What should I expect in treatment?
Treatment with Dr. Aviva and our associates look beyond your mental health, addiction or substance abuse problem to create a customized treatment plan that targets your well-being and looks at your individual needs and goals. At Thalia Medical Center, substance use disorder is treated as a chronic disease (as defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine), and balanced mental health is our priority. You will receive the help that you need. Our providers at TMC will work with you to implement positive changes that aid in recovery overall.
You can expect to begin with weekly or semi-weekly visits, which may decrease in frequency as you progress.
What are your fees? Do you take insurance?
Our providers are not in-network for any insurance plan or for Medicare/Medicaid. Insurance plans may reimburse a percentage of our fees depending on your plan’s out-of-network health benefits. We are able to provide invoices, upon request, that include the information insurance companies generally require for reimbursement.
What is an addiction doctor? Are you Board Certified?
Dr. Aviva is triple Board Certified in Addiction Medicine (Certification Number: 2012150) by the American Board of Addiction Medicine as well as American Board of Family Medicine and American Board of Preventive Medicine. ABAM board certification provides assurance that Dr. Aviva has the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and treat substance use disorder as well as other mental health needs.
"Board certification is the highest level of practice recognition given to physicians in Addiction Medicine. It indicates that an Addiction Medicine physician has met the clinical and educational criteria to be eligible to sit for a rigorous six-hour written examination, and has successfully passed the examination. Certification by ABAM is renewed annually through successful completion of Maintenance of Certification. The physician must continue to participate in CME courses and Self-Assessment activities, and must periodically retake an examination to document that his or her knowledge and skills are up-to-date."- American Board of Addiction Medicine.
Will you tailor addiction treatment to my needs?
We will work with you to create a treatment program that uses techniques and methods that fit your needs and circumstances. We will also collaborate with your primary physician and/or therapist to bring you the best care possible.
Can you help my son overcome his substance abuse problem?
Treatment at TMC aims to stop cravings for drugs and heal whatever contributes to your child’s drug addiction. Addiction is defined as a chronic disease of the brain and, like many other chronic diseases, is treatable when using evidence based treatments. Dr. Aviva and her associates use a variety of treatment options to assist in recovery. Our treatment model will target the physical and psychological triggers for continued use and help develop skills to maintain a life of sobriety from pills, MJN, cigarettes, food and other substances.
What is medication assisted treatment for substance abuse?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.
"A combination of medication and counseling and behavioral therapy is effective in treating alcohol and opioid dependency."
— The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Click here for more.
What is pharmacogenetic testing?
As a step towards creating a more accurate and personalized treatment plan, We offer cutting edge pharmacogenetic testing. In many patients, certain medications do not work as well as expected, whereas in other patients they can cause side effects, even at lower doses. For some patients, the reason may be in their genes. We offer Genesight testing to help identify the best medication to help you be your best. Click here for more information.
How can I get to your office if I don’t drive?
Our office is accessible by public transportation. (Bus Rte 44, 105, 106, R5 and Paoli/Thorndale train with a short walk from the Narberth train station).
More Questions?
If you don’t seen answers to your questions about mood, addiction and recovery, please contact us below with any questions.