The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

MOTIVATE Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Program

Q) What is MOTIVATE?

A) MOTIVATE stands for Multidisciplinary Outpatient Intensive Addiction Treatment program. MOTIVATE is part of the University of Texas - Houston Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction (CNRA). MOTIVATE offers state-of-the-art, evidence-based treatments for addictive disorders.

Q) What is the MOTIVATE philosophy?

A) The MOTIVATE program is based on scientific evidence that addictions are medical disorders that require comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment, using effective strategies shown to reduce drug use and prevent relapse.

Q) How does the MOTIVATE program work?

A) At the MOTIVATE program, clients undergo an initial evaluation that includes extensive medical and psychiatric screening, including blood work, electrocardiogram, physical examination, addiction severity evaluation, and psychiatric evaluation. This initial evaluation takes several hours to complete, which can be done over two days. Based on the results of the initial evaluation, clients may enroll in the MOTIVATE treatment program that lasts 12 weeks and requires twice-weekly (Tuesday, Thursday) visits. At one visit each week, clients meet with a nurse who performs a medical evaluation of current drug and alcohol use. The physician also meets with the client at this visit. At the second visit each week, clients meet with their therapist for counseling.

Q) How is drug use monitored?

A) Like other serious medical disorders, addiction treatment requires close and continuous monitoring. During MOTIVATE treatment, we collect urine drug screens and breath alcohol levels at each visit. Similar to monitoring blood glucose for a diabetic, close medical monitoring of addictive behaviors is a critical component of treatment success.

Q) What happens after the 12-week treatment program?

A) At the end of 12 weeks, clients receive feedback on their response to treatment along with post-treatment recommendations, which may include options for extending the MOTIVATE program if needed.

Q) Are medications used in the MOTIVATE program?

A) The MOTIVATE program treatments combine medications with evidence-based counseling. When indicated, we will recommend use of medications that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, as well as medications that have been scientifically tested but have not yet received FDA approval.

Q) Can I receive detoxification services as part of the MOTIVATE program?

A) MOTIVATE does not include inpatient medical detoxification services, but does provide advice and referral information for clients in need of such services.

Q) What type of drug addictions are treated at the MOTIVATE program?

A) The MOTIVATE program provides treatment for addictions to drugs including alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, prescription/illicit opioids, and tobacco.

Q) What if I have other mental illness problems, like depression?

A) The MOTIVATE program is effective for the treatment of primary drug dependence disorders. Individuals with these disorders may have co-occuring psychiatric symptoms, like depression, possibly related to drug use. Our initial evaluation will provide information about the severity of other psychiatric conditions and whether or not MOTIVATE is the most appropriate treatment option for your needs.

Transportation

Q) Where is the clinic located?

A) The address is 1941 East Road, Houston, TX 77054. Driving South on Fannin from the Texas Medical Center, turn left onto Old Spanish Trail. Turn right onto Cambridge and then right onto East Road (Entrance 52). Driving North on Fannin from Loop 610 South, turn righ onto Old Spanish Trail, right onto Cambridge, and then right onto East Road (Entrance 52).

Q) Where/how do I park?

A) In the parking lot across from Building 1, Behavioral and Biomedical Sciences Building (BBSB). The parking rate for clinic patients is $5.00 and may be paid at the second-floor desk.

Other Information

Q) How long do appointments generally last?

A) The initial evaluation appointment may last up to 4 hours and may require 2 visits. Weekly treatment appointments will last approximately 1 hour.

Q) What times can I come in for my appointments?

A) The MOTIVATE clinic is open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Q) Do you have any weekend or evening hours?

A) Not at this time.

Q) How can I put my son/daughter into your facility?

A) We would be glad to provide you with information about the program that you may pass on to your relative, but your relative will need to contact the MOTIVATE program for more information and screening.

Q) Do I need insurance to participate in the MOTIVATE program?

A) The MOTIVATE clinic does not accept insurance. The fees are payable at the beginning of services. You will be given a receipt that you can submit to your insurance if you choose to do so, but there is not guarantee that the insurance company will cover the costs. The cost of the initial evaluation is $1,500. The cost of the 3 month MOTIVATE program is $4,000.

Q) Is therapy one-on-one or is it group?

A) Currently the MOTIVATE program offers individual therapy.

Q) Do you know of any other community treatment programs for addictions?

A) If you are not interested in the MOTIVATE program or if you do not qualify, we will assist you in finding other appropriate referrals for your treatment needs.