Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

109 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29401

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center SC 29401

About Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a mental health rehabilitation facility operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Charleston, South Carolina, a short distance from the Ashley River. This program exclusively serves qualifying veterans and service members. They serve adult clients. VA locations like this facility offer clients a wide range of primary and specialty care services in addition to its behavioral health rehabilitation programs. Their goal is to give clients tailored, targeted care that meets veterans' unique and complex needs. Services offered include:

Outpatient care allows clients to receive treatment without living in a facility or other restrictive environment. Clients visit the clinic on a fixed schedule to receive treatment tailored to their needs. Services delivered through outpatient care include therapy and psychiatric services. Clients can also receive homeless care and transitional care management for returning veterans.

Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center accepts VA benefits alongside most private insurance. However, in network and out of network benefits can vary between carriers, so clients should confirm their coverage and benefits with their plan before enrolling in a treatment plan.

Latest Reviews

Bernadine Browning
2 months ago on Google
2
My husband had appointment on Tuesday Sept 3 to get his lab work done. When he got there the system was down and they turned him away. He was told they would call with a new appointment. It's been 2 days & nothing. He called the Hinesville # and spoke with Keesha-Ann from appointment. She couldn't do anything but she would turn this over to your nurse. Then why is she working the appointment line. My husband has appointment on Tuesday September 10 for the results of his Labs work...How's that going to work for him. Please explain!!
Elliot Epstein
2 months ago on Google
1
Why bother writing a review. The VA is full of incompetence and I'm sick of it. I'm fully able and find it very difficult to be a patient.The entire system is setup to underserve veterans!
BigLuke51
3 months ago on Google
5
I had a very great healthcare experience at the Charleston VA Ralph H. Johnson healthcare system. I was greeted and thanked for my service. They treated me with excellent care. I felt extremely safe and comfortable with the staff that was assigned to my care team. I would definitely like to thank the receptionist for the prompt and professional checkin experience. My nurse was Alonda and Rachel. These ladies on the third floor rock on all levels!! Both of these ladies were extremely professional and compassionate with me from start to finish. They were very transparent and they kept my husband well informed with updates throughout my procedure. I know people have different experiences, but overall my experience was very good and I would highly recommend this Charleston VA healthcare system to other veterans. FYI, it s not a perfect system, but what system is perfect when we are dealing with imperfect people. We have to do our part to help improve other veterans healthcare experiences by being more grateful for the services that are being provided to Veterans via this system.

Location

Accepted Insurance

Ralph H. Johnson 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.

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.

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
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 iconIntensive Outpatient
Clients undergoing treatment in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) remain in or return to their homes following detox and/or inpatient rehab. They engage in multiple, extended treatment sessions weekly, with most intensive outpatient rehabs requiring between nine and 20 therapeutic hours per week. These programs are ideal for clients in early recovery and those at an elevated risk of relapse and typically combine counseling, recovery education, holistic care, and medication assisted treatment (MAT).
aftercare iconAftercare Support
Clients engaged in a rehab aftercare program are in a more advanced stage of recovery. Many have already completed inpatient detox and/or rehab and have returned to their home, workplace, and community. Rehab aftercare services are designed to support clients' recovery over the long term and typically include a broad portfolio of resources, such as peer coaching and 12 step program induction. Clients may collaborate with their case manager and care team to create their care plan.
12-step icon12-Step
12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
heart-hands iconIntervention Services
If your friend or family member is living with a substance abuse issue, a drug intervention in South Carolina can help them accept the treatment they need. A drug intervention is a structured confrontation initiated by family and friends and facilitated by intervention services. The professional interventionist provides education about addiction, enabling, and available treatment options.
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.

Choosing a drug rehab in South Carolina helps you overcome drug dependency, learn how to manage cravings, and obtain the tools needed to prevent relapse. This is accomplished through individualized treatment that addresses a full spectrum of physical, social, and emotional needs.

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.
program-for-men thumbnail image
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 thumbnail image
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 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.
hiv-aids-program thumbnail image
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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Amenities

  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • river iconRiver View
  • car iconPrivate Transportation

Accreditations

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: 6587

Contact Information

Phone icon (843) 577-5011
Building icon

109 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29401

Edited by:
Quentin Blount

Reviews of Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

3.59/5 (275 reviews)
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Reviews

1

This place wasn't even half of what I expected it to be, maybe my expectations were a little bit high but instead of happy of the treatment I received I am disappointed.

Reviewed on 2/28/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.6 (274 reviews)
Tony Sumrow
1 month ago
1

Just a complete failure for an emergency consult for an emergency condition. Patient advocate would not return phone call. Triage nurse could not help transfer my information to my clinic in Brunswick. Veteran cannot contact their own primary doctor, nurse or doctor to speak to them about an emergency consult. Ralph h. Johnson, VA medical center could not help veteran to receive consult authorization. Community Care Was finally provided an emergency consult for civilian emergency Operation but could not get the consult signed today. Community Care operator tried contacting all of her supervisors and she was unable to receive help to have my consult approved for emergency care. This all started this morning on 11 October at 8:30. A.m..o the veteran will have to wait in severe pain for treatment from the orthopedic surgeon till Monday and probably further due to the failures of this hospital and the VA system.

Tyler Stultz
1 month ago
1

Worst and most disrespectful people working the phones for this clinic.

PandaMonk 1215
1 month ago
5

I went there for an MRI and the radiologist was amazing! She was super supportive, helpful, understanding, and patient. If every employee there is half as nice then we are all in good hands.

Bernadine Browning
1 month ago
2

My husband had appointment on Tuesday Sept 3 to get his lab work done. When he got there the system was down and they turned him away. He was told they would call with a new appointment. It's been 2 days & nothing. He called the Hinesville # and spoke with Keesha-Ann from appointment. She couldn't do anything but she would turn this over to your nurse. Then why is she working the appointment line. My husband has appointment on Tuesday September 10 for the results of his Labs work...How's that going to work for him. Please explain!!

Elliot Epstein
2 months ago
1

Why bother writing a review. The VA is full of incompetence and I'm sick of it. I'm fully able and find it very difficult to be a patient.The entire system is setup to underserve veterans!

BigLuke51
2 months ago
5

I had a very great healthcare experience at the Charleston VA Ralph H. Johnson healthcare system. I was greeted and thanked for my service. They treated me with excellent care. I felt extremely safe and comfortable with the staff that was assigned to my care team. I would definitely like to thank the receptionist for the prompt and professional checkin experience. My nurse was Alonda and Rachel. These ladies on the third floor rock on all levels!! Both of these ladies were extremely professional and compassionate with me from start to finish. They were very transparent and they kept my husband well informed with updates throughout my procedure. I know people have different experiences, but overall my experience was very good and I would highly recommend this Charleston VA healthcare system to other veterans. FYI, it s not a perfect system, but what system is perfect when we are dealing with imperfect people. We have to do our part to help improve other veterans healthcare experiences by being more grateful for the services that are being provided to Veterans via this system.

zach clynes
2 months ago
1

Employees at this facility are completely rude, they call but do not leave a voicemail. When calling back they put you on hold, and when you answer they hang up so you have to keep calling.

Tenee Baker
2 months ago
1

This is the reason why I have to give this facility a one star: I have had more difficulty with this facility and this VISN than I have ever had with any other VA Medical Center. A lot of the doctors and specialists were wonderful. What isn't so great is beneficiary travel. I do think that this is an issue with a lot of the VA Facilities, but it needs to be clear that if we are to be sent out into the community, that it is conveyed to the community care provider and the veteran that beneficary travel needs to be submitted and not automatically reimbursed like it would be for the Kiosks at the facility. I was denied beneficary travel when I had to come up to MUSC per my general surgeons orders to get an implant. This implant would be for the location of where they were going to remove my benign mass that had gotten bigger on my left breast. So I traveled 2.5 hours to go to MUSC because that is where they sent me and VA facility did not have the equipment for that procedure. I was already struggling financially because I had traveled back and forth preparing for two procedures. One had to be moved and it is decided that both procedures could be done on the same day. The problem was that number one, beneficiary travel was and still is backlogged, so I couldn't get reimbursed. Patient advocate could not assist because they didn't have any programs. I was sent to social work with suprisingly they had no solutions for me either. This left me in my car, upset and calling the crisis hotline. I have 8 specialists between MUSC and VA. And I was concerned that I was not going to be able to afford returning for my preop appt. My mother was traveling from California to help me with my recovery and with my daughter. I was so stressed that I felt like just ending it. I was thankful that another social worker was able to help with some solutions and local veteran organizations took out their own money to make sure that I got back and forth for the rest of the month. I have been back and forth with travel and their BTSS program. Since I was confused on where to submit and it is shown in their system that I placed the form in the incorrect spot, then resubmitted it as their supervisor told me to, I was denied for the travel that I had to go to for my breast tag. I explained what happened and they didn't seem to give a damn because it was over 30 days since I had the procedure. I have submitted the form as provided in the denial letter which was a Notice of Disagreement and requested a higher level review. I got a message just telling me that it was denied with no actual process of my higher review and informal hearing. Almost like it was ignored. When someone request for a higher review, I don't think that the address should be the VA Medical Facility. I have only seen these things happen with the VBA and not the VHA. To this day, the form that I submitted has not been answered and I am having difficulties submitting forms into the system because the community care providers are not on their list. I was rudely told in a secure message that one of them was there and I needed to know where. They lied to patient advocate and put in writing that they have spoken to me when they have not. So now, I have to send this up to the Senator's office because it appears that travel is either annoyed with me or they simply do not care about how much of a hardship that they can put veterans and their families in. The no exceptions rule for 30 days is crap, especially when veterans are not being made aware. Providers would be more than happy to have forms on standby, which they do now that I AS THE VETERAN told them something that the VA should have been telling them. I mean, they are paying for our care, so why leave them in the dark?The veteran organizations that helped me locally I am extremely greatful for, but it is sad that they did more for me and my care than this facility's beneficiary travel has done. These veterans also do not trust this facility because of beneficiary travel alone. Stop lying to us and do better. We deserve better.

Claudia Haselton
3 months ago
5

Ann Lynn
3 months ago
5

This medical center is great. The people go out of their way to be nice and helpful. My sense of direction is almost non-existent so anytime I'm just looking quizzical trying to get my bearings someone asks if they can help. The food in the canteen is good, too.

VSO
3 months ago
1

** updatedWhere do I even start?1) Community care expects you to answer every call and refuses to call when it's convenient for the Vet. I was just on hold with community care for 1 hour and 25 minutes (see photo) before I heard, "I'm sorry, we're currently experiencing a system error. Please try your call again later, " and I was hung up on.2) The pharmacy refuses to give me the prescription that I was prescribed by another VA, which works for me, and wants to give me another that doesn't. They literally said, "we can write you a prescription so you can go to the pharmacy, but you have to pay out-of-pocket." No joke! She instructed me to purchase it out of pocket! I'm 100% P&T service connected disabled.3) My drive to primary care takes over an hour, but they refuse to allow me community care.4) I had to find out On My Own that the VA scans of my thyroid showed level 5, highly concerning, nodules.5) I sent a secure message to my primary care regarding said results. She only called me to discuss my cholesterol. I am a health nut, fit, and have no history of cholesterol issues, but hypothyroidism IS a cause of cholesterol issues and liver failure!!Does the VA WANT me to die!!??And... 6) As of this post (in November) there are still several other appointments that haven't been referred to community care that haven't been scheduled since my requests in August**updateI'm finished playing games with the mental health team. The lack of care and concern for my marriage is astounding, so I'm going elsewhere. The VA wins because I'm paying out-of-pocket for my marriage counseling.This VA is by far the worst I have ever encountered!

duval gregory
3 months ago
5

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