Overview
The Alexandria VA Medical Center, situated in Pineville, Louisiana, is a healthcare facility that is committed to providing medical care to U.S. military veterans. The center is a component of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, which guarantees that veterans receive comprehensive treatment at all times. It provides a diverse array of specialized services that are accessible around the clock.
Mental health care, psychology, and women veteran care are among the primary services offered at the Alexandria VA Medical Center.
The Alexandria VA Medical Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to guarantee that veterans have uninterrupted access to critical healthcare services.
Alexandria VA Medical Center at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- Private health insurance
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Medicaid
Assessments
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Screening for tobacco use
- Interim services for clients
- Outreach to persons in the community
Age Groups
- Young adults
- Adults
- Seniors
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Integrated primary care services
- Suicide prevention services
- Specially designed program for DUI/DWI clients
- Acupuncture
Accreditations
The Joint Commission:
The Joint Commission accreditation for addiction and behavioral health is a prestigious recognition signifying a facility's commitment to delivering high-quality care and safety for individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. It involves rigorous evaluations and assessments, ensuring patients receive evidence-based treatment and exceptional care. This accreditation demonstrates a facility's dedication to continuous improvement and ethical practices, building trust among patients and healthcare professionals seeking top-tier addiction and behavioral health services.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):
CARF accreditation is a globally recognized certification for rehabilitation and human service organizations. It signifies that an organization meets high-quality standards and is committed to providing top-level care. Achieving CARF accreditation involves a rigorous evaluation process, including on-site surveys. This accreditation enhances an organization's reputation, instills trust in clients and funders, and encourages ongoing excellence in the field.
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 Alexandria VA Medical Center
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 a condition where a person's brain gets used to having alcohol, making it hard for them to control their drinking. This can lead to feeling down, acting without thinking, wanting alcohol strongly, and feeling sick if they don't drink. To help with this, treatment programs are available. These usually include a guided process to safely stop drinking, talking with professionals to work through problems, and joining support groups with others facing similar issues. While these treatments can't fully cure the addiction, they provide tools and support to help individuals live a better life and keep their drinking under control.
Opioid Addiction:
Opioid rehabilitation centers are dedicated to assisting individuals overcoming opioid dependence. They cater to those battling addiction from illicit opioids such as heroin, as well as those addicted to prescription medications like oxycodone. These facilities may provide a holistic approach that encompasses both physical care, which often involves medical detox and ongoing medical assistance (including medications), and psychological care through comprehensive therapy to tackle the root causes of addiction.
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 usually offer the most suitable approach for addressing concurrent mental health and substance abuse conditions. Within these facilities, a team of medical and behavioral professionals is typically assembled, employing diverse interventions and cultivating an optimal therapeutic environment to enable you to attain and maintain lasting recovery. The treatment regimen often encompasses evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, complemented by recovery support gatherings, 12-step program facilitation, skills development, and group therapy.
Levels Of Care
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.
Intensive outpatient treatment:
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) is a form of structured therapy designed to support individuals in recovery from addiction, mental health disorders, or other medical conditions. Unlike inpatient or residential treatment, where patients live at the facility, IOP allows individuals to receive high-level care while still living at home and maintaining specific day-to-day responsibilities. Typically, patients in IOP programs attend sessions multiple times per week, often totaling 9-20 hours or more. These sessions can include individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and educational classes focused on skills and strategies for managing symptoms and preventing relapse.
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 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.
Hospital inpatient treatment:
Inpatient treatment involves an intensive, residential therapeutic program designed to treat serious addictions or other medical conditions. With a typical stay ranging from 30 to 90 days, individuals receive a structured regimen of various therapies including individual and group counseling, behavioral therapies, and family counseling. Under professional supervision, patients immerse themselves in a supportive environment, conducive to addressing underlying issues and promoting long-term recovery.
Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment:
Naltrexone, an FDA-sanctioned medication, is employed to address both opioid and alcohol dependencies. It aids in curbing cravings and warding off relapses, facilitating a smoother recovery process. It's available as a daily pill (brands include ReVia and Depade) or as a monthly injection (brand name Vivitrol). Prior to commencing naltrexone, patients should be free of any illicit opioids or opioid medicines for a duration of 7-10 days, including methadone.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Traditional outpatient therapy typically involves attending one or two weekly sessions over the course of up to a year. These sessions are less frequent compared to other therapies, as outpatient therapy is designed for longer-term treatment. During these sessions, participants engage in group therapy or individual counseling, with a primary focus on identifying personal triggers and acquiring effective coping strategies.
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.
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.
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 addresses the dynamics, interactions, and challenges within a family unit. Through guided discussions and interventions, a trained counselor helps family members understand one another, resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their bonds. This form of therapy can be beneficial for families facing transitions, stressors, or behavioral issues, promoting understanding and facilitating positive change in the familial environment.
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 training equips individuals with essential competencies, such as time management, career planning, financial literacy, and effective communication, to navigate the challenges of daily life. These skills are foundational to achieving not just sobriety but a thriving, fulfilling life post-addiction. Such training lays the groundwork for sustainable success and long-term recovery.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that blends cognitive-behavioral approaches with mindfulness strategies. It is particularly effective in treating addiction, as it addresses the underlying emotional pain and destructive behaviors that often accompany substance misuse. Through enhancing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, DBT equips individuals with the coping skills necessary to maintain sobriety and improve their overall quality of life.
Rational Behavior Therapy:
Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT) is a cognitive-behavioral approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes identifying, examining, and altering irrational beliefs and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. RBT posits that emotional and behavioral disturbances are often the result of irrational thinking patterns. Through structured therapeutic sessions, individuals are taught to recognize and challenge these irrational beliefs, replacing them with more rational and adaptive thoughts, thereby promoting healthier emotional responses and behaviors.
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.
Nicotine replacement:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a medically-approved approach designed to help individuals quit smoking by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Available in various forms, such as patches, gums, lozenges, and inhalers, NRT reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making the transition to a smoke-free life more manageable.
Assertive Community Treatment:
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) offers a proactive approach to aiding individuals with significant mental illnesses and/or substance use challenges by delivering services directly in their homes. Rather than institutional care or outpatient programs, professionals such as social workers, psychiatrists, and counselors visit the patient's residence for treatment. Primarily aimed at individuals with severe conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, some of whom may also struggle with substance abuse, ACT provides continuous, multidisciplinary support akin to a psychiatric unit but within the familiar surroundings of the patient's home and community.
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, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), treats physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to affect their physical and mental health positively.
Fitness Therapy:
Fitness Therapy in addiction treatment is an integrated approach that melds physical wellness with mental health recovery. By incorporating regular exercise and physical activity into the recovery process, individuals are equipped with a wholesome routine that encourages not only a healthy body but also a healthy mind. Through a structured fitness regimen, individuals learn to replace substance-abusing behaviors with positive habits that promote self-discipline, stress reduction, and a strong sense of self-efficacy. Over time, engaging in fitness therapy fosters a positive outlet for coping with triggers and cravings, rendering a robust foundation for lasting recovery.
Intervention Services:
Intervention services assist families and friends of addicts in orchestrating an intervention, a meeting where concerned individuals express their worries and urge the addict to seek treatment. Expert interventionists aid in planning, assembling, and conversing with the affected individual. They direct participants on how to convey the adverse effects of the addict's actions and emphasize the need for external assistance to tackle the addiction. The ultimate goal of an intervention is to encourage the addict to enter rehab and receive the necessary help.
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the critical role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. It aims to identify and challenge distorted or negative thought patterns and behaviors, teaching individuals to replace them with more constructive and rational beliefs. CBT is evidence-based and has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and phobias, among others.
Telemedicine/telehealth therapy:
Telehealth provides a secure and handy way to access behavioral health care from your home. It eliminates the need for travel, time off work, or organizing childcare. A range of services, including individual therapy, group sessions, and monitoring for anxiety and depression, are available remotely. Rest assured, telehealth video sessions are not recorded, ensuring your information remains as confidential as in-person consultations.
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.
Smoking/vaping/tobacco cessation counseling:
Vaping Cessation Counseling is a supportive process aimed at assisting individuals who wish to quit vaping. Through personalized sessions, trained counselors help identify triggers, manage withdrawal symptoms, and develop coping strategies. This service empowers individuals to break free from vaping addiction and work towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.
Treatment for gambling disorder:
Treatment for Gambling Disorder involves a blend of therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy to address triggers and thought patterns, group support sessions, and possibly medication for co-existing mental conditions. The goal is to help individuals regain control, make reparative decisions, and prevent future compulsive gambling behaviors.
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 counseling approach designed to enhance an individual's intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Through empathetic engagement and evoking personal reasons for change, MI helps individuals recognize the negative consequences of their substance use and empowers them to take steps toward recovery.
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.
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 therapeutic approach designed to equip individuals with strategies and tools to anticipate and cope with potential relapses, especially during the recovery from addictive behaviors or other maladaptive habits. Drawing on cognitive-behavioral techniques, it emphasizes the identification of high-risk situations, developing coping mechanisms, and enhancing self-efficacy. This model fosters long-term behavior change by helping individuals recognize early warning signs of relapse and empowering them to take proactive steps to maintain their recovery.
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
- Active duty military
- Clients who have experienced trauma
- Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Veterans
- Clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of Alexandria VA Medical Center, 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 Alexandria VA Medical Center.
