Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Overview
Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a mental health treatment center for people seeking treatment near Saint Louis City County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides 12-step facilitation, group counseling, and individual psychotherapy during treatment. Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, accepting federal military insurance (e.g., tricare) for treatment.
Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center at a Glance
Payment Options
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Cash or self-payment
- Sliding fee scale (fee is based on income and other factors)
Assessments
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Screening for tobacco use
- Screening for mental disorders
- Screening for substance use
Age Groups
- Young adults
- Adults
Ancillary Services
- Suicide prevention services
- Domestic violence services, including family or partner
- Mental health services
- Transportation assistance
- Opioid use disorder clients only
Accreditations
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.
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.
SAMHSA certification for opioid treatment program (OTP):
Accreditation by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) signifies that a program has met strict standards for providing high-quality care to individuals with opioid use disorders. It assures patients, families, and communities that the OTP follows evidence-based practices, employs qualified staff and maintains a safe and effective treatment environment. This accreditation reflects the program's commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic and promoting recovery.
Treatment At Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Conditions Treated
24-Hour Clinical Care:
At certain points in the recovery process, it's important to have support available 24/7. 24-hour clinical care offers a safe environment in which to recover from drug or alcohol addiction in peace, knowing medical detox and other treatment will happen with professionals on hand.
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.
Opioid Addiction:
Opioid rehabilitation centers are dedicated to assisting individuals on the path to recovery from opioid addiction. They provide specialized care for those struggling with addiction to substances like heroin and prescription opioids such as oxycodone. These facilities offer a comprehensive approach, including medical detoxification, ongoing medical assistance (including medication-based treatment), and therapeutic support to address the root causes of addiction.
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 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:
At specific stages of the recovery journey, having round-the-clock support becomes crucial. 24-hour clinical care provides a secure environment for individuals to heal from drug or alcohol addiction, with the assurance that medical detox and other treatments will be administered by professionals at any time.
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.
Detoxification:
Detoxification, often shortened to detox, is like giving the body a fresh start by getting rid of harmful substances like drugs or alcohol someone may have taken. When a person stops taking these substances, they might feel sick or uncomfortable as their body adjusts to the change. Detox helps ease these uncomfortable feelings while making sure the harmful substances are removed from the body in a safe way. This process helps prevent any additional harm caused by the drugs or alcohol.
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.
Halfway house:
Sober living homes or halfway houses, offer secure, substance-free, and supportive living arrangements for individuals in the process of recovering from substance abuse. These facilities are particularly beneficial for individuals who have recently completed inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. Halfway houses are carefully monitored environments with established guidelines aimed at fostering and maintaining sobriety, including curfews, shared household responsibilities, and therapeutic gatherings. Residents often receive training in essential life skills and coping strategies to facilitate a smoother transition into mainstream society. Additionally, it cultivates a strong sense of community that fosters deep and enduring connections with fellow individuals in recovery, promoting a fresh and healthy lifestyle.
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:
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.
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:
Outpatient Methadone/Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Treatment Buprenorphine, marketed under brand names like Subutex, is a medication prescribed to combat opioid dependence. It can mitigate or substantially alleviate withdrawal symptoms, simplifying the process of discontinuing opioid use. Often administered in conjunction with naloxone, the dosage varies based on the intensity of each individual's situation. While many opt for extended use of buprenorphine, others taper down the dosage to eventually discontinue its use.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Regular Outpatient Treatment typically involves scheduled therapy sessions that occur on a part-time basis, allowing individuals to receive the necessary support and guidance while maintaining their daily routines. These outpatient sessions are generally held multiple times a week, with the exact frequency tailored to the individual's needs and progress. The number of sessions per week can vary, but it commonly ranges from two to five sessions, providing a flexible and effective approach to addiction recovery and mental health treatment.
Treatment Modalities
12-step facilitation:
Recovery approaches rooted in 12-step programs prioritize extensive peer mentorship and highlight personal development as a cornerstone for maintaining sobriety. Attending 12-step meetings, which are confidential, cost-free, and held daily, is a fundamental component. The 12 steps are grounded in spiritual tenets, guiding participants to confront the core issues of their addiction, assume accountability for their decisions, and recognize aspects out of their control. Chosen sponsors offer individualized guidance and support.
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.
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 service that addresses and resolves conflicts, improves communication, and fosters better relationships within a family unit. Through guided discussions, a trained counselor helps family members gain insight into their dynamics, learn coping strategies, and work towards creating a harmonious living environment. Family Counseling can be a significant step towards improving the overall emotional health and interactions among family members, helping them navigate challenges together in a supportive and constructive manner.
Life Skills:
Life skills training encompasses essential skills for individuals to navigate daily challenges successfully. This training includes time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication, which are crucial for holistic addiction recovery. By mastering these skills, individuals are not only able to live substance-free but also thrive. Life skills training thus provides the practical tools for functional living in society, setting clients on a path toward lasting sobriety and success in life.
Trauma-related counseling:
Trauma therapy addresses the deep-seated emotional and psychological wounds often linked with substance abuse disorders. Recognizing that traumatic experiences can be a root cause or a significant contributing factor to substance addiction, this therapeutic approach seeks to help individuals understand, process, and heal from their traumas. Doing so fosters emotional healing and bolsters the individual's chances of long-term recovery from addiction. Integrating trauma-informed care into addiction treatment ensures a comprehensive approach that addresses substance abuse's symptoms and underlying causes.
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.
Electroconvulsive Therapy:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure used in the treatment of severe mental health conditions, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, and certain types of schizophrenia. During ECT, a carefully controlled electric current is applied to the brain, inducing a controlled seizure. This therapeutic intervention is typically administered under anesthesia and muscle relaxants to minimize discomfort and potential risks. ECT is considered when other treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, have not been effective or when a rapid and intensive intervention is required. While its exact mechanisms are not fully understood, ECT has shown significant efficacy in relieving symptoms in some individuals, leading to improved mood and overall mental well-being. Healthcare professionals carefully monitor its use to ensure safety and effectiveness for each patient.
Nicotine replacement:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) provides nicotine to the system without the need for smoking. It utilizes products that deliver minimal doses of nicotine, assisting individuals in their quest to quit smoking. The therapy aims to reduce nicotine cravings and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
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 offers a holistic approach to recovery by addressing the body's dietary needs. Tailored to each individual, this therapy ensures optimal nutrient intake to support healing, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being, complementing other rehabilitation efforts for a comprehensive recovery journey.
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that aims to address dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic process. It involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs and replacing them with more constructive ways of thinking and behaving. CBT is commonly used to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and phobias.
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.
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:
Gambling Disorder is a behavioral addiction marked by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite harmful consequences. Treatment typically combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, group support like Gamblers Anonymous, and occasionally medications for co-existing mental health issues. The goal is to help individuals regain control and prevent future compulsive behaviors.
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.
Motivational interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.
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
- Spanish
Additional Services
- Pharmacotherapies administered during treatment
- Discharge Planning
- Breathalyzer or blood alcohol testing
Special Programs
- 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 Saint Louis Veterans Affairs 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 Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
