Overview
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is a mental health treatment center for people seeking treatment near Harris County. As part of their treatment modalities for recovery, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center provides individual psychotherapy, group counseling, and family counseling during treatment. Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is located in Houston, Texas, accepting cash or self-payment for treatment.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at a Glance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Federal military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)
- Medicare
- Private health insurance
- Per session
Assessments
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Screening for tobacco use
Age Groups
- Young adults
- Adults
- Seniors or older adults
- Seniors
Ancillary Services
- Intensive case management
- Case management service
- Chronic disease/illness management
- Court-ordered outpatient treatment
- Diet and exercise counseling
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 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.
Treatment At Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Conditions Treated
Mental health treatment:
Mental health treatment involves a range of therapeutic approaches, provided by licensed professionals, to address mental health challenges. It includes psychotherapy, medication, and holistic practices to help individuals manage conditions, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being. The goal is to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
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 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
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.
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:
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.
Outpatient:
Outpatient treatment at rehab centers provides adaptable therapy schedules, usually spanning 1-3 hours weekly, enabling participants to maintain their everyday routines while undergoing treatment. On the other hand, intensive outpatient programs require a more dedicated time investment, frequently around 9-15 hours a week, delivering a deeper therapeutic experience without the commitment of inpatient residency.
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:
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.
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.
Treatment Modalities
Individual psychotherapy:
Individual therapy, often referred to as psychotherapy or counseling, is a one-on-one therapeutic interaction between a trained therapist and a client. It provides a confidential space for individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, working through challenging memories, experiences, or emotions. The therapist facilitates self-awareness, promotes personal growth and insight, and offers coping strategies to manage specific issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges. The ultimate goal is to improve the individual's mental well-being and enhance their overall quality of life.
Group counseling:
Group Counseling is a therapeutic approach where individuals come together under the guidance of a trained counselor to share experiences, provide mutual support, and gain insights. It fosters a sense of community, promotes understanding through diverse perspectives, and offers personal growth and problem-solving strategies.
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.
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 is a crucial component of rehabilitation that focuses on equipping individuals with the practical abilities necessary to maintain sobriety and lead fulfilling lives. These skills encompass a wide range of capabilities, including but not limited to time management, communication, problem-solving, stress management, and financial literacy. By acquiring and honing these essential life skills, individuals in addiction treatment gain the tools and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of daily life, reduce the risk of relapse, and ultimately achieve lasting recovery.
Rational Behavior Therapy:
Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on identifying, challenging, and modifying irrational beliefs and behaviors. Rooted in the principle that our emotions and behaviors are largely influenced by our beliefs. Through structured therapeutic processes, individuals learn to recognize their irrational thoughts, assess their validity, and replace them with more rational and adaptive beliefs. This, in turn, promotes healthier emotional responses and more functional behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) in addiction treatment is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance an individual's intrinsic motivation to change. By addressing ambivalence and tapping into personal values, MI fosters meaningful conversations about substance use and promotes commitment to recovery-focused goals.
Trauma-related counseling:
Trauma-related counseling addresses the deeply rooted psychological wounds and distress that often coexist with substance use disorders. Recognizing that past traumatic experiences can play a significant role in the onset and persistence of addiction, this therapeutic approach aims to help individuals understand and process their trauma, develop coping skills, and work towards healing. Individuals are better equipped to achieve long-term recovery and improved mental well-being by simultaneously addressing both trauma and addiction.
Intervention Services:
Intervention is a set of structured processes or strategies designed to assist individuals in recognizing and addressing problematic behaviors, such as substance abuse, addiction, or mental health issues. These services typically involve a team of professionals or trained individuals who work collaboratively to guide and support the person in need and their loved ones, aiming to facilitate a pathway to recovery or appropriate treatment.
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.
Dialectical behavior therapy:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for addiction treatment is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral approach initially developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. Adapted for addiction, DBT emphasizes the development of four core skills: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through individual and group sessions, patients learn to understand their triggers, manage negative emotions, cope with cravings, and improve relationships, all of which contribute to long-term recovery and reduced substance use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic technique aimed at alleviating distress associated with traumatic memories. It involves a structured eight-phase approach, during which the client recalls distressing images while receiving bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements. Through this process, EMDR aids in the reprocessing of traumatic memories, potentially rendering them less distressing and allowing for improved mental health and functioning.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy:
Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a medical treatment where low doses of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic drug, are administered intravenously under medical supervision. Initially used for anesthesia, in recent years, this therapy has gained attention for its rapid and significant effects in treating various conditions, particularly treatment-resistant depression. Additionally, it's being studied for its potential in managing chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The infusions are typically done in specialized clinics, and while many patients report relief after treatment, the long-term effects and optimal dosing strategies are still subjects of ongoing research.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression and other conditions. By delivering magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain, TMS aims to activate regions that have decreased activity, which is often associated with depression or other neurological disorders. This treatment is typically used when other forms of therapy or medication have not been effective, offering a potential symptom relief alternative without surgery or systemic medication.
Abnormal involuntary movement scale:
The AIMS is a tool with 12 criteria clinicians use to evaluate the intensity of dyskinesias, especially in facial, limb, and torso movements, in patients on neuroleptic drugs. It also examines the overall impact, the degree of disability caused, and how conscious and distressed the patient is about these movements. The AIMS is widely utilized in research studies of antipsychotic drugs to check for tardive dyskinesia. Its straightforward structure and quick assessment process make regular clinical checks by professionals or other qualified individuals convenient.
Ancillary Services
Languages
- Sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Spanish
- Other languages (excluding Spanish)
- Any Chinese Language
- Korean
Additional Services
- Pharmacotherapies administered during treatment
- Mentoring/peer support
- HIV testing
Special Programs
- Clients with HIV or AIDS
- 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 Michael E. DeBakey 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 Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
