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Opioid use disorder · Psychiatric care

Suboxone® & MAT,
judgment-free.

Suboxone® induction and maintenance for opioid use disorder. MAT-certified providers at Vallejo and Fremont; telehealth MAT statewide. No lectures, no shame.

Medically reviewed by Surender Punia, MD, ABPN Board-Certified Psychiatrist · Last reviewed May 2026

Book an appointment Call (925) 825-1766

SMS appointment reminders are optional. You may opt in during booking — consent is not required to schedule or receive care. Msg & data rates may apply for opted-in numbers. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. See our SMS Consent & Terms.

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Universal Medical GroupPsychiatry · Est. 2008
50%+
Lower overdose risk on MAT
2
In-person MAT clinics
58
Counties via telehealth
1–2
Weeks to start treatment
5
Languages spoken
TelePsychiatry across all 58 CA counties
Accepting new patients now
Aetna · BCBS · Cigna · United & most insurance
(925) 825-1766
About opioid use disorder

What is opioid use disorder?

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a treatable medical condition. Like high blood pressure or diabetes, it responds well to medication-based treatment — and untreated, it can be life-threatening.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is one of the most effective treatments in modern medicine: it cuts overdose deaths by more than half, dramatically reduces cravings, and lets patients return to work, family, and stability.

MAT is not "trading one drug for another." Buprenorphine works on the same receptors as opioids but doesn't produce a high at therapeutic doses, has a ceiling on respiratory depression (lower overdose risk), and stabilizes the brain so cravings stop dominating your life. It's the standard of care.

Common symptoms

  • 01Using opioids in larger amounts or longer than intended
  • 02Strong cravings or urges to use
  • 03Trying and failing to cut down
  • 04Time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids
  • 05Use causing problems at work, in relationships, or with health
  • 06Withdrawal symptoms when stopping (sweats, GI distress, body aches, anxiety)
  • 07Tolerance — needing more for the same effect
  • 08Continued use despite knowing it's causing harm

If symptoms are interfering with daily life — or if you've felt this way for more than two weeks — it's worth a conversation with a psychiatrist.

Treatment options

How opioid use disorder is treated.

Effective treatment usually combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle factors. We work with you to find the right combination.

01

Suboxone® (buprenorphine/naloxone)

First-line MAT. Sublingual film or tablet. Effective for cravings and withdrawal. Can be prescribed in our clinic and via telehealth.

First-line MAT
02

Buprenorphine alone

Alternative formulations (mono-product, long-acting injectable Sublocade) for patients who can't tolerate naloxone or need extended-release.

Extended-release
03

Co-occurring psychiatric care

Most OUD patients have anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD. Treating these together significantly improves recovery outcomes.

Integrated care
04

Counseling referrals

We refer to addiction-experienced therapists, peer support, IOP programs, and groups when appropriate. Counseling is encouraged but not required to receive medication.

Encouraged, not required
05

Pain management coordination

For patients with chronic pain who developed OUD on prescription opioids, we coordinate with pain specialists for non-opioid alternatives.

Coordinated care
The UMG approach

Care that takes time.

No lectures. No moralizing. No making you wait weeks while you "prove" you're motivated. Effective MAT means starting medication promptly and meeting people where they are.

UMG offers MAT at our Vallejo and Fremont clinics in person, and via TelePsychiatry to anywhere in California. Many patients prefer telehealth — no waiting room, no chance of running into someone, no time off work.

We accept most major commercial insurance and offer self-pay options for OUD treatment in California. We can usually start treatment within 1–2 weeks of your first call. Same-week and same-day appointments are sometimes available.

Book an appointment Call (925) 825-1766

SMS appointment reminders are optional. You may opt in during booking — consent is not required to schedule or receive care. Msg & data rates may apply for opted-in numbers. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. See our SMS Consent & Terms.

Steam rising from a colorful geothermal pool
Recovery, met with patience and respect.
Where to see us

In-person or via telehealth.

Four California clinics for in-person care, plus TelePsychiatry for patients anywhere in the state.

Pleasant Hill

Spravato®, TMS, full services

Pleasant Hill clinic

Vallejo

Full services, MAT

Vallejo clinic

Davis

ADHD testing, psychiatry

Davis clinic

Fremont

Full services, MAT

Fremont clinic

TelePsychiatry

All 58 California counties

Explore TelePsychiatry
Frequently asked

Common questions.

Often you can start at home. Many of our patients do telehealth induction with our remote support. Some patients with complex situations benefit from in-person induction at Vallejo or Fremont — we'll discuss what's right for you at intake.
Suboxone treatment is protected health information under HIPAA. We do not share your treatment status with employers, family, or anyone else without your written consent. Insurance EOBs may show "office visit" but generally not specific medications.
It varies. Some patients taper off over 6–18 months. Many stay on maintenance for years or indefinitely — and that's a legitimate, healthy choice. Long-term Suboxone is associated with the lowest overdose risk and the most stable recovery.
Call us at (925) 825-1766. We can often arrange same-week appointments. If you're in severe withdrawal, also consider going to an emergency department for stabilization while we set up MAT.
Further reading

From our team

01

Is telepsychiatry as good as in-person? What the research actually shows

For most psychiatric conditions, telehealth outcomes are equivalent to in-person care — and for many patients, significantly better.

 02

Why your DNA should guide your prescription — the pharmacogenomics revolution

Over 90% of people carry a genetic variant that changes how they respond to psychiatric medications. A simple cheek swab can change everything.
References

Clinical sources

The clinical information on this page reflects current guidance from national medical and government health authorities. Always consult a clinician about your individual care.

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Medications for Substance Use Disorders. samhsa.gov
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. nida.nih.gov
Begin

Recovery is possible — and treatment is here.

Universal Medical Group offers Suboxone® and MAT for opioid use disorder across California — in person at Vallejo and Fremont, and by TelePsychiatry statewide. No lectures, no shame.

Book an appointment Call (925) 825-1766

SMS appointment reminders are optional. You may opt in during booking — consent is not required to schedule or receive care. Msg & data rates may apply for opted-in numbers. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. See our SMS Consent & Terms.