ABOUT WASHINGTON DC VA MEDICAL CENTER
The Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center provides outpatient-based programs and services for veterans and active-duty personnel struggling with chemical dependency, primary psychiatric disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Along with an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to treat substance abuse disorders, the VA hospital also provides specialized outpatient programs for individuals struggling with trauma-related concerns, as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, patients undergo an initial substance abuse and/or psychiatric assessment to determine an appropriate approach to care. The Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center utilizes a range of evidence-based treatment methods, which are curtailed to meet the unique needs of veterans, to treat patients.
To treat individuals with a primary psychiatric disorder, the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center facilitates group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and, if applicable, family or marriage counseling sessions. The facility also provides ongoing psychiatric evaluations and medication management to alleviate symptoms associated with specific disorders. In addition, patients may attend group workshops on anger management, grief and loss, emotional regulation, and improving coping skills.
The Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center also offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients struggling with chemical dependency. Lasting for approximately four months, the IOP primarily involves group counseling sessions and follows a 12-step model. If indicated, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is available to patients recovering from opioid addiction, The facility utilizes a methadone maintenance regimen to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal and help curb cravings.
In addition, the medical center offers a number of outpatient programs that address issues related to trauma. The facility provides a specialized program to treat post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), co-occurring disorders of PTSD and substance abuse, a program for individuals affected by sexual trauma, and a gender-specific PTSD program for women. These trauma-related programs include individual and family counseling sessions, support groups, exposure-based group therapy, recreation therapy, and medication management.
To promote self-sufficiency, the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center also provides a range of case management services. Along with referrals to community-based resources, the clinic provides vocational rehabilitation, which may include supportive employment opportunities and compensated work therapy programs.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center employs a multidisciplinary team of physicians experienced in addiction medicine, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, mental health and substance abuse counselors, case managers, social workers, and peer specialists.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The sole alum polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing appreciated most aspects of the facility and its programming. Out of five stars, the alum gave perfect five-star ratings for the facility’s ability to treat co-occurring disorders, the amount of family participation, and for the treatment staff’s level of experience and training. Offering a four-star rating for the facility’s counseling options, the alum wrote: Works alot on one on one to help you better.”
Secondary sources revealed more critical opinions of the medical center, as a whole. On Yelp, 35 individuals gave the facility an average rating of 2.5 out of five stars. [1] Unsatisfied reviewers tended to criticize the facility’s general upkeep and expressed care concerns.
FINANCING
The Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center accepts a range of private insurance plans, TRICARE, and Medicare.
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