Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Overview
Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a substance abuse treatment center for people seeking treatment near Erie County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides individual psychotherapy, couples/family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy during treatment. Veterans Affairs Medical Center is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, accepting federal military insurance (e.g., tricare) for treatment.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center at a Glance
Payment Options
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- U.S. Department of VA funds
- Cash or self-payment
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
- Young adults
- Adults
- Seniors
Ancillary Services
- Psychosocial rehabilitation services
- Suicide prevention services
- Supported employment
- Domestic violence services, including family or partner
- Mental health services
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.
Registration: 2374
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.
Treatment At Veterans Affairs Medical Center
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 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.
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 focus on treating individuals with simultaneous mental health and substance use disorders. The intertwined nature of addiction and mental health issues can intensify each other's symptoms, complicating recovery. These centers provide a holistic treatment strategy addressing both conditions together, often encompassing thorough evaluations, a blend of therapeutic methods, family counseling, and post-treatment care.
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.
Hospital inpatient treatment:
Inpatient treatment includes an all-encompassing residential therapeutic regimen, during which patients reside on-site for a period usually spanning 30 to 90 days. Within this immersive setting, individuals receive structured assistance, prioritizing their safety and fostering a dedication to recovery. The treatment modalities offered may include individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic interventions, family therapy sessions, as well as experiential therapies. The overarching objective is to comprehensively address the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of addiction or mental health disorders, establishing a resilient groundwork for long-term healing.
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.
Long-term residential:
Extended treatment programs frequently encompass residential components, wherein patients reside within a facility throughout their treatment, tailoring the duration to their specific requirements. These programs maintain staff presence around the clock, ensuring continuous support for every patient. The duration of treatment may vary, spanning from 90-day rehabilitation stays to 6-month rehabilitation stays, 1-year rehabilitation programs, or, when necessary, even 2-year treatment residences.
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:
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with opioid use disorder. It involves the long-term prescribing of methadone, a synthetic opioid, to patients in an effort to reduce or eliminate their use of illicit opioids, such as heroin. When provided at an appropriate dose and in conjunction with counseling and other support services, MMT can help to stabilize patients' lives, reduce illicit drug use, and lower the risks of drug-related harm, such as overdose and transmission of infectious diseases.
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 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:
Hospital Inpatient Detoxification provides intensive care for individuals withdrawing from addictive substances. Patients receive 24/7 medical supervision within a controlled environment, alleviating withdrawal symptoms and ensuring safety. This acute treatment is ideal for individuals with severe addictions, previous withdrawal challenges, or those who lack a supportive detox environment at home.
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.
Treatment Modalities
Individual psychotherapy:
Individual Psychotherapy is a personalized therapeutic approach aimed at aiding individuals in overcoming addiction and its underlying psychological triggers. A licensed therapist works closely with the individual through one-on-one sessions to unearth and address personal challenges, emotional issues, and behavioral patterns contributing to their substance abuse. Individual psychotherapy lays a robust foundation for a sustainable recovery and a better quality of life by fostering self-awareness, coping strategies, and healthier behavioral responses.
Couples/family therapy:
Couples Therapy in rehab helps couples facing addiction recovery by providing specialized counseling to improve their relationship. Expert therapists guide them through communication, conflict resolution, and trust-building, promoting lasting recovery and a stronger partnership.
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.
Dialectical behavior therapy:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evolved version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that aims to assist individuals in recognizing and influencing the interplay among their thoughts, emotions, and actions. DBT is particularly beneficial for those grappling with self-harming behaviors, including self-inflicted injuries like cutting, as well as suicidal ideations or tendencies. Clinically, it has shown effectiveness in managing intense emotions and conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder.
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.
Telemedicine/telehealth therapy:
Telehealth Therapy is a remote care option that allows individuals to access mental health services via digital technology, such as secure video conferencing. This mode enables patients to engage with therapists from their homes, offering flexibility and overcoming geographical limitations. Ideal for those in rural areas, with mobility issues, or tight schedules, Telehealth Therapy ensures quality mental health support is always within reach.
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:
Vaping Cessation Counseling is a specialized form of support designed to help individuals overcome their dependence on electronic cigarettes or vaping products. Through evidence-based strategies, personalized advice, and emotional support, counselors guide individuals towards a nicotine-free life, emphasizing the long-term health benefits of cessation.
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.
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.
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 refers to organized efforts designed to guide individuals away from potentially harmful behaviors or decisions and towards healthier alternatives. Often used in the context of substance abuse or addiction, these services employ a structured approach where professionals, loved ones, and peers come together to confront the individual in a supportive manner, emphasizing the need for change and providing pathways for treatment or assistance. The goal is to break through denial, facilitate recognition of the problem, and initiate positive change.
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) 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.
Matrix Model:
In the Matrix Model, clients engage in group and individual counseling sessions, psychoeducation, and skill-building exercises aimed at enhancing their self-awareness, coping abilities, and overall well-being. The model strongly emphasizes fostering a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, encouraging clients to actively participate in their recovery journey while addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction.
Relapse prevention:
The Relapse Prevention Model is a cognitive-behavioral approach designed to help individuals anticipate and effectively cope with potential challenges and high-risk situations that may lead to a return to undesired behaviors, often after a period of abstinence or behavior change. This model emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs, developing coping strategies, and building self-efficacy to sustain positive change and avoid setbacks. Commonly used in addiction therapy, it can also be applied to other areas where behavior change is sought, such as weight management or anger control.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Originated by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR involves a structured eight-phase approach where the patient recalls distressing images while receiving bilateral sensory input, typically in the form of guided eye movements. This process allows the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and helping individuals integrate these memories more adaptively. EMDR is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related psychological disorders.
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 with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Active duty military
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of 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 Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
