VA San Diego Healthcare System
Overview
VA San Diego Healthcare System is a substance abuse treatment center for people seeking treatment near San Diego County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, VA San Diego Healthcare System provides 12-step facilitation, group counseling, and trauma-related counseling during treatment. VA San Diego Healthcare System is located in San Diego, California, accepting private health insurance for treatment.
VA San Diego Healthcare System at a Glance
Payment Options
- Private health insurance
- Payment assistance (check with facility for details)
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- No payment accepted
Assessments
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
Age Groups
- Adults
- Young adults
Operation
- State government
Accreditations
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.
Registration: 252796
The Joint Commission:
The Joint Commission accreditation signifies that a facility has met rigorous standards of excellence in patient care, treatment, and safety. It assures individuals and healthcare professionals that the accredited facility provides high-quality, evidence-based care for addiction and mental health issues, fostering trust and confidence in their services.
Registration: 2502
SAMHSA certification for opioid treatment program (OTP):
SAMHSA's Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) Accreditation is a rigorous recognition process, signaling an OTP's commitment to high-quality care for those with opioid use disorders. It assures patients, families, and the community that the program adheres to evidence-based practices, maintains a safe environment, and employs qualified staff. This accreditation represents a commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic and promoting recovery, symbolizing quality and accountability in opioid addiction treatment.
Treatment At VA San Diego Healthcare System
Conditions Treated
Mental health treatment:
Mental health treatment involves a range of therapeutic approaches, provided by licensed professionals, to address mental health challenges. It includes psychotherapy, medication, and holistic practices to help individuals manage conditions, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being. The goal is to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is a condition where someone feels a strong and uncontrollable urge to drink alcohol, often leading to negative effects on their health, relationships, and daily life. To assist individuals grappling with alcohol addiction, various strategies exist. Initially, supervised detoxification may be necessary to ensure a safe cessation of alcohol consumption. Following this, counseling and therapy play a crucial role in addressing the psychological facets of the addiction. Engaging in support groups can also offer a sense of camaraderie and comprehension.
Opioid Addiction:
Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Substance use treatment:
Substance use rehabilitation is a comprehensive treatment approach designed to assist individuals struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. This form of rehabilitation addresses both the physical dependency, often starting with detoxification, and the psychological triggers, using various therapeutic methods. The objective is to empower individuals to achieve and maintain sobriety, while equipping them with the tools and coping strategies needed to reintegrate into society and lead a substance-free life.
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
Partial Hospitalization Program:
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intensive, structured rehabilitation service designed for individuals exhibiting acute symptoms that demand significant intervention but not continuous 24-hour care. Typically spanning 3-5 days a week and lasting from 1 to 6 months, these sessions run for approximately 6 hours a day, focusing on activities like individual and group therapy. Some PHPs provide residential accommodations for overnight stays, while others are non-residential, allowing participants to go home at the end of the day.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) support clients in maintaining long-term sobriety by providing tailored, high-quality care that adapts to their changing requirements. Clients participate in several treatment sessions each week, typically receiving between nine to 20 hours of outpatient care weekly. As clients achieve stability, the treatment frequency and intensity gradually diminish. Many intensive outpatient rehabilitation centers provide a diverse range of services, such as addiction counseling, training in life skills geared towards recovery, and the option for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Additionally, evidence-based complementary therapies are frequently integrated into the program.
Detoxification:
Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal. The length of stay at the detoxification program is determined according to the specific needs of the patient.
Aftercare:
Aftercare is the continued support and care that individuals receive following the completion of their primary treatment program for substance abuse or addiction. This phase aims to aid individuals in maintaining their sobriety, improving personal skills and coping strategies, and integrating back into society. Aftercare can include ongoing therapy, support group meetings, education, and monitoring, which are crucial for preventing relapse and promoting long-term recovery. Through a combination of community support, accountability, and personal development, aftercare provides a structured pathway for individuals to continue their recovery journey in a supportive environment.
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.
Hospital inpatient treatment:
Inpatient treatment comprises a thorough residential therapeutic program, during which patients reside on-site for a period generally lasting from 30 to 90 days. This immersive setting provides organized assistance, guaranteeing safety and a dedicated approach to recovery. The array of therapies available encompasses individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic interventions, family therapy sessions, and experiential therapies. The primary goal is to address the physical, emotional, and psychological facets of addiction or mental health disorders, establishing a strong foundation for enduring healing.
Treatment Modalities
12-step facilitation:
Recovery models grounded in 12-step programs prominently incorporate peer coaching, strongly emphasizing personal growth as the pathway to enduring sobriety. Regular participation in 12-step meetings, known for their anonymity, cost-free access, and daily availability, is encouraged. The 12 steps of recovery, anchored in spiritual principles, guide participants in unraveling the core issues of their addiction, taking accountability for their decisions, and coming to terms with aspects beyond their control. Chosen by the individuals themselves, sponsors offer personalized one-on-one mentorship, aiding in navigating through the recovery journey.
Group counseling:
Group Counseling is a therapeutic approach where individuals come together under the guidance of a trained counselor to share experiences, offer support, and gain insights. This collective format promotes mutual understanding and growth, allowing participants to learn from one another's perspectives and challenges.
Trauma-related counseling:
Trauma therapy addresses the underlying emotional and psychological wounds that may contribute to an individual's substance abuse. Through a combination of psychotherapy and coping strategies, individuals are aided in processing past traumatic experiences, understanding the impact of trauma on their current behavior, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. This holistic approach fosters resilience, aids in the resolution of trauma, and is fundamental in supporting individuals on their path toward sustained recovery from addiction.
Individual psychotherapy:
In individual therapy, a person engages in a one-on-one session with a qualified therapist or counselor. This therapeutic approach is crucial in successful substance abuse treatment because it delves into the underlying causes of addiction, addressing issues the individual may encounter in their familial, social, and professional or academic environments.
Family counseling:
Family Counseling is a therapeutic approach that seeks to address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationships within the family unit. By providing a safe space for family members to express their feelings and concerns, a trained counselor facilitates understanding and collaboration among members, promoting healthier dynamics and enhancing overall family well-being.
Marital/couples counseling:
Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.
Life Skills:
Life skills refer to a vital component of rehabilitation that focuses on equipping individuals with the essential abilities and strategies necessary to lead a fulfilling and substance-free life. These skills encompass a wide range of practical tools, such as effective communication, problem-solving, stress management, time management, and financial literacy. By integrating life skills training into addiction treatment programs, individuals gain the confidence and competence needed to overcome addiction and thrive in their personal and social lives, promoting long-term recovery and well-being.
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.
Motivational Interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) in addiction treatment is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance an individual's intrinsic motivation to change. By addressing ambivalence and tapping into personal values, MI fosters meaningful conversations about substance use and promotes commitment to recovery-focused goals.
Nicotine replacement:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a medical treatment designed to help individuals quit smoking by providing a controlled and decreasing dose of nicotine through alternative means, such as patches, gums, or lozenges, to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This approach aids in gradually weaning off nicotine dependence while bypassing the harmful effects of smoking.
Experiential Therapy:
Experiential Therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes direct experience and active client involvement to gain insight into unresolved issues and trauma. Through guided activities, role-playing, and other interactive techniques, clients are encouraged to confront and explore their emotions in the present moment, leading to a deeper understanding and resolution of their challenges. This therapy is rooted in the belief that transformative change occurs through meaningful experiences.
Nutrition Therapy:
Nutrition therapy is a tailored dietary approach to managing and preventing certain medical conditions. Administered by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals, it involves the assessment of an individual's nutritional status and the development of personalized nutrition strategies to optimize health and manage specific health concerns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach primarily to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. It combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques with distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindfulness concepts. DBT emphasizes the balance between accepting and changing behaviors, aiming to help patients build life skills, regulate emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships. It has since been adapted for and shown effectiveness in treating a variety of other mental health conditions.
Electroconvulsive Therapy:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical intervention primarily employed for patients with severe major depression or treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. During ECT, a brief electrical stimulation is applied to the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. This treatment is administered by a specialized medical team, typically consisting of a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant.
Recreational Therapy:
Recreational therapy, within the realm of behavioral health, involves using various recreational activities and interventions to support, maintain, or improve individuals' psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Using art, music, sports, games, and nature excursions, recreational therapists reduce stress, enhance mood, promote interpersonal skills, and improve overall mental health. Tailored to the individual's needs and interests, this therapeutic approach provides an engaging means to foster resilience, self-expression, and personal growth.
Fitness Therapy:
Fitness Therapy blends exercise with psychotherapy for a fun, inspiring, and effective way of treating addiction and other issues. By incorporating movement into counseling sessions, clients become more empowered, motivated, and goal-oriented, all while strengthening their bodies and becoming more flexible. Fitness Therapy is usually used to complement a course of treatment (inpatient or outpatient) to make it even more successful. Increasing the connection between a patient’s mind and body helps both with healing as well as in creating new, healthy habits.
Intervention Services:
Intervention Services are professional services aimed at addressing and amending harmful behaviors or situations, primarily in individuals struggling with addiction or other serious issues. These services guide and support both individuals and their loved ones through the intervention process, wherein a structured, solution-oriented conversation is held to encourage the individual to accept help and make positive changes towards recovery. By blending compassionate understanding with a well-formulated approach, intervention services play a crucial role in bridging the gap between acknowledgment of an issue and taking the initial steps towards resolution.
Ancillary Services
Languages
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
Special Programs
- Clients with HIV or AIDS
- Active duty military
- Clients who have experienced trauma
- Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Veterans
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of VA San Diego 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 VA San Diego Healthcare System.
