Medication is an essential component of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment — but it is not the whole picture. Research consistently demonstrates that the combination of medication and counseling produces better outcomes than medication alone. At GPA Treatment, in-house counseling is integrated into every patient’s care from the point of admission, providing ongoing therapeutic support throughout the recovery process.
Why Counseling Matters in OUD Treatment
Opioid use disorder affects not only the body but also patterns of thinking, behavior, emotional regulation, and social functioning. Counseling addresses these dimensions of the disorder in ways that medication alone cannot. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, patients develop the coping skills, self-awareness, and relapse prevention strategies needed to sustain recovery over the long term.
The most common evidence-based behavioral approaches used alongside medication for opioid use disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management — each used to increase knowledge, motivation, and coping skills related to recovery and health risk reduction.
The Approaches We Use
GPA Treatment’s in-house licensed counselors draw from multiple evidence-based frameworks tailored to each patient’s clinical needs and stage of recovery.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, patient-centered counseling style that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change. Research supports motivational interviewing as an effective approach specifically for patients who lack intrinsic motivation to engage in recovery — making it particularly valuable in the early stages of opioid use disorder treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses the thought patterns and behavioral responses that contribute to substance use. CBT has been shown to be an effective intervention among individuals with opioid use disorder, supporting the development of coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and management of co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Trauma-Informed Care recognizes that many individuals with opioid use disorder have histories of trauma that contribute to their disorder and can complicate recovery. A trauma-informed approach ensures that all clinical interactions are grounded in safety, trustworthiness, and respect for each patient’s experience.
Harm Reduction is a practical, evidence-based approach that meets patients where they are — prioritizing their health and safety while supporting incremental progress toward recovery goals without imposing rigid expectations.
Individual and Group Counseling
GPA Treatment provides both individual and group counseling as part of every patient’s treatment plan. Individual sessions offer a private space to address personal goals, barriers, and clinical needs with a licensed counselor. Group sessions provide peer connection, shared accountability, and the experience of working through recovery alongside others who understand the process.
Counseling and Medication Together
The evidence is clear: medication and counseling together produce better outcomes than either alone. At GPA Treatment, your counselor works alongside our medical team to ensure your care is coordinated, consistent, and responsive to your progress.
To learn more about our counseling services, call 770-493-1922 or visit us at 4255 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Doraville, GA 30340. New patient intakes are every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 AM.