Explore VA Community Care for addiction rehab! Get timely access to treatment outside VA facilities. Check your eligibility now.
VA Community Care Health Coverage for Drug Rehab
Explore VA Community Care for addiction rehab! Get timely access to treatment outside VA facilities. Check your eligibility now.
The VA Community Care Program is part of the broader Veterans Affairs Health System. The program lets eligible veterans receive care from community providers outside of VA facilities when a VA hospital or clinic isn’t accessible or the wait time is too long. The CCN was established in 2018 to provide veterans with timely and accessible health care, especially for those who cannot readily access VA healthcare facilities or when specific services are unavailable.
Your eligibility hinges on the availability of services at a local VA facility or quality concerns at an existing VA service along with specific healthcare needs that are better met through community providers. Veterans living in states without full service VA medical facilities, such as in Alaska or Hawaii, are typically eligible. The CCN does not require preauthorization for urgent care services. For regular appointments or specialized care you will need a VA referral and could still have wait times.
Does VA Community Care Cover Addiction Rehab?
VA Community Care is an extension of VA Healthcare services. To use a CCN facility the VA must provide a referral. Your primary care provider in the VA can initiate a referral that must pass a comprehensive review by the Community Care Department.
VA Community Care can cover a comprehensive range of addiction treatment. Treatment is not a one size fits all process and your customized treatment program may require medical detoxification and/or inpatient or residential treatment and/or outpatient care. By working closely with your VA doctor you’ll be able to get a treatment plan that outlines exactly what you need which will help you get approved for CCN providers as needed.
If you’re evaluating different rehab programs or confirming insurance compatibility, you can learn more about rehab options to identify facilities suited to your plan and treatment goals.
I was dealing with severe cocaine and alcohol addiction. After serving in the military and coming home, I needed help. And I knew that the average rehab and recovery program wouldn’t work with me. I needed something challenging, something different. Treehouse provided that. With a wide range of different and unique approaches to treating addiction like challenging workouts, team building, riding waves on the beach of Costa Mesa on rafts with other men struggling with the same disease, addiction education to help me better understand my disease on a scientific level, and outdoor adventures like going camping, taking trips to cool beaches to surf at. This place isn’t just a recovery center, it’s a family. I am now 6 months sober and graduated the program and I couldn’t feel more grateful and proud of myself. And I know my family could say the same. Anyone struggling with addiction and looking for a program that heals you both mentally and physically NEEDS to give this place a shot.
k to the roc
2 days ago
My son has been struggling with alcohol for years which grew into a full blown addiction. He tried a 30-day program which didn't last. Only when we found Treehouse Recovery in Costa Mesa did we find a place that could really help him. The staff are exceptional and they have cared for our son's success long after he completed his program. If you or your son need help look no further.
Kris Kazarian
3 weeks ago
I’ve been to so many treatment centers. I swore last time I relapsed I wouldn’t go back to another because there all the same. But I had a friend reach out and tell me about treehouse. They told me it was drastically different and maybe something to ge the off the hamster wheel of treatment. They came out and met me and vetted me and made me feel important when I felt as low as possible. This place isnt a place where they stick you in a room and make you do group from 9-5. They teach you how to live again. There is an education group on addiction but it’s only an hour. The rest of the time you’re doing therapy. Which is 4 times a week. Or your lifting, in the gym, or learning how to be social again. I can’t recommend this place enough. If you want to do something different and stay sober. This is the place.
Very satisfied !!
My experience was amazing. all staff and therapist was very concerning, and caring..
I would recommend anyone who is considering Woodland recovery center It's a great decision. Hope to see you soon. !!
Kenneth Walker
2 weeks ago
The staff work very hard and care as much as they can doing it! The food is good thank you very much yall. The counselors are very good. The nursing staff is good as well and I always felt safe. I highly recommend this detox center.
I was in Michael's house back in 2015 and did a month there and they have a good staff , And I also ate good there, they have real good food, and the hikes were nice and then the trip to Laguna Beach on the last weekend that was awesome can't believe it's already been 10 years since then, I recommend this place It's a good facility 👍
John
5 days ago
I completed treatment here seven years ago and it was life-altering; I continue to abstain from alcohol. The team approaches care with genuine compassion and professionalism, creating an environment where real healing can take place. I am lucky enough to still know many of the staff and peers that I initially met while in treatment and I remain engaged in the alumni program - building community has been key to maintaining sobriety.
I highly recommend Michael’s House and encourage anyone who is on the precipice of deciding whether or not to go to treatment to just do it - You won’t regret it.
Thank you to the MH team for loving and supporting me on my journey!
This place is amazing! From the community to the staff and the nurses! If anyone needs help with addiction Swift River is the place to be ! Thank you !
Much love
Thomas McMaster
Thomas McMaster
2 months ago
Great place great community, great staff, all around great experience
Tonight I was with a family member in the emergency room and would like to express my thanks to the staff who were not only professional, but were compassionate and kind. I believe the nurse who was there first was Alicia, whose shift was ending at 7p.m. and there was also Joann. Both of these women are a true blessing to any patient that needs emergency treatment.
Steelman 47
2 weeks ago
My father was brought into the ER with a heart issue. The staff were amazing! Everyone worked diligently to stabilize his condition and make him comfortable. His stay was extended a few days and stents were needed. The nursing staff in the step down unit were absolutely incredible. Many thanks to Erin, Nicole, Haley, Jen, Dion, Jess, Amy and Jolyn!
SunCloud has such caring staff. They are truly magnificent. SunCloud is the place to go to when needing a little extra care. Met some of the best people during my time there.
Haley Bohne
2 months ago
As a provider, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with SunCloud Health on multiple occasions, and I am consistently impressed with their professionalism, communication, and dedication to patient care. Their team goes above and beyond to ensure that each individual receives truly comprehensive support, with treatment plans that address not just symptoms, but the whole person.
What stands out most is their collaborative approach. They value input from outside providers and maintain open lines of communication, which makes continuity of care seamless.
I have full confidence in referring people to SunCloud Health, knowing they will receive excellent, personalized care.
Deborah Sager
2 months ago
My psychiatrist recommended Suncloud because I was going through a really tough time in my life. I was hesitant because I was at another treatment facility and didn't have a great experience. I was pleasantly surprised when I came to Suncloud because the staff were all so kind and genuinely cared about helping you. Their process groups can be tough but are so helpful in working through your trauma. It's been a year now since I started treatment and I can confidently say that I learned the skills and created an amazing support group that have helped me be in such a better place. Even after you're out of treatment, they have an awesome alumni group with plenty of opportunities to connect with others that have gone through similar things. I highly recommend Suncloud.
This place is amazing. The complaints in the reviews worried me. But the moment I arrived I was treated with the upmost care. Only weak people leave a treatment facility like this. This place saved my life and I was treated with dignity and respect throughout. I have my life back and that is what I went there for. Anybody you read on here that has anything bad to say is soft. This place can fix anyone WILLING to be vulnerable. Some adults never got told they couldn't be unicorns when they grew up and it shows.
Brent Faust
1 month ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Warriors Heart in Bandera, TX was the safest spot I could’ve landed when my life was burning down. I came in drowning in booze, broken from childhood abuse, combat PTSD, and straight rage. They gave me the tools to start building something solid out of all that wreckage.
Biggest lesson for me was Ego. I thought I had one, maybe two. Nah, I had a fleet of them! All those past traumas twisting up and firing off as anger. Warriors Heart helped me see it, strip it down, and start putting in the real work.
Most of the staff are real ones, and they show up every day with wisdom, patience, and love.
It wasnt a magic fix. But it’s where the construction starts, new foundations can be started, and for me, that made all the difference. 🙏
Sharpe_Actl
3 months ago
I can't express enough how greatful I am to these wonderful people and the huge heart they have. They spend everyday looking out for and taking care of Warriors who are lost and seeking peace and stability in their lives.
Tom Spooner and the staff at WH are wonderful people who truly care about the Warriors they serve!
Thanks for everything!
Serenity Springs Recovery truly saved my life. When I went through their inpatient program, I gained the strength, guidance, and tools I needed to finally turn things around. I have been sober ever since my stay there, and I continue to use the lessons I learned every single day. The staff genuinely cared and went above and beyond to support me on my journey. I am extremely grateful for my time at Serenity Springs and for the new life it helped me build. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking real recovery.
Anthony Gomez
2 months ago
Beautiful Facility, Staff was mostly friendly, professional & helpful. Most patients were nice; few bad apples; but expected. Learned a lot & really glad I went. I would highly recommend it to others. 👍😎 Martin
Martin Dodge
6 months ago
This place was amazing it really changed my life 70 days sober now
Serenity Springs Recovery truly saved my life. When I went through their inpatient program, I gained the strength, guidance, and tools I needed to finally turn things around. I have been sober ever since my stay there, and I continue to use the lessons I learned every single day. The staff genuinely cared and went above and beyond to support me on my journey. I am extremely grateful for my time at Serenity Springs and for the new life it helped me build. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking real recovery.
Anthony Gomez
2 months ago
Beautiful Facility, Staff was mostly friendly, professional & helpful. Most patients were nice; few bad apples; but expected. Learned a lot & really glad I went. I would highly recommend it to others. 👍😎 Martin
Martin Dodge
6 months ago
This place was amazing it really changed my life 70 days sober now
my experience at relevance was great and thoroughly helped me in my mental health journey. the community of people that is built here helps you grow so much as a person and the clinicians/staff are incredible. All of the clinicians are so knowledgeable and helpful in managing anything you’re going through and it’s a beautiful environment to learn new skills to regulate your emotions and thoughts. I would highly recommend.
deanna barbagallo
3 weeks ago
I can to Relevance feeling discouraged and hopeless. Throughout my time here I’ve learned a lot about my self and my ability to overcome. I am so grateful for Relevance! I am actually in a good place in my life. When I first got here I did not think I could be happy but I am. The staff is great. They truly care about me and my success. I would definitely recommend this program to someone struggling with mental health or addiction.
Kianah Sapp
1 month ago
The new owners, Patrick and Michael, are some of the most genuine, caring people I’ve met. They have both been part of the recovery community and understand the needs of patients to provide the best care possible.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend anyone who is in need of a professional recovery center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When Would I Use VA Community Care Instead of the VA Hospital?
There are several circumstances under which you would use the VA Community Care services instead of a VA facility. Typically it involves the availability of service, timeliness of care, and geographic convenience.
You might receive care from a CCN provider if services are not available at your local VA facility or if you live in a location far from a VA facility. When the wait time to receive care is beyond 20 days for mental health services and when you and your health care clinician agree that care from community providers is in your best interest you might be eligible for CCN treatment.
Veterans in a U.S. state or territory without a full service VA medical facility are also eligible for care from local community providers. When the wait time for a service is longer than the standard wait time you’re eligible to seek care from a community provider. Another reason you and your VA clinician may agree that getting care from a community provider is in your best medical interest might be that the nature of the treatment or the expertise available in the community that differs greatly from the expertise available in the VA facility.
Community Care Networks are split across five regions in the U.S. You can receive rehabilitation and behavioral health therapy from community providers. They also cover complementary and integrative health services from in network community providers when the treatment is approved by your VA health team. Some of these integrative services may also be used in substance use disorder treatment such as relaxation techniques and biofeedback or even hypnotherapy.
You are advised to consult with your VA primary care provider so you better understand your eligibility under the Community Care program. Your VA provider can initiate the referral process when you meet eligibility requirements.
What Type of Inpatient Rehab Does VA Community Care Cover?
VA Community Care can cover inpatient substance use disorder treatment when it’s medically appropriate for you.
One criterion that may be used for inpatient or residential care is the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) assessment. This is a comprehensive set of guidelines used for assessment and treatment planning as well as identifying the appropriate level of care. These criteria include your current state of intoxication and potential for withdrawal issues as well as physical health issues and mental health conditions. The assessment also looks at your emotional stability and readiness and interest in changing your substance use behavior.
Once you begin treatment inpatient care may first focus on medical detoxification. Detox may use FDA cleared prescription drugs to reduce the effects of withdrawal. After the addictive substance has left your body you are transitioned into evidence based treatments to address your substance use disorder and mental health condition.
Treatment during inpatient or residential rehab can include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy along with motivational interviewing. Treatments are intended to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that support addictive behavior and change those to develop healthier coping strategies.
What Type of Outpatient Addiction Treatment Does VA Community Care Cover?
CCN provides care after it’s approved by your VA healthcare provider and the Community Care Department. A treatment center will perform a comprehensive initial evaluation that helps identify the level of care needed. Your initial treatment may begin in an outpatient addiction program. These programs typically use many of the same therapies offered during an inpatient program but the treatment is less intensive.
Three levels of outpatient care might be covered. The first is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) that provides intensive and highly structured treatment and allows you to go home in the evenings. These programs are sometimes called day programs.
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers greater flexibility while still providing evidence based therapies to address substance use disorders and mental health conditions. You attend fewer hours per week and often have time to meet some of your work and school obligations.
Finally, you may graduate to a general outpatient care program in which you receive outpatient therapy once or twice weekly, including in individual and group therapy settings.
Does VA Community Care Cover Methadone & Suboxone (MAT)?
The VA has been covering some form of medication assisted treatment (MAT) since 2006. MAT can be used during medical detoxification to reduce symptoms of withdrawal and during ongoing treatment for opioid and alcohol use to reduce cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the addictive substance. For example, opioid use disorder treatment may include methadone or buprenorphine. A program may also use a combination of buprenorphine and Naltrexone called Suboxone. Alcohol use disorder may be treated with disulfiram or naltrexone or topiramate. Each of these drugs helps you stay stable during treatment and reduces the risk of relapse and overdose deaths.
Does Addiction Treatment Need to Be In Network?
To receive addiction treatment using your VA insurance you must use a VA clinic or get approval for treatment from an approved CCN. Although the VA may assist you with reimbursement for emergency urgent care from an out of network provider, addiction treatment does not generally fall under the category of emergency care.
In certain circumstances you may be able to receive non VA care if you are covered by a second non VA insurance plan. At that point you would be using your non VA insurance as primary and would need to follow the requirements and use the network of that plan.
You must work closely with the treatment center and your insurance providers to understand the requirements for coverage and how to submit claims. In some cases your secondary insurance provider may require a rejection from the VA system before they pay for services.
Does VA Community Care Cover Other Mental Healthcare?
The VA takes mental health care seriously and allows you to receive care from CCN approved providers after approval from VA health services. When you’re unable to get to a VA in person to receive mental health care they also offer an online self help portal and smartphone apps along with telemedicine health programs. When this is not enough CCN healthcare providers can offer crisis support and traditional outpatient therapy for mental health conditions and co occurring disorders.
Co occurring mental health conditions are common with substance use disorders and addiction. This is called a dual diagnosis and requires an integrated approach to care in which both disorders are treated simultaneously to achieve greater success and long term recovery. Mental health conditions can range from anxiety to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans may also have issues with military sexual trauma or domestic violence or living with a disability.
What to Do if VA Community Care Won’t Cover the Cost of Rehab
The first step to getting care for substance use disorders and mental health conditions is to work with your VA primary care physician. If the VA is unable to meet your needs you may receive a referral to a CCN network provider. If your addiction or mental health condition does not meet VA criteria you may need to cover the cost of rehab yourself. There are several steps you can take to seek financial assistance.
You may qualify for Medicaid which will help cover the cost of addiction and treatment for mental health conditions. If you or your partner has another health insurance policy you may be able to receive care outside of the CCN and VA network. Many treatment centers have financial counselors who are willing to work with you to find financial assistance to help pay for treatment. Some centers offer sliding scale fees or payment plans when you qualify. Treatment centers that accept federal block grants may have scholarships or grants that do not need to be repaid to cover the cost of treatment.
Crowdfunding or personal loans or friends and family may also help cover costs. You can also consider other low cost rehabilitation facilities such as county or state run programs or nonprofit faith based programs or a program like the Salvation Army that allows you to work instead of paying for treatment.
It’s important to know that not all programs offer the same level of quality care. Check the facility’s accreditation which indicates they met a national standard of care and make sure they are staffed by licensed professionals. You’ll also want to check online reviews. Not all online reviews are entirely accurate so it’s important to look at them as a whole rather than only one or two.
Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by a paid advertiser.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.
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