Psychosocial support for clients of Medication-Assisted Treatment: Training Guide

  • Moore S, Birgin R and Burrows D. Psychosocial support for clients of Medication-Assisted Treatment: Training Guide: Prepared for Drug Control and Access to Medications Consortium AIDS Project Management Group. 2010. Sydney
  • This training guide is an entry point for increasing knowledge and for examining issues related to the provision of effective psychosocial support services which assist in retaining clients on MAT. This guide will assist MAT planners and clinicians to understand the value of and implement psychosocial support for MAT clients. By mixing theory and complementary activities, participants will gain an enhanced comprehension of the key topics. This guide is designed to provide instructive information to all staff involved with MAT implementation, from Health Ministry planners, training bodies and MAT consumer groups, to MAT prescribers, dispensers and other clinic or support staff. Although the many individuals on MAT may require varying degrees of psychosocial support, some may also have mental health issues, which require intensive structured psychotherapies that can only be provided by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologists. This guide presumes that a clinical psychologist is available for managing complex cases and as such, the guide will highlight that these interventions may be required, but does not attempt to provide explanation or guidance on their delivery. The Sessions in this training guide have been designed to support training workshops and provide information for trainers on psychosocial support services and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). The 6 Sessions consist of slides, handouts and background information for trainees to better understand how to implement psychosocial support for clients of MAT. Trainers and participants should also be provided with the complementing Psychosocial Support for Clients of Medication Assisted Treatment Guidance tool.
  • Keywords: addiction/dependence, advocacy resources, MAT/OST/Pharmacotherapy, methadone, psychosocial support