Cincinnati VA Medical Center-Fort Thomas

1000 South Ft. Thomas Avenue Fort Thomas, KY 41075
InpatientOutpatient
Cincinnati VA Medical Center - Ft. Thomas Division KY 41075

About Cincinnati VA Medical Center-Fort Thomas

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center’s Ft. Thomas Division provides primary care and specialty health services for military personnel, veterans, and their families, including addiction recovery treatment for adults. They offer inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare support. Specialized services are available for adolescents, young adults, seniors, the LGBTQ+ community, homeless and indigent persons, and persons with co-occurring disorders.

Their inpatient treatment program allows clients to begin their recovery journey in a safe, supportive, and medically supervised environment free of distractions and temptations. As you physically remove yourself from addictive substances, you’ll engage in services to better understand the psychological aspect of your condition. This may include rehabilitation, health maintenance services, and engagement with community support groups. A multi-disciplinary team of providers will work with you to assess your needs, progress, and recovery goals. Then, they’ll create a customized treatment plan that may include individual and group therapy, addiction education, relapse prevention and life skills training, medication management, and similar services.

If you’re ready to transition out of inpatient care or don’t require as intensive of a program, you can participate in outpatient services. These may be the same services as inpatient treatment, but clients can attend them while living at home and tending to personal and professional responsibilities.

Their aftercare program may include connections to local, community-based providers that can offer long-term recovery support, such as peer support groups, health and wellness services, and vocational training.

In addition to military benefits, they may accept most major insurance plans. Contact your provider to check your coverage because out of network benefits can vary. Financial assistance is available.

Latest Reviews

Tameka Hill
2 months ago on Google
3
Can you tell Samuel Taylor I will be to get my house keys I m sent the police over to get my keys
Bobby Owens
Reviewed on 07/03/2024
5
I was in this program in 2013 and even though it was not an immediate cure the people there gave you a wonderful start for healing. They were very caring and providing in every aspect.. Even at this late date, not cured but so much better off and grateful for having been there in that program.
Willow Roan
6 months ago on Google
1
Have called 4 times on 2 different days & I am hung up on everytime. The fith call was answered & resolved.Make sure to ask for names at the beginning of every interaction, this is unacceptable.EDIT: it has been another attempt to make an appointment & can't get any line to answer their phone.
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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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8.8 / 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.

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
The inpatient psychiatric unit consists of 20 beds and is staffed by professionals from a variety of disciplines including psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy. During an inpatient admission, Veterans participate in individual treatment and group therapy. Hospital stays are generally 4 to 7 days.
12-step icon12-Step
Participants in 12 step programs attend regular group meetings, which are free, anonymous, and open to the public. Most communities offer multiple meetings daily, with specialized formats, including programs for seniors, teens, and families, widely available. 12 step recovery prioritizes participants' spiritual, emotional, and psychological growth and healing to support their sustained sobriety. Participants also receive one-on-one mentoring from a self-selected sponsor as they work through the 12 steps of recovery.
sober-living iconSober Living Homes
Grant and Per Diem (GPD) offers transitional housing, for up to two years per episode of care, to Veterans. It is important to note that GPD can offer housing to Veterans who are not eligible for VA medical services. They currently have 164 beds in Hamilton County: 63 at Joseph House; 50 at Volunteers of America in Mt. Healthy; 15 at Goodwill; 18 at Mt. Airy, 15 at Drop Inn Center, and 3 beds for female Veterans at the Brighton Recovery Center in Florence, KY.

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.

Drug rehab in Kentucky often starts with detox, then includes inpatient or outpatient treatment, and continues with aftercare support. Specific methods used during each of these phases varies, but often include individual and group counseling, medication, and recreational therapies.

The Intensive Dual Diagnosis Treatment program provides outpatient services to Veterans who suffer from co-occurring substance use and serious psychiatric disorders. Group and individual therapy are provided, including insight-oriented therapy, supportive therapy, skill-building, and trauma work. Particular focus is on a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment.

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

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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
The Cincinnati VAMC is committed to providing top quality care to all Veterans including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Veterans. They recognize that diverse populations have distinctive needs, and are training their staff in culturally and clinically-competent care for LGBT Veterans. They are focused on providing the most respectful health care environment possible.
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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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Equine therapy, aka equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions and activities with horses. It does not necessarily involve riding horses, but all activities related to horses, such as feeding, grooming, haltering and leading them. A mental health professional frequently oversees the activities (often in conjunction with a horse professional), and helps patients process their thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns during and/or after the interaction.

Men and women in Kentucky participating in group therapy learn to express their feelings and struggles with drug addiction in a non judgmental atmosphere. Your peers can offer you empathy and encouragement because they understand your journey to recovery. This fosters a sense of community and belonging that may extend far after group therapy sessions.

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.

The Residential PTSD programs are comprised of 2 intensive 7-week programs for male and female Veterans and an intensive 8-week program for Veterans with both PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Each program provides assessment and brief treatment of PTSD. The trauma is addressed using Cognitive Processing Therapy in individual and group sessions. Additional therapy groups include Anger Management, Relaxation Skill Training, Assertiveness Training, Distress Tolerance, Communication Training, Sleep Management, and Health Issues.

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.

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center’s Community Employment Services provides information, pre-employment assessment and workforce re-entry planning services, linkage, and coordination for VA and non-VA services, and community based follow-up services to integrate Veterans into the community through competitive employment. The Compensated Work Therapy program (CWT) provides vocational opportunities for Veterans seeking employment.

Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) provides counseling services for outpatient veterans for the Cincinnati and Fort Thomas Divisions and the Community Based Outpatient Clinics. NFS also provides healthy meals for Veterans admitted to the Medical Center. Nutrition Counseling for all medical conditions: Move weight control programs, Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease and etc.

Creative Arts Therapy provides activity based resident-centered programming that integrates function, quality, and meaning to one's life to maintain or improve functional independence and enhancement of physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure development

The Treatment Recovery and Activity Center (TRAC) program focuses on Veterans’ Strengths Needs Abilities and Preferences and is considered the last link between the hospital and the community. The program can help Veterans cope with mental illness, deal with activities of daily living, adjust to life’s challenges, develop the skills to live life to the fullest, and avoid hospitalization.

All Veterans referred to the tobacco treatment center receive a comprehensive individualized assessment, which includes a clinical interview, CO monitoring, and a blood pressure screening. Tobacco treatment intervention options include medications, classes, and individual counseling. Tobacco treatment classes occur at different times during the day and evening at the main hospital and CBOCs.

Amenities

  • spa2 iconYoga Studio

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Denis R. McDonough

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Tanya Bradsher

Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Jaime Areizaga-Soto

Chairman of the Board

Kurt DelBene

Assistant Secretary for Information & Technology & CIO

Accreditations

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

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

Contact Information

Phone icon (859) 572-6202
Building icon

1000 South Ft. Thomas Avenue
Fort Thomas, KY 41075

Fact checked and written by:
Courtney Myers, MS
Edited by:
Peter Lee, PhD

Reviews of Cincinnati VA Medical Center-Fort Thomas

3.85/5 (33 reviews)
5
Staff
5
Amenities
5
Meals
5
Value
5
Cleanliness
5
20
4
3
3
2
2
0
1
8

Reviews

5
It takes time

I was in this program in 2013 and even though it was not an immediate cure the people there gave you a wonderful start for healing. They were very caring and providing in every aspect.. Even at this late date, not cured but so much better off and grateful for having been the ... Read More

Bobby O.
Reviewed on 7/3/2024
Staff
5
Amenities
5
Meals
5
Value
5
Cleanliness
5
1

Everyone knows that it is not an easy thing to do to recover but places like this ones are supposed to help those in need and clearly they didn't help me even a little bit.

Reviewed on 3/1/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.9 (31 reviews)
Tameka Hill
2 months ago
3

Can you tell Samuel Taylor I will be to get my house keys I m sent the police over to get my keys

Willow Roan
6 months ago
1

Have called 4 times on 2 different days & I am hung up on everytime. The fith call was answered & resolved.Make sure to ask for names at the beginning of every interaction, this is unacceptable.EDIT: it has been another attempt to make an appointment & can't get any line to answer their phone.

Michael Remias
1 year ago
5

Kenneth Singleterry
1 year ago
5

Very nice place, staff is great, if u r trying to get back on track, this is the place.

David Stolpa
1 year ago
5

Steve Mahan
1 year ago
4

The staff was excellent. Very nice grounds and fairly comfortable room. I was pleased with my time there

Danny Davis
1 year ago
1

Anyway I find this program very confusing lost and in Desiree connected with my PTSD in my brain I would not recommend this program to anyone and I'm not on any stuck points whoever the VA needs a refund thank you

Greg McManus
1 year ago
1

It took 18 months to get an appointment (VA red tape). Saw three doctors.1. Intake: An hour of being told all the things they CAN NOT do to help you. You pick your treatment plan and hope it's correct.2. Evaluation: They think everyone is there for disability money and not treatment. Mine took 15mins-20mins.3. Treatment: This was the first doctor who actually tried to help. I think if she didn't have to follow all the BS protocol designed to silence and shame veterans, I might have received at least a little help.Also, they have zero information about your career/deployments, medications, service records. Really they know nothing about you, your situation, or how to help. Best of luck to my brothers and sisters out there who have to come here.

Kakiila Theetha (Turtle)
2 years ago
5

I am a veteran. I went through the dom about 19 months ago. The staff is caring, helpful and knowledgeable with their programs. The grounds are beautiful. Its very peaceful and serene.

Catalina Padilla
2 years ago
1

Wayne Keck
3 years ago
5

Everyone is very nice, nice park like setting.

Erik Plute
3 years ago
1

Impossible to schedule appointments via phone, leave detailed messages, call multiple times and never receive a call or talk to a person. Chiropractor is great and covered with VA but have had zero success making contact.

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