VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut
Overview
VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut is a mental health treatment center for people seeking treatment near New Haven County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut provides individual psychotherapy, couples/family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy during treatment. VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut is located in West Haven, Connecticut, accepting cash or self-payment for treatment.
VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Private health insurance
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- U.S. Department of VA funds
- Per session
Assessments
- Screening for tobacco use
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Screening for mental disorders
- Screening for substance use
Age Groups
- Seniors or older adults
- Young adults
- Adults
- Seniors
Ancillary Services
- Assertive community treatment
- Intensive case management
- Case management service
- Diet and exercise counseling
- Education services
Accreditations
SAMHSA certification for opioid treatment program (OTP):
SAMHSA's Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) accreditation is a rigorous recognition process that signifies an OTP's commitment to providing high-quality care for individuals dealing with opioid use disorders. It assures patients, families, and the community that the program adheres to evidence-based practices, employs qualified staff, and maintains a safe treatment environment. This accreditation is a symbol of quality and accountability, offering confidence in the program's ability to support individuals on their path to recovery from opioid addiction.
NAATP:
The NAATP accreditation is a recognized addiction and behavioral health standard. This accreditation signifies that a treatment facility or program has met specific criteria and standards set by NAATP, demonstrating a commitment to providing quality care and services to individuals seeking treatment for addiction and behavioral health issues. Facilities and programs accredited by NAATP are evaluated on their adherence to established best practices, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive, evidence-based care to support their recovery journey.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):
CARF accreditation is a prestigious recognition for organizations in rehabilitation and human services. It signifies that an organization meets rigorous quality standards and is committed to providing top-notch care. Achieving CARF accreditation involves a thorough evaluation process, including on-site surveys, to ensure excellence in programs and services. This accreditation boosts an organization's credibility, assures clients and funders of quality, and promotes ongoing improvement in the field of rehabilitation and human services.
Registration: 246413
The Joint Commission:
The Joint Commission, previously known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehabilitation organizations and programs. Established in 1951, its mission is to enhance the quality of patient care and showcase excellence in healthcare delivery.
Effective date: 02/16/2018
Registration: 150301
Treatment At VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut
Conditions Treated
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is a health problem where drinking takes control over a person's life. It affects how their brain thinks and acts, leading to strong desires to drink, bad feelings, sudden actions, and discomfort when not drinking. To help someone with this problem, there are treatments like detox, counseling, group support, and learning coping methods. While treatment can't completely cure the urge to drink, it helps people regain control of their lives and feel better overall.
Mental health treatment:
Mental health treatment involves various therapies and support services provided by licensed professionals to address mental health issues. These interventions, which can include therapy, medication, and holistic approaches, aim to enhance well-being, improve coping, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. It's personalized, comprehensive care for mental health challenges.
Substance use treatment:
Substance use rehabilitation is a structured program aimed at assisting individuals in overcoming their dependencies on drugs or alcohol. Through a combination of medical detoxification, counseling, and various therapeutic approaches, these programs strive to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. The goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to attain lasting sobriety, while also working to identify and address the underlying issues contributing to substance misuse. By fostering a supportive environment, substance use rehabilitation centers provide a pathway towards a healthier, substance-free life.
Co-occurring Disorders:
Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation centers often offer the most suitable approach for addressing concurrent mental health and substance abuse issues. These facilities typically employ a team of medical and behavioral specialists who utilize a variety of interventions and create a conducive healing environment to support your journey toward lasting recovery. Their comprehensive treatment approach typically encompasses evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, recovery support meetings, 12-step facilitation, psychoeducation, skills training, and group therapy to help you achieve and maintain long-term wellness.
Levels Of Care
Hospital inpatient/24-hour hospital inpatient:
The 24-Hour Hospital Inpatient for Addiction Treatment program provides continuous medical care and support for those battling substance use and addiction. Located within a hospital setting, this focused inpatient program caters to both immediate and ongoing patient needs, guaranteeing their safety, stability, and thorough rehabilitation.
Hospital inpatient treatment:
Residential treatment programs provide housing, meals, and substance abuse treatment, offering patients an environment dedicated entirely to their recovery, distinct from their everyday life. While some rehab facilities concentrate on short-term stays lasting a few days to a couple of weeks, others emphasize long-term care spanning several weeks to months. Many centers offer both, customizing the treatment based on each patient's unique needs.
Partial Hospitalization Program:
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured short-term intensive rehabilitation service primarily aimed at individuals with acute symptoms that are challenging to manage but do not necessitate round-the-clock care. PHPs typically run 3-5 days a week for about 6 hours each day, from 1 to 6 months, offering structured activities such as individual and/or group therapy. While some PHPs offer residential facilities allowing patients to stay overnight, others operate on a non-residential basis, enabling patients to return home each evening.
Outpatient:
Outpatient treatment in a rehab center offers structured therapeutic services for individuals seeking recovery without full-time residential admission. Unlike intensive outpatient programs, which demand more frequent and longer sessions, standard outpatient care provides a more flexible approach, allowing participants to maintain daily activities and responsibilities while undergoing treatment.
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.
Outpatient detoxification:
Outpatient Detoxification denotes a medical procedure wherein individuals grappling with substance dependence undergo a systematic and secure withdrawal from these substances while receiving medical oversight without the need for hospitalization or admission to an inpatient facility. This method empowers patients to detoxify from drugs or alcohol within a less confining setting, often permitting them to uphold important daily obligations like work or familiar responsibilities, in addition to being more cost-effective compared to inpatient detox.
Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment:
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) offers an alternative to those battling opioid addiction. This regimen centers on the prolonged administration of methadone, an artificial opioid, aiming to decrease or halt the intake of unauthorized opioids like heroin. Coupled with the right dosage, counseling, and supplementary services, MMT can play a pivotal role in anchoring patients' lives, curtailing illicit substance consumption, and minimizing hazards associated with drug misuse, including overdoses and the spread of infections.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) is a specialized level of care aimed at assisting those on their recovery journey from addictions or mental health disorders. Unlike the inpatient or residential treatments where attendees reside within the facility, IOP offers a robust therapeutic experience while enabling participants to stay home and continue their daily routines. Generally, individuals in IOP engage in several sessions weekly, clocking in at around 9-20 hours or even more. These sessions encompass individual counseling, group sessions, familial guidance, and instructional classes that equip attendees with the tools and methods to manage symptoms and avert relapses.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Regular outpatient treatment is a structured program that supports individuals in overcoming addiction while allowing them to maintain their daily lives. It includes therapy, counseling, and education, making it ideal for those with mild to moderate substance use disorders or in later recovery stages. This approach helps individuals build coping skills, manage triggers, and stay substance-free while staying connected to their communities and families.
Hospital inpatient detoxification:
Detoxification in a hospital involves a clinical oversight of the detox process. When an individual chooses to cease substance use, undergoing detoxification is essential. The advantage of a hospital-based detox is its sterile environment and its proficiency in administering the necessary medications for a safe detox.
Aftercare:
Aftercare treatment refers to 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.
Treatment Modalities
Individual psychotherapy:
Individual Psychotherapy provides a private, one-on-one setting where clients can explore and address their personal challenges, behaviors, and feelings related to addiction and recovery. With the guidance of a trained therapist, clients work to uncover the root causes of their substance use, develop coping strategies, and build a foundation for long-term recovery and personal growth.
Couples/family therapy:
Whether it's a marriage or another committed relationship, intimate partnerships hold immense significance in one's life. Substance addiction profoundly impacts both partners, just as rehabilitation and recovery do. Couples therapy and other relationship-focused treatments play a crucial role in uncovering addiction triggers and fostering healthy habits to sustain sobriety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a evidence-based psychological treatment that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. It aims to develop coping strategies and promote healthier thinking to address a variety of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. CBT is typically short-term and goal-oriented, emphasizing the role of thought processes in influencing emotions and behaviors.
Dialectical behavior therapy:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral approach specifically designed to help individuals regulate emotions, enhance interpersonal effectiveness, develop distress tolerance, and increase mindfulness. In addiction treatment, DBT equips individuals with practical skills to manage triggers, cope with stressors, and build a life worth living without resorting to substance use. By addressing both the emotional and behavioral challenges of addiction, DBT fosters personal growth and long-term recovery.
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 encompasses a range of structured activities aimed at promoting physical, emotional, and mental healing and well-being among individuals recovering from substance abuse, physical injuries, or mental health issues. Utilizing creative expression, outdoor activities, and skill-building exercises, this therapeutic approach helps individuals rediscover their interests, develop coping skills, enhance self-esteem, and improve interpersonal relationships. By engaging in meaningful activities in a supportive environment, individuals are empowered to overcome challenges and progress towards a holistic and lasting recovery.
Electroconvulsive therapy:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that uses controlled electrical currents to treat severe mental health conditions, like major depression and bipolar disorder. It's often considered when other treatments haven't worked, and it can provide rapid relief. ECT is conducted under anesthesia and muscle relaxants to ensure safety.
Telemedicine/telehealth therapy:
Telehealth Therapy enables individuals to access mental health services remotely through digital technology. Utilizing secure video conferencing, individuals can engage with qualified therapists from the comfort of their home, overcoming geographical barriers and often reducing waiting times. This level of care offers a flexible and accessible approach to mental health support, especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or residing in rural or underserved areas.
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 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.
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.
Treatment for gambling disorder:
Treatment for Gambling Disorder is a targeted approach to help those with compulsive gambling habits regain control. It involves therapies like CBT, financial counseling, and support groups to promote healthier behaviors and financial stability, enabling individuals to overcome their addiction and lead fulfilling lives.
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.
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:
Marital/couples counseling treatment modalities refer to various therapeutic approaches used to help couples resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship. These modalities can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, and integrative approaches. The goal of these treatments is to help couples identify and address underlying issues and develop healthy relationship dynamics.
12-step facilitation:
12-Step Facilitation is a structured approach employed in rehab facilities to guide individuals through a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, to support their recovery from addiction. This facilitation focuses on acceptance, surrender to a higher power, and engagement in a community of support. By meticulously working through each step, individuals are encouraged to develop self-awareness, seek amends, and cultivate a sober, healthier lifestyle through ongoing participation in a recovery-oriented community. This method aims at ensuring a lasting recovery by instilling a sense of accountability and fostering a supportive network of like-minded individuals.
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.
Contingency management/motivational incentives:
Contingency management and motivational incentives are evidence-based treatment modalities used in addiction and behavioral health programs. Contingency management involves the use of rewards to reinforce positive behaviors and change negative behaviors, while motivational incentives provide incentives to engage in treatment and sustain recovery. Both approaches are designed to increase motivation and engagement in treatment and have been shown to be effective in promoting positive outcomes.
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" refers to a set of techniques and strategies designed to help individuals recognize and control their anger effectively. By understanding the triggers and responses to anger, individuals can learn to express themselves calmly and non-confrontational. Proper anger management prevents potential conflicts, ensures better interpersonal relationships, and promotes mental well-being and overall health.
Relapse prevention:
The Relapse Prevention Model is a cognitive-behavioral approach aimed at minimizing or preventing relapses in individuals recovering from addictive behaviors. It incorporates strategies for recognizing and managing high-risk situations and triggers, enhancing self-efficacy, and developing coping skills. Through education, awareness, and self-monitoring, individuals are empowered to maintain their progress and avoid reverting to unhealthy behaviors. This model is essential in promoting long-term recovery and supporting individuals on their journey towards a substance-free life.
Cognitive remediation therapy:
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is a therapeutic intervention designed to improve cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. It often involves structured exercises and tasks that target specific cognitive domains. CRT is particularly beneficial for individuals with brain injuries, mental health disorders, or neurocognitive deficits. The goal is to enhance day-to-day functioning and quality of life by strengthening cognitive skills and strategies.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy:
Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a promising treatment option for individuals diagnosed with mood disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine can modify brain chemistry and mitigate pain. Mood disorders often result from imbalances in brain chemicals, which influence behavior and emotions. One of the standout advantages of Ketamine Infusion Therapy is the rapid onset of benefits, with many patients reporting improvements within hours, as opposed to the weeks or months typical of other treatments.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation:
A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression and other conditions. TMS is typically used when other treatments like medications and psychotherapy are ineffective. An electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp during the procedure, delivering short magnetic pulses. The pulses stimulate regions of the brain involved in mood control and depression, potentially leading to symptom relief.
Abnormal involuntary movement scale:
The "Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale" (AIMS) is a tool rated by clinicians to gauge the occurrence and intensity of involuntary motions, typically linked to specific medications. It is widely used to assess tardive dyskinesia in patients taking antipsychotic medications.
Treatment for other addiction disorder:
Treatment for other addiction disorders typically involve a combination of therapy and medication. This may include individual therapy, group therapy, and behavioral therapy. Medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and reduce cravings. Additionally, support groups and aftercare programs can be beneficial in maintaining recovery and preventing relapse. The treatment modality should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
Ancillary Services
Languages
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
Additional Services
- Pharmacotherapies administered during treatment
- Mentoring/peer support
- Breathalyzer or blood alcohol testing
Special Programs
- Veterans
- Criminal justice (other than DUI/DWI)/Forensic clients
- Clients who have experienced intimate partner violence, domestic violence
- Persons 18 and older with serious mental illness (SMI)
- Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut, 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 Healthcare Systems of Connecticut.
