ABOUT SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Serving military veterans throughout 23 parishes in southeast Louisiana, the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System provides outpatient-based care for veterans and active-duty personnel struggling with a primary psychiatric disorders, chemical dependency, or co-occurring difficulties. Operating eight clinics in the region, the health care system may provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon intake a specific clinic, clients may undergo an initial substance abuse and/or psychiatric assessment to determine an appropriate treatment approach. As a treatment provider that serves active and former military personnel, Southeast Louisiana Health Care System’s programming is specialized to address issues common among veterans struggling with chemical dependency and/or psychiatric concerns, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief and loss, anxiety, and depression.
To treat veterans struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, Southeast Louisiana Health Care System’s programming involves individual and group counseling sessions, as well as educational classes on identifying relapse triggers. If applicable, marriage or couples counseling may also be available to educate loved ones on the process of recovery. To promote long-term recovery and help patients develop community-based support, VA treatment program typically also incorporate 12-step principles and participation into treatment.
Clients with primary psychiatric concerns or co-occurring disorders may participate in disorder- or issue-specific group therapy sessions. These sessions may address topics related to depression, PTSD, and grief and loss. To alleviate symptoms, veterans may receive a pharmacological intervention and ongoing medication management. According to the facility’s website, Southeast Louisiana Health Care System also facilitates a compensated work-therapy program to help build self-esteem, improve functioning, and promote independent living.
If necessary, veterans struggling with chemical dependency may be prescribed medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as Suboxone or Campral, to curb cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. In general, VA outpatient programs typically last between six and 10 weeks, depending on the individual’s needs and progress in treatment.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Southeast Louisiana Health Care System employs a network of physicians experienced in addiction medicine, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, substance abuse counselors, registered nurses, case managers, social workers, and peer specialists.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The sole alum polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing, who reviewed the clinic in New Orleans, gave moderate ratings for most aspects of the facility. Out of five stars, the alum gave three-star ratings for the treatment staff’s level of experience and training, the facility’s counseling options, and its ability to treat co-occurring disorders. They also offered a four-star rating for the facility’s discharge planning. “They care,” the alum wrote.
FINANCING
Southeast Louisiana Health Care System accepts private insurance plans, TRICARE, and Medicare.