Overview
Part of the Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System (VBH), a premier nonprofit organization committed to provide comprehensive outpatient services to adults, children, and families, is Volunteer Behavioral Health - Hiwassee Mental Health Center, situated in Athens, Tennessee. With the goal of assisting people, families, and communities via prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, VBH makes sure that the assistance given now lays the groundwork for improved conditions tomorrow.
Volunteer Behavioral Health has 21 outpatient sites that provide a comprehensive variety of mental health and drug-use treatment services, covering 58 counties in middle and southeast Tennessee as well as the Upper Cumberland area. Whether it's via in-person visits or Telehealth alternatives, their Same Day Access model and No Wrong Door approach make it simpler for over two million Tennesseans to get the treatment they need. With a covering area of more than 12,555 square miles, this extensive network guarantees that mental health and rehabilitation services are available to people all across the state.
Volunteer Behavioral Health treatment System, which has over 50 years of expertise in the industry, takes pride in providing flexible, high-quality treatment that is customized to meet the individual requirements of each client. The center prioritizes a patient-centered approach, offering compassionate and competent assistance to persons with mental health issues and drug use problems, ranging from individual therapy to family counseling.
Additionally, Volunteer mental Health-Hiwassee Mental Health Center has a CARF accreditation, which is a distinction for superior mental health treatment. The center's dedication to upholding the highest standards in patient care, safety, and quality is shown by its certification, which guarantees that every person receives evidence-based therapy and assistance on their road to recovery.
Volunteer Behavioral Health - Athens Campus 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
- Children/adolescents
- Young adults
- Adults
- Seniors
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Court-ordered outpatient treatment
- Diet and exercise counseling
- Family psychoeducation
- Suicide prevention services
Accreditations
State mental health department:
State mental health department accreditation refers to the process of evaluating and certifying the quality and standards of a state's mental health department, ensuring that it provides high-quality services and meets specific criteria for mental health care. The accreditation process is performed by a third-party organization and helps to improve the overall care and treatment of individuals with mental health conditions.
State department of health:
Government agencies issue State Licenses, which grant rehabilitation organizations permission to conduct their operations lawfully within specific geographic regions. Licenses needed to operate are typically determined by the type of rehabilitation program offered by the facility and its physical location.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):
CARF accreditation is a prestigious recognition for rehabilitation and human service organizations. It signifies that an organization meets high-quality standards and is committed to providing top-level care. CARF conducts rigorous evaluations to ensure compliance, enhancing an organization's credibility and reassuring clients and funders of exceptional service quality. This accreditation promotes excellence and continual improvement in the rehabilitation and human services field.
Treatment At Volunteer Behavioral Health - Athens Campus
Conditions Treated
Alcoholism:
Alcohol addiction is a disease that changes the way the brain works. It causes negative emotions, impulsive behavior, cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for alcohol addiction includes supervised detox, counseling and therapy, and support group participation. Rehabilitation does not cure alcoholism. Instead, it helps the individual manage their addiction, restore their functioning, and well-being.
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 represents a holistic treatment strategy tailored to aid individuals grappling with drug or alcohol addiction. This comprehensive rehabilitation method encompasses two key aspects: first, addressing the physical dependency, often commencing with detoxification, and second, tackling the psychological triggers through a range of therapeutic techniques. The ultimate aim is to empower individuals to attain and sustain sobriety while providing them with the necessary skills and coping mechanisms to successfully reintegrate into society and lead 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.
Opioid Treatement:
Opioid addiction rehabilitation is a specialized treatment process tailored to address the unique challenges and complexities of opioid dependence, including drugs like heroin and prescriptions like oxycodone. The process typically begins with a medical detox to ease withdrawal symptoms, followed by therapeutic interventions to address the root causes of addiction. This holistic approach aims to provide individuals with the skills and support needed for long-term recovery from opioid use.
Levels Of Care
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.
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.
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.
Detoxification:
Detoxification (detox) is the process of clearing the body of drugs or alcohol that an individual has consumed. The purpose of detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs or alcohol. It denotes a clearing of toxins from the body of the patient who is acutely intoxicated and/or dependent on substances of abuse. Detoxification seeks to minimize the physical harm caused by the abuse of substances.
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.
Outpatient detoxification:
Ambulatory Detoxification, also known as outpatient detox, is a treatment approach for individuals seeking to overcome substance dependencies, such as drugs or alcohol. Under this model, patients receive medically supervised detoxification services from experienced healthcare professionals, frequently in environments such as clinics, healthcare facilities, or even the comfort of their own homes. This approach is often characterized by greater flexibility and cost-efficiency when contrasted with inpatient detoxification programs.
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:
Whether it's a marriage or another committed relationship, intimate partnerships hold immense significance in one's life. Substance addiction profoundly impacts both partners, just as rehabilitation and recovery do. Couples therapy and other relationship-focused treatments play a crucial role in uncovering addiction triggers and fostering healthy habits to sustain sobriety.
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.
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 enables individuals to access mental health services remotely through digital technology. Utilizing secure video conferencing, individuals can engage with qualified therapists from the comfort of their home, overcoming geographical barriers and often reducing waiting times. This level of care offers a flexible and accessible approach to mental health support, especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or residing in rural or underserved areas.
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-related counseling is a specialized form of therapeutic intervention aimed at assisting individuals who have experienced distressing, life-altering events. This approach focuses on helping clients process their traumatic experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust. Counselors trained in trauma therapy use evidence-based techniques to support healing and resilience, ensuring survivors can move forward and lead fulfilling lives despite their past adversities.
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:
Gambling Disorder, also known as compulsive gambling, is a recognized behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite detrimental personal and financial consequences. Treatment for this disorder typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy to address underlying triggers and patterns of thought, group support sessions such as Gamblers Anonymous, and sometimes medications to address co-existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Group counseling:
Group counseling provides a supportive environment where individuals share personal experiences and insights, under the guidance of a professional counselor. It facilitates self-awareness, fosters interpersonal learning, and helps members work through personal and relational challenges. Through shared dialogue and reflection, individuals learn coping strategies, gain emotional support, and experience personal growth within a communal setting.
Family counseling:
Family Counseling is a therapeutic approach that seeks to address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationships within the family unit. By providing a safe space for family members to express their feelings and concerns, a trained counselor facilitates understanding and collaboration among members, promoting healthier dynamics and enhancing overall family well-being.
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 Services are professional services aimed at addressing and amending harmful behaviors or situations, primarily in individuals struggling with addiction or other serious issues. These services guide and support both individuals and their loved ones through the intervention process, wherein a structured, solution-oriented conversation is held to encourage the individual to accept help and make positive changes towards recovery. By blending compassionate understanding with a well-formulated approach, intervention services play a crucial role in bridging the gap between acknowledgment of an issue and taking the initial steps towards resolution.
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 designed to teach individuals who are trying to maintain behavioral changes (like sobriety from drugs or alcohol) how to anticipate and cope with the potential for relapse. The model emphasizes the importance of understanding the processes and triggers that lead to relapse, developing strategies to prevent initial lapse, and minimizing the severity and duration if a lapse occurs. It's grounded in the belief that relapses can be viewed as learning opportunities, helping individuals strengthen their commitment and skills to avoid future setbacks.
Abnormal involuntary movement scale:
The AIMS is a 12-point evaluation instrument that clinicians employ to assess the severity of dyskinesias, notably in the face, limbs, and torso, for patients on neuroleptic medications. It gauges the overall effect, the level of impairment, and the patient's awareness and distress about these involuntary movements. Frequently used in research on antipsychotic drugs to detect tardive dyskinesia, the AIMS is prized for its clear format and swift assessment, making it suitable for routine clinical examinations by trained professionals.
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
- TB screening
Special Programs
- Clients who have experienced trauma
Contact Information
DISCLAIMER: The facility name, logo and brand are the property and registered trademarks of Volunteer Behavioral Health - Athens Campus, 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 Volunteer Behavioral Health - Athens Campus.
