Overview
Atlanta VA Healthcare System - Mental Health (116A) is a substance abuse treatment center for people seeking treatment near DeKalb County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, Atlanta VA Healthcare System - Mental Health (116A) provides individual psychotherapy, couples/family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy during treatment. Atlanta VA Healthcare System - Mental Health (116A) is located in Decatur, Georgia, accepting cash or self-payment for treatment.
Atlanta VA Healthcare System - Mental Health (116A) at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private health insurance
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
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
- Intensive case management
- Case management service
- Chronic disease/illness management
- Diet and exercise counseling
Accreditations
SAMHSA certification for opioid treatment program (OTP):
SAMHSA's Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) accreditation is a prestigious recognition that signifies a program's compliance with stringent standards and guidelines established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This accreditation demonstrates an OTP's commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). It serves as a trusted symbol of accountability and excellence, assuring patients, families, and communities that the OTP offers safe, effective, and comprehensive treatment options for OUD.
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.
Registration: 4615
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: 288737
Treatment At Atlanta VA Healthcare System - Mental Health (116A)
Conditions Treated
Mental health treatment:
Mental health treatment provides a safe and structured environment where individuals can receive professional care and support for their mental health challenges. Within the facility, trained therapists, counselors, and medical staff work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each person's needs. Patients might participate in a variety of therapies, including individual counseling, group therapy, and possibly medication management. The goal is to equip individuals with the tools and strategies they need to cope with their conditions and lead fulfilling lives.
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.
Substance use treatment:
Substance abuse treatment programs can help to address addiction and, if relevant, any co-occurring mental health conditions. Programs include outpatient, inpatient, dual-diagnosis, and partial hospitalization. The addict will receive therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy, and sometimes complementary therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness-based therapy. By attending skills training and recovery groups you’ll build a strong foundation for your recovery and strengthen your support network, increasing your chances of long-term recovery success.
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/24-hour hospital inpatient:
During specific phases of the recovery journey, it becomes crucial to have around-the-clock support. 24-hour clinical care provides a secure setting for individuals to heal from drug or alcohol addiction, with the reassurance that medical detox and other treatments will be administered by skilled professionals.
Outpatient:
Outpatient programs cater to individuals who are in good medical condition and are not at a heightened risk of relapse, including those who have successfully finished their inpatient treatment. These programs usually build upon clients' existing treatment strategies, providing ongoing addiction counseling and educational support for recovery. Individuals who enter outpatient care right after detoxification may also undergo medical and psychological evaluations, followed by the creation of personalized treatment plans. Most outpatient rehabilitation centers offer various levels of care tailored to meet each client's specific needs.
Outpatient detoxification:
Outpatient Detoxification refers to a medical process where individuals with substance dependence are systematically and safely withdrawn from those substances under medical supervision, while not being admitted to a hospital or inpatient facility. This approach allows patients to detoxify from drugs or alcohol in a less restrictive environment, often enabling them to maintain certain daily responsibilities such as work or family commitments. Close monitoring, medications, counseling, and support are provided to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.
Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment:
Buprenorphine, sold under brand names such as Subutex, is a drug used to address opioid addiction. It can lessen or significantly diminish withdrawal effects, making the cessation of opioid use more manageable. Frequently paired with naloxone, the dosage is tailored to each person's specific needs. Some individuals prefer prolonged buprenorphine use, while others gradually decrease their dosage with the aim of ceasing its consumption.
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:
Intensive outpatient (IOP) supports clients in maintaining their sobriety by providing tailored, high-quality care that adapts to their changing requirements. Clients participate in numerous weekly treatment sessions, generally receiving between nine to twenty hours of outpatient care. As clients achieve stability, the treatment frequency and intensity gradually diminish. Many intensive outpatient rehabilitation centers offer a range of services, including addiction counseling, training in life skills essential for recovery, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Additionally, evidence-based complementary therapies are frequently integrated into the program.
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.
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 refers to the structured support and programs offered to individuals after completing an initial treatment phase for substance abuse or other disorders. Recognizing that recovery is an ongoing process, aftercare provides continued counseling, skill-building, group therapy, and resources to help individuals maintain sobriety, manage triggers, and reintegrate into daily life, reducing the risk of relapse and ensuring long-term success in recovery.
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.
Couples/family therapy:
Couples Therapy during rehab is a specialized counseling program designed to support couples who are navigating the challenges of addiction recovery together. This form of therapy provides a safe and structured environment where couples can address the impact of substance abuse on their relationship and work towards healing and growth as a team. By addressing both individual and shared issues, couples in rehab can strengthen their bond and increase their chances of sustained recovery, fostering a healthier and happier future together.
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely practiced form of psychotherapy that seeks to address dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts through a goal-oriented, systematic process. It encourages individuals to challenge distorted cognitions and change destructive patterns of behavior by promoting self-awareness and effective coping strategies. CBT is often used to treat a range of disorders including anxiety, depression, and stress, making it a versatile and practical therapeutic approach. Through enhancing an individual's capacity to manage life's challenges, CBT contributes to improved mental well-being and overall quality of life.
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 refers to a therapeutic approach utilized in rehab centers to promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social healing. Through structured and guided activities, patients are encouraged to engage in tasks that stimulate the mind, enhance motor skills, foster interpersonal relationships, and bolster self-esteem. By participating in diverse activities, from arts and crafts to group games, patients not only distract from negative thoughts or behaviors but also develop coping mechanisms, resilience, and a sense of purpose. It's a holistic way of enhancing an individual's overall well-being while in the recovery process.
Electroconvulsive therapy:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment for severe mental health conditions involving controlled electric currents to induce brief seizures in the brain. It's administered under anesthesia when other treatments aren't effective. ECT's mechanism isn't fully understood, but it can provide relief for conditions like severe depression. Its use is subject to ethical and cultural considerations, and advances have made it safer and more effective in treating serious mental health issues.
Telemedicine/telehealth therapy:
Telehealth Therapy allows individuals to access mental health services remotely via secure video conferencing. This level of care offers qualified therapy from the comfort of one's home, removing geographical barriers and often reducing wait times. Ideal for those with mobility challenges, tight schedules, or those in rural areas, it combines convenience with consistent, high-quality mental health support.
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 delves into past traumatic events that might be influencing a client's current life experiences. Often, trauma serves as a significant precipitant or underlying cause of addiction. Such traumas can arise from childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, growing up with a mentally ill parent, early parental loss, and experiences of sexual assault in teen or adult years, among other circumstances. Trauma therapy aims to aid the individual in processing and navigating beyond these traumas, guided by the expertise and empathy of skilled mental health specialists.
Smoking/vaping/tobacco cessation counseling:
Tobacco Cessation Counseling is a specialized form of guidance and support aimed at helping individuals quit tobacco use. Through a combination of motivational strategies, behavioral techniques, and education on the health risks associated with tobacco, trained counselors assist users in understanding their addiction, developing a personalized quit plan, and navigating the challenges of withdrawal and relapse prevention. This counseling approach can significantly increase the likelihood of successfully quitting and maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle.
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.
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.
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) in addiction treatment is a client-centered counseling style aimed at promoting behavior change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence. Through empathetic engagement and evoking change talk, MI empowers individuals to harness their own motivation to overcome addiction, leading to a self-directed path to recovery. This approach respects individual autonomy while supporting positive change in a compassionate, non-confrontational manner.
Anger management:
The goal of anger management is to reduce both your emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. It is generally impossible to avoid all people and settings that incite anger. But a person may learn to control reactions and respond in a socially appropriate manner. The support of a mental health professional may be helpful in this process.
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.
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
- Clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
- Veterans
- Clients with HIV or AIDS
- Clients who have experienced trauma
- Persons 18 and older with serious mental illness (SMI)
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of Atlanta VA Healthcare System - Mental Health (116A), 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 Atlanta VA Healthcare System - Mental Health (116A).
