Behavioral Health

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Addiction Psychiatry

Addiction specialists at University of Mississippi Medical Center provide compassionate, research-based assessment, treatment, and referral services for adults (age 18 and up) troubled by alcohol and/or drug use. We look at the whole person, designing treatment plans around the unique history, needs, and goals of each patient.

We strive to minimize the harmful effects of addiction, while increasing a person’s overall well-being and ability to function. We want to intervene as early as possible when there are signs of alcohol or drug problems.

The UMMC difference

As part of the state’s only academic medical center, our program is strengthened by our emphasis on education, research, and health care.

UMMC is committed to providing care that meets the high standards of scientific evidence.

  • We offer services proven by research to have the best outcomes.
  • We design treatment plans to fit the individual, instead of using a “one size fits all” program.
  • We address each patient’s complete health care needs, taking advantage of the full range of mental health and medical specialties at UMMC.

Evidence-based care

Our approach for treating addiction is based on the Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment published by the National Institutes of Drug Abuse (NIDA). The principles convey these concepts:

  • Addiction is a complex, but treatable, disease that affects brain function and behavior.
  • No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
  • Enrollment in treatment should be easy.
  • Effective treatment addresses needs of the individual beyond drug abuse.
  • Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.
  • Behavioral therapies including individual, family, or group counseling are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment.
  • Medications are an important part of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.
  • A patient’s needs may evolve during treatment, so the treatment plan must be constantly evaluated and adapted, if needed, to address those changes.
  • Many drug-addicted people also have other mental disorders.
  • Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment. By itself, it does little to change long-term drug abuse.
  • Treatment does not have to be voluntary to be effective.
  • During treatment, patients must be monitored continuously for drug use, as lapses during treatment do occur.
  • Treatment programs should test patients for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. Counseling aimed at changing behaviors that put people at risk for these diseases should be provided and, if necessary, patients should be referred for treatment.

Our services

We provide a wide range of services provided by professionals in a variety of medical disciplines. This gives our patients ready access to specialized care when needed. We offer:

  • Comprehensive evaluations. In these, our team focuses on pinpointing exact diagnoses and making treatment recommendations.
  • Brief treatment. Generally four sessions or less, this approach is most appropriate for people seeking help in early stages of an alcohol or drug problem.
  • Individual Substance Abuse Treatment. Generally lasting five to 12 sessions, this level of treatment is best suited to people who have mild to moderate alcohol or drug problems. The approaches we offer for individual therapy are NIDA listed and scientifically tested therapies. Examples are cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational enhancement therapy, and medication assisted treatment (MAT). As part of MAT, there are two FDA-approved office-based medications for opioid abuse, and three approved for treatment of alcohol abuse.
  • Treatment of other existing mental health and behavioral disorders. Therapy is available in our clinic or by referral to UMMC specialty providers.
  • Treatment of other existing medical conditions. We refer patients to appropriate medical providers at UMMC as needed.
  • Psychiatric stabilization. When a patient’s mental health condition requires intensive treatment, we admit to our UMMC Inpatient Acute Psychiatric Unit.
  • Referral and other assistance. Our licensed clinical social worker can help with requests for information, referrals, and various applications for assistance.

In the news

As evidenced by recent news articles generated by the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Office of Communications and Marketing, there is newfound interest in Addiction Psychiatry and UMMC’s first addiction program. Click on the article titles to learn more about the exciting developments in the treatment of addictions at UMMC.

Clinic appointments and location

Because we understand the best time to start treatment is as soon as the patient asks for it, we work hard to minimize delays in care.

To make an appointment, call: (601) 984-6925.

Send email to: addictions@umc.edu. Please note that this is for routine, non-emergency messages only.

Our Behavioral Health Specialty Clinic is located at University Physicians - Riverchase at 2550 Flowood Drive.