University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center offers an Addiction Psychiatry program that addresses one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time: substance use disorders. This comprehensive outpatient treatment initiative focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based, multidisciplinary care specifically for adults battling substance use disorders. The program's clinical service utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, including inpatient and outpatient withdrawal management, individual psychotherapy, and group therapy.

The team at the Addiction Psychiatry program is composed of highly qualified professionals, including three board-certified addiction psychiatrists, one psychologist, two advanced practice providers, one licensed clinical social worker, three licensed professional counselors, and one licensed chemical dependency counselor. This diverse team collaborates closely with various specialty clinics to enhance patient care. Notably, the program works in conjunction with the Liver Transplant team to manage patients with a history of substance use disorders, facilitating both pre- and post-transplant interventions. Additional collaborations extend to the Sickle Cell Division, Weight Wellness/Endocrinology, McDermott Pain Clinic, and Palliative Care, ensuring a holistic approach to patient management.1

Research and Clinical Trials

UT Southwestern is home to the Texas node of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN). This network is pivotal for conducting advanced research in addiction treatment, with several faculty members actively engaged in research trials through the CTN. The commitment to research extends beyond addiction psychiatry, as the department receives over $20 million annually from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ranking ninth nationally among psychiatry departments.1

Clinical Excellence

The Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern stands as a leading center for mental health and addictive disorder treatments. It is well-regarded for its comprehensive treatment modalities and integration of research into clinical practice. With over 16 endowed chairs and professorships, the department remains at the forefront of psychiatric care, consistently drawing upon cutting-edge research to implement the most effective treatment strategies.2

Patient Care Initiatives

As part of its commitment to patient care, UT Southwestern offers a robust clinical trials program, providing patients with access to pioneering treatments often years ahead of their general availability. Qualified patients may benefit from complimentary evaluations and treatment options within the ambit of these research studies, demonstrating the program's dedication to advancing care while simultaneously fostering an environment of learning and discovery within the field of addiction psychiatry.2