What is moral reconation therapy or MRT? It’s a form of behavioral therapy originally developed for prisoners with a substance use disorder and at a high risk of becoming repeat offenders. Over time, treatment centers began using MRT as a means to treat men and women who have gone through addiction recovery and relapsed multiple times. Moral reconation therapy helps clients develop better moral reasoning and decision-making to give them the skills and confidence they need to maintain their sobriety once treatment has ended.
At Crestview Recovery, we provide compassionate support for men and women 18 and over from all walks of life who want help with their addiction recovery. We are a full-service treatment center with inpatient, outpatient, telehealth, and aftercare programs. Moreover, we combine behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to minimize severe withdrawal symptoms. For more information about our moral reconation therapy program, call 866.262.0531 today to speak with our knowledgeable staff about taking the next step toward sobriety.
What is Moral Reconation Therapy?
What is MRT? This type of therapy works to change the thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs that are contributing to substance abuse and other destructive or criminal behavior. Therapists work one-on-one with each client to develop higher moral reasoning that helps them see how their thoughts and behaviors are hurting themselves and those around them.
MRT works with clients in private and group therapy sessions. Group sessions typically host 5–15 clients and can last from 3–6 months or 20–30 sessions. Therapists will meet with clients twice per week. In these sessions, clients discuss their struggles and successes. Finally, they’ll be assigned homework to complete before the next session. Clients can enter the program at any time and work at their individual pace.
At Crestview Recovery, our therapists are certified in moral reconation therapy and use it to treat men and women who have tried treatment programs before but relapsed. Our team will discuss your treatment experience with you. Furthermore, we’ll go over any questions you have, including what is MRT and how it can benefit your recovery.
The Benefits of MRT for Mental Health Treatment
There are several benefits of MRT for mental health treatment when combined with other behavioral and holistic therapies. Clients will develop a better self of self while learning how to communicate their feelings better and work on improving their relationships with parents, siblings, or spouses.
Here are some additional benefits of MRT for mental health treatment:
- Clients learn that it’s OK to talk about their feelings with others. They also discover how to express themselves in an appropriate manner.
- Therapists work closely with each client to address the reasons behind their addiction. They also learn how to process their feelings without turning to drugs or alcohol.
- Clients develop higher moral reasoning, better decision-making, and other coping skills that they practice in a supervised environment with their peers.
- Therapists will also teach clients healthy relationship traits and how to recognize bad habits within themselves and their partners.
- Clients gain a better understanding of addiction and how it can alter their body chemistry and cause physical dependence.
Get started on the road to recovery and making better decisions with MRT for mental health treatment.
Crestview Recovery: Your Best Resource for Moral Reconation Therapy for Addiction Treatment
What is moral reconation therapy, and how can it benefit your recovery? At Crestview Recovery, we provide effective treatment for men and women who are struggling with addiction and have relapsed and need continuing support to reach their recovery goals. MRT is very beneficial when combined with other behavioral and holistic therapies, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Music and art therapy
- Animal therapy
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or other mental health disorder, call 866.262.0531 or fill out our online form today for more information about our addiction treatment center in Portland.

Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.