Topic Descriptions
Counseling and Behavioral Health
State policies related to behavioral health treatments for people experiencing substance use disorders, including talk therapy and other psychotherapies. Behavioral health treatments address the behaviors, thoughts and emotions of people experiencing a substance use disorder with the intention of providing the individual with strategies and resources to manage their recovery.
Medicaid
State policies expanding or improving upon Medicaid services for people experiencing a substance use disorder.
Medication Assisted Treatment
State policies relating to access, coverage and regulation of medication assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications (including buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone), in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder.
Other
State policies relating to the treatment of substance use disorders not covered by other topic headings.
Parity and Coverage
State policies addressing disparities between insurance coverage and accessibility of mental health services or other treatments for substance use disorder and other forms of health care. This category may also include other insurance coverage legislation related to SUD treatment.
Recovery Support Services
Policies addressing access, coverage and regulation of recovery support services. Recovery support services refers to the collection of services that provide emotional and practical support to individuals in recovery. Includes services from recovery coaches, peer supports, participation in mutual aid groups, and the utilization of sober living facilities, recovery high schools and colleges and other forms of long-term recovery care.
Residential and Hospital-Based Treatment
State policies relating to access, coverage and regulation of long- and short-term residential and hospital-based treatment programs. Residential treatment programs occur in non-hospital residential settings providing relevant medical care and recovery supports. Hospital-based treatment programs are in-patient treatment programs providing acute medical care in a clinical setting, including partial hospitalizations and emergency department care.
Telehealth
State policies relating to treatment of substance use disorders through telehealth. Telehealth treatment programs allow health care providers to evaluate, diagnose and treat substance use disorders, including authority to issue prescriptions, remotely.