MOTIVATE Clinic

Choosing to enter substance use treatment is a big decision. You need expert care that makes you feel seen, heard and valued. MOTIVATE Clinic at VCU Health offers a welcoming, healing environment. The addiction medicine specialists in our program can help you regain control of your life and health.

We believe anyone can face a substance use struggle. When you’re ready for help, the door to our MOTIVATE Clinic is open. Our caring specialists will walk with you every step of your journey to recovery.

Why choose MOTIVATE?

MOTIVATE is an outpatient (ASAM level 1.7) substance use treatment program. Our team of experts includes:

Addiction medicine specialists
Peer recovery specialists (certified specialists with their own recovery journeys)
Social workers
Therapists
Care coordinators

In our program, we do more than prescribe medication. We embrace your entire self, caring for your emotional, mental and physical health. Our patient-centered approach creates a safe space, free from fear of judgment.

Abstinence isn’t a requirement to receive care at MOTIVATE. We will create a care plan that meets you where you are. With more than 75 years of combined experience, we evaluate and design individualized outpatient treatment plans for adults, women needing pre and postnatal care and adolescents. When needed, our care coordinators can connect you to higher levels of care.

Our providers have special training in all areas of addiction medicine, including:

Adolescent substance use
Alcohol use disorder
Alcohol-associated liver disease
Chronic pain with opioid dependence
Opioid use disorder
Perinatal care
Psychiatry
Stimulant use disorder

You can be confident you’ll receive the care you need with MOTIVATE.

Experienced, specialized team

We use the most up-to-date clinical treatments. And, as teaching faculty, we are thought leaders and mentors who train future addiction medicine providers. That means you have access to the most advanced, innovative treatment strategies.

Innovative, research-based therapies

We are Virginia’s only substance use disorder clinic to have a cutting-edge research program. With over $10 million in National Institutes of Health funding, our team is leading efforts to develop precision-medicine treatments designed to deliver the best possible outcomes. Our addiction medicine specialists use novel treatments for addiction to alcohol, cocaine and opioids. Through our clinic, you will have the opportunity to enroll in research efforts that may lead to new medications and behavior therapies.

Advanced treatments

At MOTIVATE, we provide opioid use disorder treatments that aren’t available in other clinics. For example, we offer long-acting injections of buprenorphine. This once-monthly treatment replaces taking medications daily and has been highly effective for patients.

Supportive substance use treatment

Substance use affects everyone differently. So, treatments can’t be one-size-fits-all. Based on your unique needs, we blend individual and group counseling with leading-edge medications. With us, you have access to:

Group therapy: Our MOTIVATE Groups are a reimagined approach to group therapy. They are led by different providers, including Peer Recovery Specialists and licensed therapists. These gatherings offer support and guidance for life skills, like anger management, relapse prevention and sleep hygiene.
Individual psychotherapy: We’ll establish a treatment plan where you meet one-on-one with a psychiatrist.
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT): Based on your substance use disorder and needs, our addiction medicine specialists may offer pharmacotherapy options, including buprenorphine.
Other services: Our care coordinators can connect you with additional services or specialized care.

What to expect from MOTIVATE

Substance use treatment is often time sensitive. That’s why our goal is to start your care on day one. When you call us, we will schedule your first appointment within 48 hours. During that visit, you will meet with an addiction medicine doctor who can start medication treatment to stabilize you right away.

Your doctor will also work with you to create the right care plan. We can set a schedule for individual or group therapy. Our care coordinators will partner with you to address any other obstacles to care. These hurdles may include housing instability or limited access to transportation.

If you start with inpatient treatment, moving to outpatient therapy can be challenging. Our Addiction Bridge Clinic helps you return to everyday life while managing your substance use disorder. When needed, we can also connect you with telehealth services.

We’re here for you — schedule your appointment today

You don’t need a doctor’s referral to come to us for care. If you’re ready, just call us at 804-628-6000. We have two convenient locations.