VA Athens Clinic

9249 US-29 Athens, GA 30601
Outpatient
Augusta Charlie Norwood VAMC - Athens CBOC GA 30601

About VA Athens Clinic

The Athens VA Clinic provides behavioral health services to veterans in Athens, Georgia. Dual diagnosis disorders caused by drugs or alcohol may be treated at this facility through their outpatient program. Individuals who require more intensive inpatient care may be referred to a nearby drug rehab facility.

Their behavioral health outpatient program may benefit those who suffer from past traumas or drug-related mental health issues. Individual and group therapy are provided for additional support, as well as nutritional counseling, in order to help the patient attain a healthier lifestyle.

Athens VA Clinic may take most commercial major insurances, such as Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, United Healthcare, and others. Contact your provider to verify coverage because out of network benefits can vary.

Latest Reviews

Mandy A
2 months ago on Google
1
Worst experience. My father went and was turned away. He has fallen down a flight of stairs and fractured a rib. Thank goodness for StMarys in Athens for taking such good care of him. My husband also received horrible treatment with this staff. They continue to "lose" his paperwork and transfer him to a new team.
tommy clegg
2 months ago on Google
5
Thanks to all the fine people at the Athens VA Clinic I can hear again!
Red Dog0351
3 months ago on Google
2
I m never able to contact them directly!!!
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Rehab Score

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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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7.5 / 10

Location

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.

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.
aftercare iconAftercare Support
Aftercare, which is sometimes referred to as continuing care or relapse prevention, is a type of structured care meant to help you continue with the progress you've made after completing an addiction treatment program. Most of the time, you'll continue receiving support after a treatment program by partnering with their case managers and staff to identify and access the resources you need to remain sober.
heart-hands iconIntervention Services
Intervention services helps family or friends of addicts stage an intervention, which is a meeting in which loved ones share their concerns and attempt to get an addict into treatment. Professional intervention specialists can help loved ones organize, gather, and communicate with an addict. They can guide intervention participants in describing the damage the addict's behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. The ideal outcome of an intervention is for the addict to go to rehab and get the help they need.
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.

Treatments

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.

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

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.
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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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Many life skills involve coping with emotions and stress. Others involve completing tasks that allow you to live independently. Examples include finding a job, managing finances, and nutrition. During rehab in Georgia, you'll work on any skills that are lacking to ensure you have the tools for success post treatment.

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Amenities

  • weight iconGym
  • 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 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: 2391

Contact Information

Phone icon (706) 227-4534
Building icon

9249 US-29
Athens, GA 30601

Fact checked and written by:
Benjamin Cardenas
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS

Reviews of VA Athens Clinic

2.5/5 (68 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

2.5 (68 reviews)
Mandy A
2 months ago
1

Worst experience. My father went and was turned away. He has fallen down a flight of stairs and fractured a rib. Thank goodness for StMarys in Athens for taking such good care of him. My husband also received horrible treatment with this staff. They continue to "lose" his paperwork and transfer him to a new team.

tommy clegg
2 months ago
5

Thanks to all the fine people at the Athens VA Clinic I can hear again!

Red Dog0351
3 months ago
2

I m never able to contact them directly!!!

Maddilyn Grace
3 months ago
1

At some point since my last appointment they installed glass in the windows and the two check in / out windows. This means that veterans now have to speak more loudly about potentially sensitive medical information while surrounded by people.

Charles CarMichael
4 months ago
1

The VA in Georgia has to be the most pathetic I have ever seen. Being a veteran, I should not have to jump through so many hoops to get care that is needed. I have no vehicle and I have to be qualified to get a ride (116 miles away).

Ashley Williamson
5 months ago
1

Walked in for the first time and the kiosk told me to go to the window. Two women looked straight at me and got up out of their chairs and walked away leaving me standing at the window. Not one person asked if I needed help. Then we had a fire drill in which all staff were more concerned about us able bodied people not moving fast enough rather than helping our elders who could hardly walk. All this comes after I requested mental health care and was told I couldn t see MH until I saw PCM in 3 weeks. I truly hope no one wonders why vets complain about the VA and take their own lives in the parking lot. It s my understanding that the man who manages this facility is in Augusta. Maybe he should stay in Athens a while and clean up the staff. Mr. Dwayne has been the only helpful person.

Curtis
5 months ago
5

The staff at Athens have always been polite and helpful Dr Monta Louis is my latest Doctor she is very efficient about sending me to a specialist when I'm having problems and for prescribing the right medicine I'm Vietnam veteran with % disabilities

Michael Fitzsimmons
8 months ago
5

The Audiologist, Dr. Williams, is amazing. She is very pleasant, professional and informative. Her tech, Marina, is equally good. I could not ask for better care.

Marie Williams
9 months ago
1

This place is why Google needs a zero star option

Robert Woods
10 months ago
1

This VA is absolutely incompetent. Of all the VA facilities that I have been treated at, this one truly takes the cake for absolute worst. They check you in and forget about you. They lose paperwork and refuse to return phone calls. They forgot referrals for over five months. Most of the staff is clueless to what options you have and will deny coverage. My doctor is routinely late (45+ minutes) or fails to show. The same doctor will also fail on any referrals requested at an appointment and fails to accomplish anything requested. I will never come back here unless I m forced to do so.

Nicole L
1 year ago
5

I m sorry to read the negative reviews and the experiences they ve had. :/I can only comment on my experience and I ve had a great one! Yes, appointments are far away typically, but that s not necessarily their control. Once I m there they get me in so quickly I m barely waiting in the waiting room, everyone has been so sweet from the doctors, phlebotomists, and to the checkout desk.Today there was a Santa there so sweet handing out goody bags and it made my morning! Keep doing what yall do and thank you!

Codie Thomas
1 year ago
2

Drs are good here. Ive been coming here for 2 years now and every single appointment takes at least 30 minutes to an hour after your appointment time to get called back from the lobby.

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