Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

About Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center offers primary and specialty health care services for military members, veterans, and their families. It’s located in Houston, Texas. They have a dedicated department that specializes in treating addiction and substance use. You can pay for your care through self pay, private insurance or military benefits. Financial assistance is also available, and you’ll need a referral from your primary care provider to get in.

I like that this center offers multiple ways to get help and doesn’t expect you to follow a universal path. Once they perform an assessment and learn more about you, they’ll determine which services would best suit you. This might include individual or group counseling, support groups where you recover with your peers, medication or a combination of all three.

Their services incorporate several evidence based practices to address any underlying conditions. There’s motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement therapy to help you discuss important topics related to addiction, mental health, and recovery.

Latest Reviews

Mike Holt sr.

4 weeks ago on Google

James Elliott (Jim)

1 month ago on Google

This is the Houston VA Hospital. Everything here moves in slow motion.

Charlie Elliott

1 month ago on Google

Went with my husband for outpatient surgery and was told to get on Valet line. There was a woman directing traffic and put us in the wrong line apparently. We were in the pick up line but following the directions of the guard. One of the attendants came to the car and told us we have to go back around and get in the correct line. At this point we had sat in the pickup line for 30 mins . My husband and I were frustrated as we are following the route told with now little time to check in. The parking attendant was rude not sure of his name but very rude and dismissive. My husband saw the manager who wore the green shirt and proceeded to tell him what happened but was also rude and dismissive. I ended up just dropping my husband off and took the truck myself to save time. My issue is the rudeness and dismissiveness the workers had towards us . These Vets are going through things so if you can t have professional and polite employees they should not work here. Do better with the chaos going on up there. Do better with being helpful. Shame on your parking attendant and manger for treating us that way.

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Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center TX 77030

The facilities at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX 1

The facilities at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX 2

The facilities at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX 3

The facilities at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX 4

The facilities at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX 5

Location

Accepted Insurance

Michael E. DeBakey 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

Who 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.

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.

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

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

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Intensive 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 Support

Rehab aftercare programs are based on a model of continuing care and the premise that recovery is a life-long process requiring ongoing client support. Many rehab aftercare services include outpatient care, but clients often continue to receive support after being discharged from formal treatment. Case managers and care teams typically collaborate with clients to design their long-term care plan, which may include peer coaching, career counseling, and 12 step program induction, among other services.

12-Step

12 step programs promote participants' sustained sobriety through rigorous and ongoing peer coaching and personal spiritual growth. Participants routinely attend 12 step meetings, which are available multiple times per day, 365 days per year in most communities. This ensures that those in recovery have prompt access to the structure and support they need when they need it. These programs use spiritual precepts to address the root causes of addiction and encourage compassion, self-awareness, forgiveness, accountability, and acceptance.

Sober Living Homes

Residents of a sober living home in Texas reside at the halfway house with others who have agreed to abstain from substances and practice sober-living skills. The relationships and accountability formed here can help individuals strengthen their mental health and achieve long-term recovery. Residents share common spaces such as kitchens and back yards, share meals together, and share household responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning.

Intervention 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.

24-Hour Clinical Care

24-hour clinical care in Texas provides a safe environment for medical detox. This setting is crucial to provide medical care during withdrawal. Certain withdrawal symptoms can cause life-threatening conditions, but patients in a supervised clinical setting have treatment readily available to address any symptoms before they become severe. Treatment can also be provided for co-occurring physical and mental health issues.

Medically 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.

During rehab in Texas, you'll deal with underlying issues that contribute to addiction. By addressing these challenges and learning healthy ways to cope with them, you'll develop strategies that help you live a drug-free lifestyle.

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

Teen Program

Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.

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.

Program For Men

Men face specific challenges and concerns when seeking addiction treatment. Gender-specific recovery programs help them tackle these issues head-on in an environment that's focused, targeted, and distraction-free. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with and learn from other men who have been through a similar journey and can offer support for the next step.

Program For Women

Rehabs for women provide a safe, nurturing space for female clients to heal. These treatment programs consider the specific obstacles that women can face during recovery and place a special emphasis on mental, social, physical, and reproductive health. They explore how each woman's experience has shaped the trajectory of their substance use, addressing issues such as sexual abuse and past trauma.

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.

Seniors Program

Nearly one million adults age 65 and older live with a substance use disorder. Treatment providers who specialize in senior care understand the social, psychological, and physical effects of aging and how they relate to recovery. They can help clients address particular challenges and risks they may face as they get older such as overdosing and medication interactions and dependencies.

HIV/AIDS Program

HIV/AIDS programs support disease prevention and management in high-risk individuals in recovery. Individuals who engage in intravenous drug use and other addictive behaviors are at a higher risk of becoming infected with HIV. Rehab centers that specialize in treating this population typically have a high number of nurses, physicians, and psychiatrists on staff who can make sure both their medical and mental health needs are met.

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

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.

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.

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.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Amenities

Private Transportation
Residential Setting
Private Rooms

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
Accreditation Number: 248027

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: 4510

Contact Information

(713) 791-1414

Website

2002 Holcombe Blvd
Houston, TX 77030

Get Help Now - 800-985-8516

Who Answers?

Fact checked and written by:

Courtney Myers, MS

Edited by:

Peter Lee, PhD

Reviews of Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

3.3/5 (1047 reviews)

432

158

331

Google Reviews

3.3 (1047 reviews)

4 weeks ago

1 month ago

Jaime Lopez

This place is unbelievable. I was raised in Texas and travel for work so have lived in California and Virginia. This is the worst care I have gotten anywhere. My labs are way out of range of normal and because i saw my doctor last month i am not allowed to contact endocrinology or see them for 3 months. I cannot believe what i was just told over the phone. If you can choose not to come here i recommend you don't.

Robert L. Crivelli

The administration failed to hire Anastasiaologist as promised one year ago. My pancreas cancer is very aggressive with tumors in my pancreas and liver. The VA hospital told me they were unable to schedule process due to not enough Anastasiaologist on staff. The medical staff were second to none yet the hospital administrator a non veteran is the cause of my pain and suffering.

Kenny Wilson

November 9th, cardiac dept. Excellent profomance with me thank you all very much even my singing doc you guys and gals awesome. Nurses were wonderful. I give the Cardiac dept a (5), but the clinic 2 doctors could be more thorough. As i give them (3) I spent 45 minutes on hold only to be hung up on and have to call back and spend another 40 minutes on hold to be transfered to another department and spend 15 minutes on hold to get an answer. Im sorry but veterans deserve better doctors then this. Shame on you doctor. I was back at the cardiac department today, they changed my doctor, sat in lobby for 2 hours. This department sucks now. They should fire the whole bunch and start over. Today october 2nd, went to debakey to get blood work done, she was trying to get paper work done and the tall man in 2 started calling my number she told him she was getting my orders pulled so another man walked inand help t�i h� ders and l�t me standing �ter she had cleared me to go to h� bo�th. He l�t sitting the � he a pised i nh run to h� beckening call. S�ems like the VA needs a over haul and people that want to work. If i could give a zero I would. On october 11th i had a total knee replacement and was told that one of the doctors be it ortho or anestesia on the 14th i was blown off no one bothered to call to check on me. If they had they could have answered a question, instead i never got it answered. Shame on you for being to busy to help a veteran. The 2 doctors that did take the time to check on me, my hats off to them. Both ladies were professional and treated me with total respect as a veteran should be. The staff that was with me through out the surgery was exemplary and have my highest regards. But to the ones that droped the ball , well lets say i extremely disappointed in you.as without our servicemen and woman your position here isnt warrented.

Response from the owner2 years ago

We apologize that you have experienced this. We did have some issues with our phones hanging up on callers last week. The issue appears to be resolved. If you'd like to speak to a Patient Advocate regarding your experience, they can be reached at 713-794-7884. https://www.va.gov/houston-health-care/health-services/patient-advocates/

Johnny Gipson

Received friendly and on time care here.

Kerry Ishmael

Samuel Thompson

Janet Levandowski

Every time my brother in law gets an appointment at the Houston VA, it is cancelled or postponed for another month!! He has been diagnosed with a mass attached to his pancreas 5 weeks ago. The doctors at the local hospital ER in Cypress say it looks like pancreatic cancer! He has been in severe pain for over 6 months! But every time the VA sees him or calls him, there is some kind of delay. Veterans are suffering because this VA hospital doesn t have enough staff to keep up with the amount of patients!

Loretta Ebanks

Horrible place!!! My husband lives in pain 24/7. The lack of empathy from some of the Dr s there is unbelievable. My husband never gets his prescriptions on time and goes months at a time without them. His day to day life is a constant struggle dealing with the pain. This is why so many veterans commit SUICIDE!!!! These veterans have done so much for this country and are treated so poorly!!

e money da motor man

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