Dr. Matthias Muenzer, MD
Senior Medical Director – CleanSlate Centers Massachusetts
Addiction Medicine | Board-Certified OB/GYN | Maternal–Fetal Addiction Specialist
About Dr. Muenzer
Dr. Matthias Muenzer serves as Senior Medical Director for CleanSlate Centers in Massachusetts and is one of the nation’s leading specialists in addiction treatment for pregnant patients. A board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist with more than 30 years of clinical experience, he brings a rare combination of maternal–fetal medicine knowledge and addiction-medicine expertise to the care of patients navigating opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
Born in Germany and raised in both Germany and Spain, Dr. Muenzer graduated from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Faculty of Medicine before relocating to the United States. He completed his OB/GYN residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital in Boston.
Over the span of three decades, he has cared for thousands of patients across New England, including serving as Chief of the OB/GYN Department at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New Hampshire (2021–2022), where he provided both clinical and administrative leadership. His long tenure in maternal health exposed him to the profound impact of untreated substance use during pregnancy—experiences that ultimately motivated his transition into addiction medicine.
Today, Dr. Muenzer is known for his trauma-informed, compassionate approach; his fluency in English, Spanish, and German; and his unwavering commitment to reducing stigma, improving access to care, and supporting both parents and newborns through evidence-based treatment.
Locations
Dr. Muenzer provides care and clinical leadership across several CleanSlate Centers throughout Massachusetts:
Understanding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Much of Dr. Muenzer’s work centers on supporting pregnant patients and their babies, particularly when opioid exposure may affect newborn health. One area where he has become a key resource for families and referral partners is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The summary below offers a brief overview of NAS and how Dr. Muenzer approaches prevention and care.
NAS occurs when infants experience withdrawal after prenatal exposure to opioids. Dr. Muenzer emphasizes that NAS reflects maternal instability and gaps in care, not addiction in the newborn. Early, reliable treatment during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk and severity of NAS.
How Dr. Muenzer Helps Prevent NAS
Prevention starts with stabilizing the pregnant parent. Dr. Muenzer focuses on:
Transitioning patients to long-acting, evidence-based medications such as Suboxone
Minimizing exposure to high-risk substances
Encouraging consistent prenatal and addiction-medicine appointments
Providing predictable, supportive care settings
These strategies create a safer physiologic environment for both parent and baby.
Care for Newborns with NAS
When NAS does occur, Dr. Muenzer collaborates with neonatal teams using functional assessments that prioritize:
- Effective feeding
- Sustained sleep
- The ability to be soothed
Non-medication approaches such as calming environments and parental involvement are often effective; medication is used only when clinically necessary.
Reducing Barriers for Pregnant Patients
Many pregnant patients avoid or delay seeking help due to stigma or past negative healthcare experiences. Dr. Muenzer works to remove these barriers by strengthening communication among OB/GYN and addiction teams, educating medical colleagues on best practices, and making treatment environments welcoming and nonjudgmental.
A Patient Story That Reflects His Approach
One patient who engaged early in treatment stabilized on Suboxone, delivered a healthy infant, and maintained recovery well into parenthood—demonstrating how early engagement and compassionate care can dramatically improve long-term outcomes for families.
Dr. Muenzer’s Perspective on Stigma
“When patients feel supported, they tell us what they’re facing. When they feel judged, they hide it—and that’s when risk increases. Compassion isn’t optional; it’s part of good medicine.”
Verified Profiles & External Resources
Learn more about Dr. Muenzer’s background, publications, and professional presence:
US News Health:
https://health.usnews.com/doctors/matthias-muenzer-209021
YouTube – CleanSlate Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9shJxXM5yc8
Contributor – The Hospitalist:
https://blogs.the-hospitalist.org/authors/matthias-muenzer-md
Zocdoc Profile:
https://www.zocdoc.com/doctor/matthias-muenzer-md-88965
Doximity Physician Profile:
https://www.doximity.com/pub/matthias-muenzer-md
Appledore Medical Group – Maternal Health Blog:
https://appledoremedicalgroup.com/blog/entry/the-best-start-for-you-and-baby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Muenzer
What conditions does Dr. Muenzer treat?
He treats opioid and alcohol use disorders, specializes in OUD treatment during pregnancy, and supports families navigating NAS risk and newborn care.
Does he coordinate care with OB/GYNs and hospitals?
Absolutely. He collaborates closely with OB/GYN practices, NICUs, labor and delivery teams, and community hospitals to ensure seamless, interdisciplinary care.
Can referral partners send patients directly to him?
Yes. Dr. Muenzer regularly accepts referrals from OB/GYNs, hospitals, outpatient programs, detox centers, and community providers.
Does Dr. Muenzer offer Suboxone treatment for pregnant patients?
Yes. He is a recognized expert in using Suboxone to stabilize maternal health and protect fetal development.
How does he help prevent NAS?
By stabilizing the pregnant parent with evidence-based medications, encouraging consistent prenatal care, and supporting safer routines throughout pregnancy.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 833-505-4673 or use CleanSlate’s online scheduling portal.
