Pregnancy Program
Pregnancy is an important time in a woman’s life, filled with planning, anticipation, and physiological changes. It can also be a challenging time, as the expectant mother adjusts to the landscape of her quickly changing life and manages new stressors around health, work, and family. Mental health and well-being are critical to both the mother and developing child during this sensitive period, and Root Center is here to support you with specialty services and comprehensive programs specifically designed to support expectant mothers.
Root Center’s Pregnancy Program
Root Center’s experienced and compassionate clinical team offers individual therapy, family therapy, couples counseling, and supportive sessions focused on the experience of pregnancy and delivery anticipation. Expectant mothers who are living with opioid addiction are encouraged to enroll in Root Center’s Pregnancy Program, which gives clients priority treatment and facilitates quick and responsive care to address recovery needs.
In the Pregnancy Program, you will work closely with your individual counselor and prescriber to discuss barriers and explore options for treatment of opioid use disorder. This may include Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT) and enrollment in a comprehensive clinical program, such as the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for individuals with substance use disorders. Our dedicated and compassionate staff work to help you feel supported, welcomed, and heard during this important time in your life and will give you the resources and tools you need to attain a sustained and meaningful recovery.
Treatment decisions during pregnancy can be very personal. Root Center’s recovery team will help you to understand your options and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Pregnancy and Methadone
Pregnant women have been safely treated with methadone for more than 25 years. It is important to understand that there is no “magic” number of milligrams of methadone that an expectant mother should stay below. Rather, expectant mothers will work with their prescriber to find a stabilizing dose of their medication that will effectively treat opiate use disorder and increase safety for both the client and the child. The goal of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) in pregnant clients is to increase safety, eliminate adverse substance use behaviors, reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and support the well-being of the mother and child. Withdrawal management during pregnancy is critical, as withdrawal symptoms can contribute to pregnancy complications and mental and physical distress for the expectant mother.What to Expect
Every client starting services at Root Center will participate in a comprehensive clinical assessment with a master’s-level clinician. This initial assessment typically takes 60-90 minutes, and your clinician will gather information about your concerns, discuss your symptoms and family history, and make recommendations for what types of support might be best for you.
Each client works with their clinician to identify goals and develop a plan for treatment. Your counselor will help you explore your strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences (SNAP), and guide you in choosing a treatment regimen that is right for you.
The client will also undergo a physical examination and psychiatric intake facilitated by a physician in our facility. At this appointment, the doctor will listen closely to your concerns and discuss options for symptom management. Your doctor will explain MAT options and work with you to make a plan for your care.
When using methadone to treat opioid use disorder while pregnant, the client can typically expect to be given the same standard dosage as other patients who are starting MMT. Methadone dosage levels tend to mirror those of non-pregnant patients and will be adjusted as needed to ensure the best results. Clients in the pregnancy program are closely monitored throughout their pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The physician will typically meet with expectant clients once per trimester with follow up sessions during the postpartum period.
Once started on a MMT regimen, it is recommended that you do not discontinue methadone before 14 weeks pregnant or after 32 weeks pregnant. If you decide that you want to discontinue your methadone treatment, please inform our physician so they can help you develop a transition plan. The doctor will typically coordinate with you, your OBGYN, and primary care physician to support you through the titration process in which you are systematically prescribed a lower dose of methadone until you have completely discontinued the medication. A slow and thoughtful transition is critical in reducing adverse side effects for you and your child.
Pregnancy Program Services
In alignment with best practice standards, Root Center uses MAT in combination with comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic programming to help individuals progress in their recovery journey. You will work with your therapist to determine the best clinical treatment plan for you. Pregnancy Program Services include:- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Infectious Disease Services
- Psychoeducation around women’s health and wellness
- Domestic violence and sexual abuse prevention
- Reproductive health support
- Pregnancy and post-natal services
- Referrals for housing and financial assistance services that apply to pregnant women and mothers
- Weekly individual counseling
- Medication management
- Family and couples counseling as appropriate
- Referrals to the Intensive Outpatient Program and group therapy as appropriate
- Referrals to parenting support programs and other services as appropriate
Payment Options
Root Center accepts all major health insurance plans, including Medicaid, Anthem, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Cigna. Because insurance coverage varies by plan, please call today to find out if your specific plan covers our services. A self-pay rate is also available.
Appropriateness for individual counseling can be determined through a clinical assessment at your first appointment with a mental health professional at Root Center.
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