Delivering Effective Care

The Power of Timely and Appropriate Healthcare

There are good reasons to utilize the latest technology to deliver healthcare services in multiple formats and through innovative channels. These include mobile “on-site” services and appropriate medical intervention techniques. The well-timed delivery of medical care can make all the difference in the lives of our patients.

Here at Mountain Community Health, we are always seeking to improve our services and provide our patients with the best medical care possible. That’s why we are implementing new ways to meet the needs of our patients – wherever they may be.

Our Commitment to you: 

Mountain Community Health’s MAT and SUD program’s goal is to provide a team approach to addiction by reducing the stigma associated with addiction, and offering a friendly and caring environment to help guide patients in rebuilding their lives. Please allow our team to help provide the wraparound care you deserve.

NARCAN & Fentanyl Test Kits:

Mountain Community Health maintains a steady supply of free no-questions-asked NARCAN and Fentanyl Test Kits. We recognize the importance of ensuring these kits are easily accessible. If you would like to pick up a kit, please call (802)453-3911 or email MAT@MCHVT.org.

These kits can be collected at our Mobile Clinic located at:

86 Shannon St.
Middlebury VT, 05753

Tuesdays & Thursdays
08:30 am to 5:00 pm

Mountain Community Health
61 Pine St.
Bristol, VT 05443

Monday – Friday
08:00 am to 5:00 pm

Medication-Assisted Treatment Plans:

Mountain Community Health recognizes the struggles associated with addiction and the need for medication assisted treatment plans associated with addiction.

Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release):  A monthly injection (beneath the skin) used to treat adults with moderate to severe addiction (dependence) to opioid drugs (prescription or illegal) who have received an oral transmucosal (used under the tongue or inside the cheek) buprenorphine.  https://www.sublocade.com/how-sublocade-works

Naltrexone:  A daily non-narcotic pill that binds the opioid receptors of the brain and blocks the euphoric (High) feeling of opioids and alcohol.
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone

Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone):  A daily sublingual medication comprised of 80% buprenorphine and 20% naloxone. Naloxone blocks the euphoric (high) feeling if the buprenorphine is abused or other opioids are used.  https://www.suboxone.com/ 

Vivitrol (extended release-naltrexone): A non-narcotic monthly intramuscular injection that blocks the effect of substances in your brain.
https://www.vivitrol.com/alcohol-dependence?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=2022+Branded&utm_term=vivitrol_exact&utm_content=Brand+-+Exact&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3bjv3IOf_AIVCfjICh2wIA0HEAAYASAAEgK9CfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MAT?

Medication-Assisted Treatment involves the combination of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication(s) and behavioral health. These medications, when coupled with therapy, assist individuals in alleviating withdrawal symptoms, sustaining their recovery, and preventing or reducing opioid overdose. Each of these medications works to normalize brain chemistry to block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions.

Who qualifies for MAT?

Our MAT care team works closely with every patient struggling with opioid use disorder to ensure that they are treated in a facility that best suits their needs. For an intake assessment to see if you qualify for our level of care, please contact us at (802) 453-3911. If you are already a patient of Mountain Community Health, you can also contact us using your Patient Portal.

What Does MAT at Mountain Community Health look like?

Patient treatment plans typically include recurring visits with your MAT provider (Alcohol and Drug Counselor) at a frequency that aligns with the patient’s support needs.

Random urine drug screening is also an expectation of treatment, and the frequency is also determined by the patient’s needs. Access to our social worker, as well as recovery coaching, trauma-informed therapy, psychiatry, and nutritional support are also available for patients to incorporate into their treatment plans.

Do I have to be in MAT forever?

This is a great question, but the answer often depends on the treatment path and level of chemical dependency. Each plan differs depending on your goals and guidance from our Care Team.  Each medication is safe to use for months, years, or a lifetime.

Care Team

Providers

Brian Bates, MD

Brian Bates, MD (Family Medicine)

Brian grew up in Maryland and first ventured to New England for undergraduate studies at Dartmouth. He went to medical school at the University of Maryland and then completed his family medicine residency at Boston Medical Center where he continued to work as a teaching physician. He practices full-spectrum primary care for children and adults. He also provides medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders with Suboxone. Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, outdoors activities, beekeeping, gardening, and playing music.

Kate LaMancuso, MD

Kate LaMancuso, MD (Family Medicine)

Kate is originally from western New York. She took the long path to medicine, via undergraduate studies in literary arts and Italian studies at Brown University. She completed her post-baccalaureate premedical studies in Buffalo. There, she fell in love with family medicine and its power for individual and community transformation while working as a medical case manager at a refugee service agency. She completed medical school and a family medicine residency at Brown University, where she pursued clinical and research interests in women’s health, global health, and health care for vulnerable populations. Kate is eager to participate in the Addison County community through her work at Mountain Health Center. She enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, yoga, Green Mountain culinary adventures, and spending time with family and friends.

Deborah Wachtel, DNP, MPH, APRN (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Deborah Wachtel, DNP, MPH, APRN (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Deborah Wachtel is a nurse practitioner specializing in Addiction Medicine for adults. Her clinical experience includes integrating medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder into primary care. Dr. Wachtel has conducted research in a NIDA funded protocol studying women in treatment for substance use disorder. In her faculty position, Deborah integrated the concepts of Harm Reduction and treatment of substance use disorder into the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum at the University of Vermont.

Deborah’s practice concentration has included women’s health, endocrinology, bariatrics, and primary care. Her attention to the current opioid crisis includes sitting on several committees and workgroups providing guidance towards initiating new state prescribing protocols and improving treatment options and availability for people struggling with opioid use disorder.

Deborah has worked on state and federal policy for several decades, has sat on numerous boards, gubernatorial workgroups, and received the Vermont State Nurses’ Association Outstanding Advanced Practice Nurse Award, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners NP Advocate State Award of Excellence and is a Jonas Nursing Leadership Scholar.

Counselors

Amy Kittredge, LADC/LCMHC

Amy Kittredge, LADC, LCMHC

Amy is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Amy graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2012 and has been a therapist in the field of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders since 2010. Amy was born and raised in Addison County and is excited about the opportunity to work at Mountain Health Center to give back to a community that has given her so much. Currently, she lives in Addison with her husband Nate and their 3 children. She enjoys hiking, swimming, camping, and spending time with her family and friends.

Charlie Bliss, LCSW

Charlie Bliss, LCSW

Charlie grew up in New York and received his MSW at The State University at Albany. He worked as a clinician and program developer with children, adults, and families at various community agencies in New York and Vermont. For thirty years, Charlie was the Director of Children Mental health Services for the Vermont Department of Mental Health. Charlie has enjoyed working as a Mental Health Clinician at Mountain Health Center since his retirement from the state. Outside of work, Charlie and his wife Lynn enjoy their 4 adult children, travel, and most outdoor activities.

Program Coordinator

Kelly O’Keefe, MA

Kelly O’Keefe, CAC, CRC

Links

Vermont Department of Health Alcohol & Drug information
https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs 

2-1-1 Resources Link
https://navigateresources.net/211vermont/Subcategory.aspx?;;0;;N;0;356865;Substance%20Use

Turning Point Center of Addison County
https://turningpointaddisonvt.org/

How to use CDC Fentanyl Test Strips
https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips.html

How to use NARCA
https://www.narcan.com/