, telehealth services; see our guide on finding a buprenorphine prescriber | Regular office visits or telehealth appointments; prescriptions filled at a pharmacy | Whether they treat opioid use disorder with buprenorphine, next available appointment, insurance accepted |
Every program and care plan is different. When you call, ask what their specific requirements are for new patients.
How to Find MAT for Loved One in Your Area
Finding the right treatment starts with knowing where to look. The federal government offers free, searchable databases to help you find community-based programs that specialize in opioid addiction treatment.[5] You can also use these tools to locate facilities for drug and alcohol abuse more broadly.[6]
Here is a simple way to narrow your search.
- This choice determines which type of facility you need to find.
- Use the official locators. Start with FindTreatment.gov, which is SAMHSA’s online locator for treatment facilities.[6] For methadone specifically, use SAMHSA’s Opioid Treatment Program Directory to find clinics that provide this care.[5]
- Check state resources. Visit your state’s behavioral health or substance use agency website. They often have additional lists of providers or specific guidance for residents.
- Make a short list and call. Compare programs based on distance, hours, and how easy it is to get an appointment. Then call each one directly. Ask if they are currently offering the medication you need and if they are accepting new patients.
Remember that these websites are directories, not booking services. You still need to speak with the program staff to confirm details and start the intake process.
What to Ask When You Call
An online listing doesn't guarantee that a program is taking new patients. If your loved one wants to be part of the call, invite them to join. Or let them pick which questions you ask. If they prefer privacy, you can still gather general information about the program's services and processes.
When you speak with a program, ask about the medication route offered. Check on current appointment availability, intake steps, and expected wait time. Ask about location and accessibility too. Find out what information the person should have ready. Also ask if the program can explain insurance and payment options before scheduling an appointment.
Questions to Ask a Treatment Program
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Treatment programs typically start with a standard multidimensional assessment. This check looks at biomedical, psychological, and social needs.[7] It helps the team develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual.[7] For more detail on what to expect during that first day, see our guide on the first methadone clinic visit. To dig deeper into specific program details before you commit, review our list of questions to ask a MAT clinic.
How Family Consent and Privacy Work
When you are helping a loved one find treatment, privacy rules can feel like a wall. You may wonder if you can speak to a provider or get updates. Here is how it usually works.
The best first step is to ask your loved one what they want. Do they want you to search for programs? Would they like you to join a phone call? Are they okay with you handling paperwork or getting updates? Their comfort level matters most.
Under federal privacy rules, a provider may share relevant information with family members if the patient agrees or does not object. The provider still uses their own judgment about what is appropriate to share, and specific situations may have different requirements.
There are limited cases where a provider can share information without consent, such as during an emergency if the patient cannot agree. However, this does not guarantee that you will receive ongoing updates about their care.
Even if a provider cannot confirm details about your loved one, you can still offer helpful information. You can tell them about your concerns or share observations that might help the care team understand the situation better.
If Your Loved One Is Unsure About Treatment
It is common for someone with opioid use disorder to feel unsure about starting treatment. You can help by listening to their concerns without pressure. Ask what kind of support they want right now. Some people want information, while others want help comparing options or making a phone call.
Offer small, specific choices instead of taking over. You might offer to search for programs together or ask a clinic a general question for them. Avoid threats, shame, or promises about what treatment will do. Keeping communication open helps your loved one feel safe choosing the next step when they are ready.
Methadone and buprenorphine are FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder.[8] A systematic review found that these medications substantially reduced all-cause and overdose mortality.[9] Randomized trials also showed benefits like increased treatment retention.[9] ASAM guidance identifies methadone and buprenorphine as evidence-based treatment options.[10] However, a qualified clinician and the person seeking care make decisions about an individual’s treatment.
What Kind of Support Might Help Right Now?
This self-check is for information only and isn't a diagnosis. It does not assess medical risk. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.
Check Insurance and Payment Before Intake
Call the program first. Ask if it takes your loved one’s plan. Then call the insurer. Check if the program is in-network. Ask which services are covered. Also, ask for a cost estimate.
Marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion plans must cover mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits.[11] Federal parity rules say that if a plan covers these services, the costs and limits cannot be stricter than those for medical care.[12]
What if there is no insurance? Or if the program is out of network? Ask about self-pay rates. Many clinics offer sliding-scale fees, based on income, or other payment options. For more help, read our guide to insurance coverage for MAT.
If You Suspect an Opioid Overdose
While you are looking for treatment, you may worry about safety. If you think someone is overdosing right now, do not wait. Do not pause your search for a program or finish reading this guide to act. Call 911 immediately. For ongoing support beyond emergencies, our guide to coping with family member addiction offers practical strategies for handling crises at home.
Signs of a possible opioid overdose include slowed or stopped breathing, severe sleepiness, and being unable to wake the person.[13] You might also see blue or gray lips or fingertips.
- Call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher what you see and that you suspect an opioid overdose.[13]
- Give naloxone if you have it. Follow the instructions on the package or device.[13] Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and can temporarily reverse the dangerous symptoms of an overdose.[13]
- Stay with the person. Follow any instructions from the emergency dispatcher until help arrives.
- Get emergency care even if they wake up. The effects of naloxone are temporary and may wear off before the opioid leaves the body.[14] The person still needs medical assessment, even if they seem to recover after naloxone.[13]
For more detailed information on what to look for and how to respond, read our guide on recognizing opioid overdose signs.
Choose a Next Step
You don't have to solve everything today. Pick one path to explore, then take the next small step. Start with official resources like SAMHSA or your state health department. When you find a program, call to ask about medication options, appointment openings, and payment. Bring your loved one into the process as much as they want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call a program before my loved one agrees to treatment?
Yes. You can call to ask general questions about services, hours, and intake. Be clear that you are calling for someone who has not started treatment yet. Providers may listen to your concerns, but they may not share specific details without permission.[5]
Can a treatment provider give me updates about my family member?
Only if your loved one gives permission. Confidentiality rules limit what providers can share with families unless the patient agrees.[5] Ask your loved one what they are comfortable sharing. You can also ask the program how they handle consent and family updates.
Does a treatment-locator listing mean a program has an appointment available?
No. A listing shows that a program exists and offers certain services. It does not guarantee an open appointment slot. Capacity changes daily based on staffing and patient loads. Call the program directly to ask about current availability, wait times, and next steps.
Can the SAMHSA National Helpline help me find treatment for a loved one?
Yes. Family members can use the helpline to get referrals for treatment resources.[15] It provides free, confidential information about mental health and substance use disorders in English and Spanish.[15] The helpline is a referral service, not a provider. You must still contact recommended programs to check if they are accepting new patients.
Does insurance coverage mean treatment will have no out-of-pocket cost?
Not necessarily. Even with insurance, you may pay deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Some plans also require prior authorization before starting methadone or buprenorphine. Contact your insurer and the treatment program to confirm costs before scheduling an appointment.
