Atlanta VA Medical Center

1670 Clairmont Road
Decatur GA, 30033

Atlanta VA Health Care System - Medical Center GA 30033

About Atlanta VA Medical Center

Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center is located in Decatur, Georgia, offering addiction treatment services and resources to veterans who are suffering from substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. Issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety can go hand-in-hand with addiction in many cases, and this is especially true for veterans who have suffered a lot of trauma. It’s nice to know that virtually all veteran clinics take this into account and treat mental health issues in addition to addiction. Unlike some other VA centers, this clinic is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. They also have services like community support, health maintenance, nutrition counseling, and specific support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Their programs offer some very important treatment options in individual counseling and group therapy. In many cases, individual counseling can be a very cathartic way to open up to your therapist about past experiences and learn from them, including identifying triggers and pinpointing the root causes of your issue. Group therapy, as the name suggests, gives you some peer support and helps you learn from the experience of others.

Latest Reviews

Kevin Hoag
3 weeks ago on Google
1
I am trying to contact Dr. Jose Mario Corona, MD his phone just rings without anyone answering it. Very unprofessional.
Rashon Mayfield
3 weeks ago on Google
1
I honestly don t know how they haven t shut this place down and just rebuilded from scratch. This has to be one of the worst VA s in the country the Drs and RNs care more about their personal lives than the patients they get paid to take care of. Last night they stopped admitting people in the ER which is totally unacceptable it had to be no more than 15 People waiting in the sitting area, and the ones waiting before me were already waiting 3+ hours to be seen and they had a RN telling us the same thing over and over about how their trying really hard to help but the words to actions wasn t matching up too at all. She could ve been taking in patients and at least checking vitals but they had her doing nothing but irritating the crowd. It s dirty, the majority of people who work there is rude, the staff think it s a joke because of the senseless things going on in that place, which is also very unprofessional, and they give black people working in the medical field a bad name. I had to leave before I exploded on all those folks, If you have service related injuries please just save yourself the time and headache to seeking medical attention and go to a hospital that is a VA FRIENDLY HOSPITAL and let them deal with the bill because that s all they re good for. I told myself I wasn t going to go back after waiting over 2+ hours for two prescriptions months ago but it was a legit emergency last night, the line for medicine starts to stretches down the halls and you see people get hostile with staff often because they be waiting for so long. it s a terrible place and everyone there should be fired and for the handful of the ones who actually cares about the veterans should be re trained.
Belle Legume
1 month ago on Google
1
The worst of all the VA Hospital. I wouldn't even categorized that location as a VA Hospital because you would most likely die before you actually the the help needed at that place. Hard to get your appointment scheduled, hard to reach someone back after they finally call you, and the message they leave you have the wrong extension to call them back. Whoever you spoke don't know the right information to give or where to find you the help needed. That place will drive crazy and sent you to a mental hospital if you think of getting treatment or appointment from them.

Location

Accepted Insurance

Atlanta VA Medical Center works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, Please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Call now to check and verify your insurance

800-985-8516
Question iconWho Answers?

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient
Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.
inpatient iconInpatient
Inpatient rehabs feature intensive clinical supervision and a highly structured and supportive environment, meaning they are especially well suited for clients in early recovery and those at risk of relapse. Clients reside at the treatment facility and engage in various therapeutic sessions throughout the day, including addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Many programs also offer evidence-based complementary therapies, such as meditation and massage.
intensive-outpatient iconIntensive Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.
aftercare iconAftercare
sober-living iconSober Living Homes
Sober Living Houses (SLHs), aka sober homes or halfway houses, are safe, substance-free, supportive living facilities for those recovering from substance abuse. Ideal for those who've just been through inpatient or outpatient treatment, SLHs are supervised environments with rules that support sobriety, such as curfews, shared chores, and therapeutic meetings. Residents are also often trained on life skills and coping skills to make it easier to transition into society. SLHs also provide a strong sense of community that can lead to the kind of deep and lasting connections with other sober individuals that supports a new, healthy lifestyle.
heart-hands iconIntervention Services
A drug intervention in Georgia is designed to encourage an individual to get the treatment they need. This effort aims to break through resistance and motivate the individual to get help. The process typically involves loved ones sharing their concerns with the individual and how their substance use has affected those who care about them. A professional interventionist can help guide this conversation and explain from the clinical side how treatment can be beneficial.
partial-hospitalization iconPartial 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.
24-hour icon24-Hour Clinical Care
24-hour clinical care in Georgia reduces the risks involved in detox and addiction treatment. Without access to professional medical care, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms that become life threatening. For example, alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens, confusion, and cardiac symptoms. Without medical supervision to step in, these symptoms could potentially turn fatal.
medically-assisted-detox iconMedically Assisted Detox
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.

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

A quality drug rehab in Georgia can help you overcome addiction. This environment is designed to help you address the complex issues contributing to drug dependence. The goal of treatment is to give you the tools you need to make a full recovery.

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Programs

adult-program thumbnail image
Adult program
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
young-adult-program thumbnail image
Young Adult Program
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
lgbtq-program thumbnail image
LGBTQ Program
Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.
military-program thumbnail image
Military Program
Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

While each person is unique, the typical length for dialectical behavior therapy is six months to a year. You'll attend weekly hour long individual sessions with your therapist, as well as weekly group sessions. Homework between sessions often includes keeping a diary to track your emotions and behaviors. Your therapist uses this diary to guide the focus of each session.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

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.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

By incorporating recreational therapy into an addiction treatment program in Georgia, you learn to discover new interests and develop health and healthy coping mechanisms. Activities could include painting, group sports, or yoga. These encourage social interaction and support your physical fitness, which are vital factors in a successful recovery journey.

Amenities

  • car iconPrivate Transportation
  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private-room iconPrivate Rooms

Accreditations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 288737

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 4615

Contact Information

Phone icon (404) 321-6111
Building icon

1670 Clairmont Road
Decatur GA, 30033

Fact checked and written by:
Benjamin Cardenas
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Reviews of Atlanta VA Medical Center

2.7/5 (874 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.7 (874 reviews)
Rashon Mayfield
3 weeks ago
1

I honestly don t know how they haven t shut this place down and just rebuilded from scratch. This has to be one of the worst VA s in the country the Drs and RNs care more about their personal lives than the patients they get paid to take care of. Last night they stopped admitting people in the ER which is totally unacceptable it had to be no more than 15 People waiting in the sitting area, and the ones waiting before me were already waiting 3+ hours to be seen and they had a RN telling us the same thing over and over about how their trying really hard to help but the words to actions wasn t matching up too at all. She could ve been taking in patients and at least checking vitals but they had her doing nothing but irritating the crowd. It s dirty, the majority of people who work there is rude, the staff think it s a joke because of the senseless things going on in that place, which is also very unprofessional, and they give black people working in the medical field a bad name. I had to leave before I exploded on all those folks, If you have service related injuries please just save yourself the time and headache to seeking medical attention and go to a hospital that is a VA FRIENDLY HOSPITAL and let them deal with the bill because that s all they re good for. I told myself I wasn t going to go back after waiting over 2+ hours for two prescriptions months ago but it was a legit emergency last night, the line for medicine starts to stretches down the halls and you see people get hostile with staff often because they be waiting for so long. it s a terrible place and everyone there should be fired and for the handful of the ones who actually cares about the veterans should be re trained.

Kevin Hoag
3 weeks ago
1

I am trying to contact Dr. Jose Mario Corona, MD his phone just rings without anyone answering it. Very unprofessional.

Belle Legume
1 month ago
1

The worst of all the VA Hospital. I wouldn't even categorized that location as a VA Hospital because you would most likely die before you actually the the help needed at that place. Hard to get your appointment scheduled, hard to reach someone back after they finally call you, and the message they leave you have the wrong extension to call them back. Whoever you spoke don't know the right information to give or where to find you the help needed. That place will drive crazy and sent you to a mental hospital if you think of getting treatment or appointment from them.

EFREM BURTON
1 month ago
5

Brandon Ramsey
1 month ago
1

These people do not care. They never answer, appointments are months out, they rush you in and out and they all have attitudes if you don t want to work there then don t!!

Breanna Richardson
1 month ago
1

There are a few friendly employees that works there, but the er doctors are horrible. They do not listen to the patient s concerns and brush it off. You would think that veterans are treated way better because we served this country, but not here smh. let s not forget their attitudes are horrible!!!!

Andrew
1 month ago
5

Thank you to all the staff here in the emergency room who took care of me today. Very professional, very friendly. Thank you Dr. M. Koti for being thorough and answering all my questions

One Above All
1 month ago
3

Prepare to hunt for parking even if your hr early for apt. Traffic is horrible in Atlanta Didn t have any issues here besides navigating the hospital.

Toni Hackney
1 month ago
2

Most of the staff except for veterans staff are worthless. Attitude & Incompetent abounds from them that why they wanted the metal detectors. This facility can't keep good staff due to the crappy underhanded staff.

Evelyn Hargett
1 month ago
1

J H
1 month ago
1

Heed the warnings

Terry Miller
1 month ago
5

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