Samantha graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field specializing in adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Samantha dedicated her efforts to the addictions population as the overdose epidemic soared. It was an atmosphere of constant change, unpredictability, and times of uncertainty but she effectively drove change through the implementation and growth of a Medication Assisted Treatment Program. Samantha currently provides the clinical oversight to Selah Freedom’s programs including residential, outreach, and prevention programs.
SESSION(S):
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
- As the mission to end human trafficking grows, we as service providers must continually evaluate best practices and pivot to meet the needs of the survivors. Trauma, mental health, and substance use go hand in hand. We work extensively to heal the trauma and treat the mental health but often unintentionally curtail the effects that the substance use has and the role it plays in the recovery journey. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medication to help treat addiction to opioids and alcohol. MAT is in its infancy, maybe toddler years, but will continue to grow as data and research are supporting its effectiveness. As with any treatment there is no one size fits all. It’s just another tool in the toolbox.
