Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence: Mental Health Services & Best Practice Guidelines for Buprenorphine-Assisted Treatment

While traditional opioid treatment programs have long been in existence, the treatment of opioid dependence with Suboxone in private settings is a new practice that is still in its early stages of development. Based on the grounded theory method developed by Strauss and Corbin (1990), this study investigated how physicians are upholding their commitment to provide or refer patients to counseling services. Participants included nine certified, prescribing physicians currently practicing on the islands of Oahu and Kauai. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and compared with existing literature. A theoretical model was developed and the phenomenon of "a cautious approach to collaboration with mental health care providers" emerged as the central theme categorizing physicians' practice of incorporating a mental health component into treatment. Findings of this study were consistent with current literature documenting numerous barriers to effective collaboration. Implications for further research and treatment are discussed.