Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center
Overview
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is a substance abuse treatment center for people seeking treatment near Luzerne County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center provides individual psychotherapy, couples/family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy during treatment. Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, accepting cash or self-payment for treatment.
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
- Private health insurance
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
- Court-ordered outpatient treatment
Accreditations
Hospital licensing authority:
The Hospital Licensing Authority is responsible for granting licenses to healthcare facilities, ensuring that they meet the standards and regulations set by the government. Accreditation is a process of evaluation and recognition by a third-party organization, confirming that the hospital meets specific quality and safety standards.
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.
The Joint Commission:
The Joint Commission accreditation signifies that a facility has met rigorous standards of excellence in patient care, treatment, and safety. It assures individuals and healthcare professionals that the accredited facility provides high-quality, evidence-based care for addiction and mental health issues, fostering trust and confidence in their services.
Registration: 4580
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 Wilkes-Barre VA 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.
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.
Mental health treatment:
Mental health services are essential during treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, whether you receive treatment in an inpatient or outpatient setting. While receiving inpatient care, you can expect to have round-the-clock access to mental health therapists and medical staff. Additionally, you will likely receive a number of different therapies and mental health options like individual and group counseling, addiction and relapse prevention education, and coping skills training.
Substance use treatment:
Substance use rehabilitation embodies a holistic treatment approach crafted to assist individuals contending with drug or alcohol addiction. This all-encompassing rehabilitation strategy encompasses two crucial components: initially addressing the physical dependency, frequently commencing with detoxification, and subsequently confronting the psychological triggers through a diverse array of therapeutic methods. The overarching objective is to empower individuals to achieve and maintain sobriety while equipping them with essential skills and coping mechanisms for a successful reintegration into society and a life free from substance abuse.
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
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.
Short-term residential:
Short-term residential rehab programs offer intensive, goal-focused treatment for individuals dealing with substance abuse and addiction. Unlike long-term programs, these are shorter in duration, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months. They are ideal for those with time constraints or immediate needs, providing round-the-clock care and counseling to help clients stabilize, develop coping skills, and create a plan for long-term recovery. This approach contrasts with longer programs, which have a more extended timeframe. Short-term residential rehab is tailored to individuals looking for a concentrated and efficient path to recovery.
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) 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 programs (IOPs) support clients in maintaining long-term sobriety by providing tailored, high-quality care that adapts to their changing requirements. Clients participate in several treatment sessions each week, typically receiving between nine to 20 hours of outpatient care weekly. As clients achieve stability, the treatment frequency and intensity gradually diminish. Many intensive outpatient rehabilitation centers provide a diverse range of services, such as addiction counseling, training in life skills geared towards recovery, and the option for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Additionally, evidence-based complementary therapies are frequently integrated into the program.
Regular outpatient treatment:
Regular Outpatient Treatment is a flexible and accessible option for individuals seeking recovery from addiction or substance abuse. This program typically involves attending therapy and counseling sessions on a part-time basis, often ranging from one to three sessions per week. These sessions are designed to provide essential support, guidance, and tools for individuals to overcome addiction, manage cravings, and work towards a healthier, sober lifestyle. Regular Outpatient Treatment offers the advantage of maintaining daily routines and responsibilities while receiving the necessary therapeutic interventions to foster lasting recovery.
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.
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.
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.
Aftercare:
Finishing a drug or alcohol rehab program is not the conclusion of substance abuse treatment but rather a pivotal step toward long-term recovery. Aftercare encompasses devising a sustainable recovery plan coupled with enduring support. It may include sober living environments such as halfway houses, career counseling, and connecting patients with community support programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This holistic approach ensures a smooth transition into a substance-free life while bolstering resilience against relapse.
Treatment Modalities
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.
Couples/family therapy:
Couples Therapy in rehab helps partners facing addiction recovery to strengthen their relationship. Expert therapists guide couples in addressing substance-related challenges, fostering trust, and enhancing communication, enhancing their chances of lasting recovery together.
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and actions. It promotes healthy reactions to thoughts and emotions, steering individuals away from harmful responses such as substance abuse. Proven effective for various addiction recoveries, CBT enhances an individual's self-awareness and self-control. Through CBT, individuals learn to better gauge their emotional well-being, communicate more effectively, and handle stress without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Family counseling:
Studies consistently show that the likelihood of sustainable recovery increases when family members are involved in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic elements might influence susceptibility to drug and alcohol dependence and mental health challenges. Family interactions frequently contribute to addiction triggers. However, with the right education, family members can become pivotal support pillars during rehabilitation.
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" refers to a deliberate action or set of actions taken to directly address and alter a specific situation or behavior. Often used in contexts like medicine, psychology, and social work, interventions are designed to prompt positive change, whether it's to prevent harm, improve health, or enhance the quality of life. They can range from medical procedures to address health issues, to structured meetings aimed at helping individuals combat addiction or destructive 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) 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:
Anger Management is a therapeutic approach aimed at helping individuals recognize the triggers and signs of their anger and teaching them effective ways to calm down and deal with the situations in a positive manner. Through a blend of counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and practical skill development, individuals learn to reduce aggressive responses, improve communication, and enhance interpersonal relationships, contributing to a better quality of life.
Matrix Model:
The Matrix Model involves clients in group and individual counseling, psychoeducation, and skill-building exercises to boost self-awareness, coping skills, and overall well-being. It prioritizes creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, motivating active client participation in addressing addiction's physical, emotional, and social dimensions. This model integrates evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, family education, and relapse prevention into a comprehensive program.
Relapse prevention:
The Relapse Prevention Model plays a pivotal role in the treatment of alcoholism. Utilizing a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this model is particularly valuable for individuals who have experienced multiple relapses. Through this approach, those in recovery are equipped with essential coping skills, empowered for their journey, and guided in adopting healthier habits.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy:
EMDR is a therapy method initially designed to address trauma. During an EMDR session, patients engage in eye movements reminiscent of REM sleep, either by following a therapist's moving finger or tracking a light bar. These repetitive eye movements aim to aid the brain in reprocessing memories, potentially diminishing the severity of traumatic recollections. As a result, related memories may also heal, leading patients to feel notably more at ease, balanced, and emotionally composed.
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
- Spanish
- Other languages (excluding Spanish)
- French
- Hindi
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
- Active duty military
- Members of military families
- Criminal justice (other than DUI/DWI)/Forensic clients
Contact Information
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