Medication Management for Mental Health & Addiction in Orange County, California
Managing an addiction can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, but you don’t have to cope with it alone. A Better Life Recovery is a drug and addiction treatment facility accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading behavioral health care accrediting body.
Our medication management program, located in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, is led by board-certified psychiatrists. It provides compassionate care for adults dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.
We use evidence-based approaches based on the American Psychological Association’s guidelines to combine medications with therapy. Our approach is also rooted in the latest research.
On this page, you’ll learn what you can expect from our psychiatric medication management facility in Orange County.
What Is Medication Management?
Medication management is when mental health professionals prescribe and adjust medications that treat mental health conditions and substance abuse.
Mental health conditions and addiction occur due to disturbances in brain chemistry. Your brain contains neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), and when these are dysregulated, they can cause craving, reward, stress, withdrawal, and mood changes.
Medication management works toward healing at the biological level by restoring the normal balance in brain chemistry. But this is a personalized journey for everyone.
Plus, research shows that the strongest results for people with addiction or dual diagnosis come when medication management is combined with therapy.1
Our Orange County Medication Management Program
A Better Life Recovery offers a specialized medical management program at our center in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County.
All medications are prescribed and monitored directly by our board-certified psychiatrists with regular check-ins and ongoing oversight. Since recovery can be unpredictable, we also provide 24/7 on-site medical supervision.
Our San Juan Capistrano location offers convenient access for those coming from Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, or anywhere else in Orange County.
It’s important to stress that our program is hyper-personalized. So your treatment begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This looks at your mental health history, current symptoms, substance use patterns, and any co-occurring concerns.
Further, medication management will always be integrated with the behavioral therapies you participate in.
Conditions We Treat With Medication Management
Our treatment plans are directed at two categories:
Mental Health Conditions
We offer medication-based treatment for a range of conditions, such as:
- Depression, including both major depressive disorder and the depressive phases of bipolar disorder
- The manic and hypomanic phases of bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias
- Schizophrenia and related psychotic issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions
Many times, multiple mental health diagnoses or substance use issues coexist. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 25.9 million adults in the United States with addictions have a co-occurring disorder.2 Medications can help manage these co-occurring disorders alongside therapy.
Substance Use Disorders
Medication management also plays a vital role in treating addiction and substance use disorders. Our program is aimed at:
- Opioid use disorder (associated with heroin or prescription painkillers) through acute treatment and long-acting or maintenance treatment
- Alcohol use disorder, binge drinking, and heavy drinking behaviors
Research shows that over 35% of people with opioid use disorder struggle with major depression and about 30% with anxiety.3 There is also evidence that treating addiction brings a noticeable decline in symptoms of mental health conditions.4
Therefore, our approach to addiction treatment via medications can reduce cravings, prevent you from relapse, and support you through recovery from co-occurring mental health issues.
Medications for Addiction Recovery
Medications make recovery from the chemical changes caused by addiction possible. But they are in no way “substitutes” for drugs because you do not get addicted to them. Commonly used addiction medications we offer for opioid and alcohol addiction include:Naltrexone/Vivitrol® for Opioid and Alcohol Addiction
Vivitrol® is a monthly injection of naltrexone, a non-addictive, non-opioid medication that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. It is also effective against alcohol. It works by removing the “high” aspect of opioid use. Plus, since the incentive to use drops sharply, Vivitrol® has been shown to significantly reduce relapse rates. It also reduces cravings by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain without activating them.5 So, even if you take opioids, Vivitrol® will not allow them to produce their effects. Each Vivitrol® injection lasts 30 days, so it is great for steady, continuous protection. Also, there is zero risk of developing a dependency on Vivitrol®.Buprenorphine Treatment (Suboxone®) for Opioid Addiction
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is another widely researched opioid addiction medication. It binds to the same receptors as opioids but only partially activates them. This means you stay protected from the harmful withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as the highs associated with full opioids like heroin or fentanyl. Suboxone® dramatically lowers the risk of opioid overdose when taken as prescribed. It also contains naloxone, which prevents misuse by blocking the medication’s effects if a person attempts to inject it rather than take it orally.6 Buprenorphine treatment is recommended when:-
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- Withdrawal symptoms are severe
- Cravings are very strong and ongoing
- You’ve had repeated relapses
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Psychiatric Medications for Mental Health Conditions
Some medications our board-certified psychiatrists may prescribe for mental health conditions include:-
- Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
- Mood stabilizers (like lithium) for people with bipolar symptoms to even out the highs and lows
- Antipsychotics (also called “neuroleptics”) for psychosis, schizophrenia, persistent depression, and PTSD
- Anti-anxiety medications, sleep-regulating medications, or adjunctive medicines as per your requirements
How Does Our Medication Management Program Work?
Our program is a multi-step process that allows us to understand your experience thoroughly before prescribing any medications. The following is an outline of what to expect:
Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Every patient who walks into our facility goes through an initial psychiatric evaluation as guided by the American Psychiatric Association.7 Our psychiatrists will ask you open-ended questions about:
- Your current symptoms
- When and how they started
- How they affect your life
- What has improved or worsened your symptoms
- How your symptoms have changed over time
- Your past psychiatric history, such as any prior diagnoses, past medications or treatments, and previous hospitalizations or emergency room visits
Your psychiatrist also reviews your medical history, current medications (including over-the-counter or supplements), past illnesses or surgeries, and any physical symptoms. This is because it’s important to rule out medical causes for mental health conditions.
The evaluation also examines substance use and associated risk factors.
Medication Safety and Monitoring
We take your safety and medication monitoring very seriously.
All medications are always prescribed by a board‑certified psychiatrist. So, the person making decisions about your medications has specialist training, experience, and clinical authority. Further, once a medication is started, you will have regular psychiatric appointments to review how things are going.
We also carry out systematic assessment of medication effectiveness and side effect monitoring.
It is natural for psychiatric medications to cause some side effects, but you are counseled about what to expect and report whenever any unexpected changes happen. If needed, your medications may be adjusted in dosage, or you may be switched to a different drug. Medication tapering also happens under strict supervision.
For patients with addiction or a history of substance use, we also use urine drug screening (UDS) when clinically indicated. It is used to detect non-prescribed or illicit substance use that may interfere with treatment.8
Medication Management Combined With Therapy
Medications and therapy work best in unison. A large meta‑analysis of treatments for depression found that people receiving both drug therapy and psychotherapy were significantly more likely to respond than those receiving only one form of treatment.1
Another review showed that a combined approach is associated with better symptom reduction, improved functioning, and greater quality-of-life improvements for many psychiatric conditions.9
At A Better Life Recovery, we combine medication management with many different approaches to therapy, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Trauma therapy, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
- Individual counseling sessions, group therapy, and family therapy
Support models like SMART Recovery or 12‑step programs (AA/NA)
Our Clinical Team
Our program’s biggest clinical strength is the authority and diversity we bring. At the heart of our care are our board-certified psychiatrists and our 1:1 client-to-staff ratio.
We also draw on a multidisciplinary team. It includes:
- Licensed therapists and counselors
- Certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADC)
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT)
The team works together to ensure round-the-clock support, compassion, and safety for those in need.
Staying Current With Medical Advances
Mental health and addiction medicine are constantly evolving fields with new research improving our understanding of brain chemistry every day. We strongly believe that psychiatric care informed by the latest science and evidence has the best results.
Our medication protocols are regularly evaluated through peer-reviewed clinical studies and FDA updates. It allows us to make evidence-based medication selections with limited potential for side effects.
All our treatment plans follow established guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Medication Management Throughout Your Treatment Journey
Medication management can broadly be divided into two phases: an outpatient phase and an inpatient phase. We outline these phases in the following sections.
During Detox/Withdrawal Management
The first step in recovery is detoxification of the drug of misuse and withdrawal management. This is because, when you first stop the intake of a substance, your body can experience uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms.
Medications can stabilize the body, ease anxiety, reduce nausea, manage insomnia, and prevent severe withdrawal complications.
For example, in opioid use disorder, buprenorphine or naltrexone can reduce cravings and protect against relapse.10 For alcohol withdrawal, medications may prevent seizures and reduce agitation.
During Inpatient/Residential Treatment
Inpatient treatment provides a structured environment where medicines continue alongside intensive therapy. Therefore, it addresses both the physical and psychological components of recovery.
Inpatient settings have regular therapy sessions (individual, group, and family) that help you understand your behaviors and build healthy coping mechanisms. The daily routine is focused on holistic support with therapy and skill-building.
This form of treatment is particularly useful for people whose family environment is not very supportive of recovery.
Insurance Coverage for Medication Management
Finances should never be a barrier to getting help for mental health and substance use struggles. For this reason, we are in-network with many major insurance carriers, so you can focus on your recovery rather than worrying about coverage. Being in-network means your benefits are coordinated directly with your insurer. It also reduces out-of-pocket costs.
The insurance providers we are in-network with include:
- All Anthem Insurance policies for care
- All Blue Cross Insurance policies for addiction treatment
- First Health Insurance
- Humana Insurance
- HMC HealthWorks
- Coventry Health Care of Delaware Insurance
- ComPsych Insurance
- MHN Health Net Insurance
We are also connected with many other insurance plans.
Benefits of Our Medication Management Program
The medication management program at A Better Life Recovery provides compassionate care with the following tangible benefits:
- Individualized treatment plans created after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Board-certified psychiatric oversight for every medication
- Integrated therapy and counseling alongside medications to address psychological challenges
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Regular monitoring and adjustment of medications to maximize effectiveness
- Holistic, multidisciplinary care that combines psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and addiction specialists
- Access to insurance coverage through a wide range of in-network providers
- Up-to-date, research-backed treatment approaches
Begin Medication Management Today
If you or a loved one is currently dealing with addiction and mental health challenges, A Better Life Recovery is here to help.
Join our medication management program led by board-certified psychiatrists and supported by a multidisciplinary team that delivers holistic treatment plans.
Our San Juan Capistrano location makes access to expert care convenient for those in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, and surrounding areas in Orange County.
Additionally, our 24/7 admissions helpline is always available, and we also provide free insurance verification to help you understand your benefits before starting treatment. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you in your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering medication management for an addiction, it’s normal and understandable to have some ongoing concerns. That’s why we have provided the following answers to FAQs on medication management.
Is Vivitrol Addictive?
No. Vivitrol treatment is non-addictive and does not produce a high.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a partial opioid agonist. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings by activating opioid receptors just enough to stabilize the brain, while naloxone prevents misuse.
Do I Have to Take Medication?
Taking medication is not always needed for all mental health conditions, but addiction treatment usually requires you to take it. You and your provider decide together what’s best for your treatment plan.
How Long Will I Be On Medication?
We design personalized treatment plans ranging from one month to six months or longer, based on your symptoms and treatment progress.
Will I Still Do Therapy if I’m on Medication?
Yes. Therapy and medication work together to produce faster and longer-lasting results.
Can I Work While on Medications?
Yes! Reintegration services at A Better Life Recovery help you succeed in your career or education while you are under treatment.
What if Medication Isn’t Working for Me?
If a certain medication isn’t working for you, your board-certified psychiatrist will adjust your treatment. Changing doses or switching to a different medication helps many patients.
How Often Will I See the Psychiatrist?
Every patient has a one-hour-long therapeutic session per week with their doctor for the duration of treatment. The length and frequency of sessions can be increased if needed.
References
- Ray, L. A., Meredith, L. R., Kiluk, B. D., Walthers, J., Carroll, K. M., & Magill, M. (2020). Combined Pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders. JAMA Network Open, 3(6). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.8279
- SAMHSA. (2024). Co-Occurring disorders and other health conditions. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/co-occurring-disorders
- Santo, T., Campbell, G., Gisev, N., Martino-Burke, D., Wilson, J., Colledge-Frisby, S., Clark, B., Tran, L. T., & Degenhardt, L. (2022). Prevalence of mental disorders among people with opioid use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 238(1), 109551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109551
- Saunders, E. C., McGovern, M. P., Lambert-Harris, C., Meier, A., McLeman, B., & Xie, H. (2015). The impact of addiction medications on treatment outcomes for persons with co-occurring PTSD and opioid use disorders. The American Journal on Addictions, 24(8), 722–731. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12292
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. (2011). Naltrexone for opioid use disorders: A review [CADTH Report]. Ottawa: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481573/
- Shulman, M., Wai, J. M., & Nunes, E. V. (2019). Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: An Overview. CNS Drugs, 33(6), 567–580. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-019-00637-z
- Silverman, J. J., Galanter, M., Jackson-Triche, M., Jacobs, D. G., Lomax, J. W., Riba, M. B., Tong, L. D., Watkins, K. E., Fochtmann, L. J., Rhoads, R. S., & Yager, J. (2015). The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults. American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(8), 798–802. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.1720501
- Healthy Blue Medical Policies. (2025). Prescription Medication and Illicit Drug Testing in the Outpatient Setting. Southcarolinablues.com. https://statesc.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/medicalpolicyhb/external-policies/prescription-medication-and-illicit-drug-testing-in-the-outpatient-setting
- Kamenov, K., Twomey, C., Cabello, M., Prina, A. M., & Ayuso-Mateos, J. L. (2017). The efficacy of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and their combination on functioning and quality of life in depression: a meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 47(3), 414–425. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291716002774
- NIDA. (2025, March 20). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder | National Institute on Drug Abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder
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