ABOUT WILKES-BARRE VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., about 30 minutes south of Scranton, the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Affairs Medical Center operates a 10-bed residential, substance abuse treatment program along with a range of mental health care services, classes, and groups aimed at improving the lives of Veterans.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The residential day treatment program at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Medical Center seeks to prepare Veterans for a healthy and sober lifestyle by focusing on significant lifestyle and behavioral changes.
Commencing with a bio-psycho-social assessment, the 21-day program assists Veterans in achieving their personal recovery goals while enhancing their quality of life and relationships. The core curriculum includes group therapy, recreational activities, and educational sessions, along with opportunities for vocational counseling.
In addition to the 10-bed residential program, the VA center in Wilkes-Barre provides a range of mental health services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Therapeutic programs encompass smoking cessation support, pain and anger management, wellness classes, and skills training.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The VA center is led by a board-certified internist and a master’s level mental health nurse.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Information regarding the living arrangements and related offerings of the 10-bed residential program is currently unavailable.
The three Best-rehabs.com survey respondents provided mixed ratings for the accommodations, with scores of four, two, and three stars, and ratings of five, one, and four stars for the meals and nutrition.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
In their anonymous Best-rehabs.com survey response, an alum mentioned the staff’s ability to connect with Veterans despite being understaffed. They also commented, “Good 21 day program, well presented and helpful to me.”
To date, the VA center has received average ratings of 4.0 and 3.4 out of five from 309 Facebook users and 45 Google reviewers, respectively. While the available feedback covers the medical center across its various departments, reviewers found the staff to be helpful and polite. A Google reviewer named Brian wrote, “If you are a Veteran they will try to keep you healthy!”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The two individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com gave mostly positive feedback about their loved one’s recovery experiences. They described the program as “Great” and mentioned that it greatly helped people. However, they also noted that the facility was either understaffed or overcrowded.
They also gave favorable ratings, with four stars or more, for the staff’s level of training and experience, the counseling options available, and the family programming.
FINANCING
The cost of treatment is not provided on this VA center’s website, although the center does accept private health insurance. According to the VA website, “Generally, VA cannot bill Medicare, but can bill Medicare supplemental health insurance for covered services.”