Overview
Alaska VA Healthcare System is a mental health treatment center for people seeking treatment near Anchorage County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, Alaska VA Healthcare System provides individual psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrated mental and substance use disorder treatment during treatment. Alaska VA Healthcare System is located in Anchorage, Alaska, accepting state-financed health insurance plan other than medicaid for treatment.
Alaska VA Healthcare System at a Glance
Payment Options
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- U.S. Department of VA funds
- Cash or self-payment
Assessments
- Screening for tobacco use
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Interim services for clients
- Outreach to persons in the community
Age Groups
- Seniors or older adults
- Young adults
- Adults
- Seniors
Ancillary Services
- Assertive community treatment
- Case management service
- Chronic disease/illness management
- Court-ordered outpatient treatment
- Diet and exercise counseling
Accreditations
The Joint Commission:
The Joint Commission's addiction and behavioral health accreditation signifies a facility's commitment to high-quality care. It involves rigorous evaluations and assessments of clinical practices, ensuring effective, evidence-based treatment. Accreditation showcases a dedication to continuous improvement and patient safety, instilling trust among patients, families, and healthcare professionals. It's a mark of excellence in addiction and behavioral health care.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):
Established in 1966, the non-profit organization known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has a dedicated focus on accrediting rehabilitation organizations. CARF's primary mission is to assist service providers, particularly rehabilitation facilities, in upholding and promoting the highest standards of care.
Treatment At Alaska VA Healthcare System
Conditions Treated
Mental health treatment:
Mental health facilities offer a safe space for individuals to get specialized care. Trained experts create personal plans using therapies, possibly including medication. The goal is to help individuals cope better and lead fulfilling lives, with constant support and a community feel.
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is when a person becomes physically and mentally dependent on alcohol, leading to mood swings, impulsive actions, intense cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment includes supervised detox, therapy, and support groups. It's important to note that rehabilitation doesn't "cure" alcoholism, but it helps individuals better manage their addiction, regain their ability to function in daily life, and improve their overall well-being.
Substance use treatment:
Substance use rehabilitation embodies a holistic treatment approach crafted to assist individuals contending with drug or alcohol addiction. This all-encompassing rehabilitation strategy encompasses two crucial components: initially addressing the physical dependency, frequently commencing with detoxification, and subsequently confronting the psychological triggers through a diverse array of therapeutic methods. The overarching objective is to empower individuals to achieve and maintain sobriety while equipping them with essential skills and coping mechanisms for a successful reintegration into society and a life free from substance abuse.
Co-occurring Disorders:
Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation centers specialize in the treatment of individuals who suffer from a co-occurring mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This complex interplay between addiction and mental health can make recovery more challenging, as each condition may exacerbate the symptoms of the other. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation centers offer an integrated approach that addresses both issues simultaneously and often includes a comprehensive assessment for an Integrated Treatment Approach through Holistic Therapies, including family therapy and aftercare treatment.
Levels Of Care
Hospital inpatient treatment:
Inpatient treatment includes an all-encompassing residential therapeutic regimen, during which patients reside on-site for a period usually spanning 30 to 90 days. Within this immersive setting, individuals receive structured assistance, prioritizing their safety and fostering a dedication to recovery. The treatment modalities offered may include individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic interventions, family therapy sessions, as well as experiential therapies. The overarching objective is to comprehensively address the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of addiction or mental health disorders, establishing a resilient groundwork for long-term healing.
Partial Hospitalization Program:
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.
Outpatient:
Outpatient programs are designed for individuals in stable medical condition with a low risk of relapse, often those who've completed inpatient treatment. These programs extend the foundation of prior treatment approaches, offering continuous addiction guidance and resources for sustained recovery. For those transitioning straight from detox, medical and psychological assessments are typically conducted, leading to the development of individualized treatment strategies. The majority of outpatient rehab centers provide diverse care levels, customized to each client's unique requirements.
Short-term residential:
Short-term residential rehab is a brief, intensive program for individuals seeking help with substance abuse. Unlike long-term rehab, it offers a more condensed stay, typically a few weeks to a few months. Short-term programs focus on rapid stabilization and intensive treatment, making them suitable for those with time constraints or responsibilities. They provide 24/7 care, counseling, and support, helping individuals develop coping skills and a foundation for recovery in a shorter timeframe compared to long-term rehab.
Long-term residential:
Long-term treatment programs often include residential programs, which entail patients residing in a facility for the duration of their treatment, depending on their needs. These programs have staff on the premises at all hours to offer round-the-clock support to each patient. Length of treatment can range from 90-day rehab stays to 6-month rehab stays, 1-year rehab programs, or even a 2-year treatment stay if needed.
Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment:
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with opioid use disorder. It involves the long-term prescribing of methadone, a synthetic opioid, to patients in an effort to reduce or eliminate their use of illicit opioids, such as heroin. When provided at an appropriate dose and in conjunction with counseling and other support services, MMT can help to stabilize patients' lives, reduce illicit drug use, and lower the risks of drug-related harm, such as overdose and transmission of infectious diseases.
Outpatient day treatment or partial hospitalization:
Outpatient day treatment or partial hospitalization level of care is a type of mental health treatment that provides a high level of care outside of a traditional inpatient setting. It typically involves intensive therapy and support services for several hours each day, several days per week. This level of care is designed for individuals who require more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not need 24-hour inpatient care.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
IOP, or Intensive Outpatient, is a structured level of care for addiction, mental health, or other conditions. Unlike inpatient care, it allows individuals live at home and maintain daily responsibilities. They attend multiple weekly sessions totaling 9-20 hours, including individual and group therapy, family counseling, and skill-building classes for symptom management and relapse prevention.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Regular Outpatient Treatment involves scheduled therapy sessions typically held on an outpatient basis, allowing individuals to receive essential support while maintaining their daily routines. These sessions usually range from one to three times per week, providing a flexible approach to recovery that accommodates the individual's needs and progress. It offers a structured environment for therapy and counseling, enabling individuals to address addiction or mental health issues while continuing to engage in their daily responsibilities.
Aftercare:
Finishing a drug or alcohol rehab program is not the conclusion of substance abuse treatment but rather a pivotal step toward long-term recovery. Aftercare encompasses devising a sustainable recovery plan coupled with enduring support. It may include sober living environments such as halfway houses, career counseling, and connecting patients with community support programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This holistic approach ensures a smooth transition into a substance-free life while bolstering resilience against relapse.
Halfway house:
A sober living home provides a supportive environment for individuals recovering from substance abuse. Distinct from inpatient rehab centers, it prioritizes a drug-free living without continuous medical oversight. Residents follow specific rules, including curfews and required group sessions, and may undergo random drug screenings. This setting merges autonomy with responsibility, aiding residents in their return to society, fostering coping mechanisms, and upholding sobriety alongside peers facing comparable recovery journeys.
Treatment Modalities
Individual psychotherapy:
Individual therapy, often referred to as psychotherapy or counseling, is a one-on-one therapeutic interaction between a trained therapist and a client. It provides a confidential space for individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, working through challenging memories, experiences, or emotions. The therapist facilitates self-awareness, promotes personal growth and insight, and offers coping strategies to manage specific issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges. The ultimate goal is to improve the individual's mental well-being and enhance their overall quality of life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and actions. It promotes healthy reactions to thoughts and emotions, steering individuals away from harmful responses such as substance abuse. Proven effective for various addiction recoveries, CBT enhances an individual's self-awareness and self-control. Through CBT, individuals learn to better gauge their emotional well-being, communicate more effectively, and handle stress without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
Integrated Mental and Substance Use Disorder treatment:
Integrated Mental and Substance Use Disorder treatment is a comprehensive approach to treating individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. It aims to address both conditions simultaneously through a coordinated and integrated approach. The goal is to improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of relapse.
Activity therapy:
Activity therapy is a therapeutic approach frequently used to assist individuals in their recovery from physical addictions or emotional challenges. The primary objective of this therapeutic modality is to involve the individual in creative activities that promote positive changes in their thought patterns. This form of therapy can be conducted one-on-one with a therapist or within a group setting. The ultimate aim of Activity Therapy is to alleviate stress and anxiety while fostering increased self-confidence and improved social interaction skills.
Telemedicine/telehealth therapy:
Telehealth Therapy is a remote care option that allows individuals to access mental health services via digital technology, such as secure video conferencing. This mode enables patients to engage with therapists from their homes, offering flexibility and overcoming geographical limitations. Ideal for those in rural areas, with mobility issues, or tight schedules, Telehealth Therapy ensures quality mental health support is always within reach.
Substance use disorder counseling:
Substance use disorder counseling treatment modalities refer to various approaches and methods used in the counseling and treatment of individuals with substance use problems. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, and 12-step programs. The goal is to help the individual overcome their substance use, develop healthy coping skills, and lead a fulfilling life in recovery.
Trauma-related counseling:
Trauma-related counseling is a specialized form of therapeutic intervention aimed at assisting individuals who have experienced distressing, life-altering events. This approach focuses on helping clients process their traumatic experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust. Counselors trained in trauma therapy use evidence-based techniques to support healing and resilience, ensuring survivors can move forward and lead fulfilling lives despite their past adversities.
Smoking/vaping/tobacco cessation counseling:
Tobacco cessation counseling encompasses discussions with a counselor regarding your tobacco or vape usage and its integration into your daily routine, with the goal of devising a strategy to quit. This service caters to individuals desiring to quit tobacco, offering interventions like behavioral support or counseling in groups or one-on-one settings. The counseling sessions may range from brief encounters (under 5 minutes) to more intensive discussions (exceeding 10 minutes) and may necessitate multiple sessions.
Group counseling:
Group therapy entails therapeutic sessions conducted in a collective setting rather than one-on-one. It encompasses various modalities, from support groups and experiential therapy to psycho-education and beyond. The approach focuses on treatment and emphasizes the dynamic interactions and shared experiences among group members.
12-step facilitation:
12-Step Facilitation is a structured approach to recovery used in many rehab facilities. It's rooted in the principles and practices of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its 12-step program. The facilitation process promotes abstinence and supports individuals in becoming actively involved in 12-step self-help groups. The approach emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and the importance of peer support to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. By guiding individuals through each step, 12-step Facilitation aids participants in understanding the underlying causes of their addiction, seeking amends, and fostering a commitment to lifelong recovery.
Intervention Services:
Intervention is a set of structured processes or strategies designed to assist individuals in recognizing and addressing problematic behaviors, such as substance abuse, addiction, or mental health issues. These services typically involve a team of professionals or trained individuals who work collaboratively to guide and support the person in need and their loved ones, aiming to facilitate a pathway to recovery or appropriate treatment.
Motivational interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered therapeutic approach that fosters behavioral change by assisting individuals in exploring and resolving ambivalence. Specifically tailored for addiction treatment, MI helps clients unearth their own motivations to quit substance use and empowers them to take the lead in their recovery journey. Therapists guide clients toward their goals and self-determined pathways to sobriety through empathetic conversation and skillful questioning.
Anger management:
Anger Management is a therapeutic approach aimed at helping individuals recognize the triggers and signs of their anger and teaching them effective ways to calm down and deal with the situations in a positive manner. Through a blend of counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and practical skill development, individuals learn to reduce aggressive responses, improve communication, and enhance interpersonal relationships, contributing to a better quality of life.
Matrix Model:
The Matrix Model involves clients in group and individual counseling, psychoeducation, and skill-building exercises to boost self-awareness, coping skills, and well-being. It prioritizes creating a supportive, collaborative therapy environment, promoting active client involvement in their recovery. This approach integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, family education, and relapse prevention strategies into a comprehensive evidence-based program.
Relapse prevention:
The Relapse Prevention Model is a cognitive-behavioral approach designed to help individuals anticipate and effectively cope with potential challenges and high-risk situations that may lead to a return to undesired behaviors, often after a period of abstinence or behavior change. This model emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs, developing coping strategies, and building self-efficacy to sustain positive change and avoid setbacks. Commonly used in addiction therapy, it can also be applied to other areas where behavior change is sought, such as weight management or anger control.
Cognitive remediation therapy:
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is a therapeutic intervention designed to enhance cognitive skills and daily functioning in individuals with neurological conditions or mental health disorders. Through the use of targeted exercises and compensatory strategies, CRT aims to address cognitive impairments such as memory, attention, and problem-solving difficulties. This therapy may be employed in a variety of settings and is often integrated with other therapeutic approaches to promote holistic recovery and improved quality of life.
Abnormal involuntary movement scale:
The AIMS is a 12-point evaluation instrument that clinicians employ to assess the severity of dyskinesias, notably in the face, limbs, and torso, for patients on neuroleptic medications. It gauges the overall effect, the level of impairment, and the patient's awareness and distress about these involuntary movements. Frequently used in research on antipsychotic drugs to detect tardive dyskinesia, the AIMS is prized for its clear format and swift assessment, making it suitable for routine clinical examinations by trained professionals.
Ancillary Services
Additional Services
- Pharmacotherapies administered during treatment
- Mentoring/peer support
- Breathalyzer or blood alcohol testing
Special Programs
- Clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
- Veterans
- Criminal justice (other than DUI/DWI)/Forensic clients
- Clients with HIV or AIDS
- Clients who have experienced trauma
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of Alaska VA Healthcare System, and are being used for identification and informational purposes only. Use of these names, logos and brands shall not imply endorsement. BetterAddictionCare.com is not affiliated with or sponsored by Alaska VA Healthcare System.
