There continues to be so much stigma associated with addiction and mental health disorders. Many people continue to view these disorders as lifestyle choices rather than diseases. Because of the stigma, many have received less than adequate care to treat their disease, including the underlying issues that have contributed to their disease. We have seen the result of the lack of quality care as the number of cases of overdoses and mental health related issues have continued to rise.  We have responded by increasing access to our psychiatric team of professionals and addiction specialists. At Pathway Healthcare, our professionals understand the disease of addiction and mental health disorders. Dr. Stephen Taylor, Director of Behavioral Care says, “We treat our patients with compassionate care and take the time to truly understand and empathize with them individually. We want to guide our patients along the journey from illness and suffering to wellness and wholeness. This is our philosophy of exceptional, quality care. We could never be satisfied with providing anything less.” Dr. Stephen Taylor is a quadruple-board-certified practitioner and psychiatrist with over 20 years of practice experience with specialized care to adolescent and young adult patients and their families afflicted with drug and alcohol addictions and general psychiatric disorders. He holds a number of degrees from Harvard College, Howard University College of Medicine, and the Harvard School of Public Health. In addition, Dr. Taylor is the Medical Director of the Player Assistance/Anti-Drug Program of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a Program Dr. Taylor designed and implemented.  About Pathway Healthcare Our proprietary approach to MAT is MATPlus®, our wrap-around services, and commitment to long-term treatment sets our MAT treatment apart from the rest. We offer peer support and individual, family, and group counseling opportunities, including psychiatric care and medication management. Our professionals are specialists in addiction and mental health communities and are passionate about recovery and committed to their patient’s long-term maintenance of sobriety and behavioral health. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach that combines behavioral counseling with medication. Counseling is the main focus of MAT, and a prescription for medication is provided under the guidance of a medical doctor. Medication options for MAT are Buprenorphine, Naloxone, and Suboxone. What makes MAT the most effective treatment program is its provision of custom patient treatment plans developed based on each patient’s unique cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medication-Assisted Treatment provides freedom that allows patients to keep their job, family life, and social obligations. Essentially, a patient learns how to recover in their typical day to day setting. This is beneficial as many patients who leave their normal environments for treatment experience difficulty returning and trying to cope as they respond to the stimulants that remind them of their past behavior. For more information, visit www.pathwayhealthcare.com.