Balcones Heights VA Clinic

4522 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201

South Texas VA Health Care System Balcones Heights VA Clinic TX 78201

About Balcones Heights VA Clinic

Balcones Heights VA Clinic is an outpatient facility in San Antonio, Texas. They provide primary care and specialty health services such as mental health care, telehealth and social support. Their mental health care helps veterans overcome common psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety and PTSD. It also includes programming for veterans dealing with addictive behavior/substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. These services are very affordable and they have flexible payment options including Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE.

You can also fund your treatment through VA financial hardship assistance if you’re uninsured and having financial difficulties.
The facility provides counseling support and equips veterans with the tools to tackle this condition and live a healthy life. They prioritize confidential and individualized outpatient treatment that focuses on meeting your unique needs. Services include consultation, evaluation and individual and group therapy. The therapy group may be based on clinically proven practices like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) that promote emotional regulation.

The goal is to help you address negative emotions or behavioral patterns that trigger behavioral challenges and develop solid coping strategies against such triggers. You may be taught anger and stress management, effective communication, internal conflict resolution and problem-solving. These essential life skills prevent relapse and help you stay sober. The program may also include medication management if necessary to support those with co-occurring disorders.

This facility boasts many commendable features. They support same-day appointments and walk-in express care for emergency health issues. Their comprehensive and secured telehealth support also enhances accessibility. This encompasses video conferencing and home telehealth services.

They even provide secure store-and-forward telehealth that lets you securely send or receive health information to and from VA facilities. Accessing care from the comfort of your home optimizes convenience. You may even qualify for care without enrolling in VA health care.

Their social support services are also highly beneficial. Through their social workers, you can be connected to community resources like housing, employment support and financial aid. This can make for incredible recovery support after receiving treatment from the facility.

You may even get help with transportation to and from your appointment if eligible. This can further save costs.

Latest Reviews

Roger Batten
1 month ago on Google
1
Address is incorrect
Indigo Bloom
4 months ago on Google
5
Dr. Martin is very nice, gentle and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable being at the clinic after meeting her.
Bridgette Vasquez
8 months ago on Google
1
My husband went here to get seen and the physician he had was absolutely disrespectful and these people should learn how to speak to patients CORRECTLY. Learn how to have some professionalism and get it together!!!! If you don t want to work in customer service and act accordingly then find another job!

Location

Accepted Insurance

Balcones Heights VA Clinic 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.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient
The VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) is an outpatient transitional learning center designed to support recovery and integration into meaningful self-determined community roles for Veterans with mental illness and severe functional impairment. Therapies offered include health and wellness education (including recreation therapy), stress management, management of mental illness, medication education, group therapy, sleep hygiene, nutrition education, community resources, and spiritual wellness.
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.
aftercare iconAftercare 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.
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

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

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

Programs

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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

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.

Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private-room iconPrivate 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

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: 2871

Contact Information

Phone icon (210) 732-1802
Building icon

4522 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201

Fact checked and written by:
Chika Uchendu
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS

Reviews of Balcones Heights VA Clinic

3.2/5 (49 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.2 (49 reviews)
Roger Batten
1 month ago
1

Address is incorrect

Indigo Bloom
4 months ago
5

Dr. Martin is very nice, gentle and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable being at the clinic after meeting her.

Bridgette Vasquez
8 months ago
1

My husband went here to get seen and the physician he had was absolutely disrespectful and these people should learn how to speak to patients CORRECTLY. Learn how to have some professionalism and get it together!!!! If you don t want to work in customer service and act accordingly then find another job!

A F
8 months ago
5

Dr . Martin , GYN, was lovely! Her bedside manners were exceptional! So grateful that VA brought on a quality doctor

Brandon Green
11 months ago
1

I want to start by saying that the VA saved my life 8 years ago and I ll always be grateful for that. However, this place has gone downhill. I m not a reviewer by nature. I d always rather leave good reviews and understand that sometimes people have bad days and even if service is bad I just don t go back. Unfortunately, the VA is a necessary evil right now. I have sent in a few messages regarding a referral to see a dermatologist. Since melanoma runs in my family on both sides, including mom and brother, I decided to have a few spots looked at on my body. These spots are bothering and concerned me enough that I sent a photo through messenger app. I received a phone call the next day, telling me that they are scheduling me for dermatology. I go in and see a PA that s not my doctor, who then tells me that she s getting messages that her next appointment was there and rushed me out before I got any questions out. She told me to sit by my phone because dermatology will be calling to schedule an appointment with me. Instead, I received a call for another appointment to have photos taken before I see a dermatologist. I was just at the office. Why were no pictures taken? I told telehealth, that I d rather just be scheduled for dermatology. I did send a message to my doctor that contained three or four questions about the process. And let them know that I was upset so far and confused with the process. The only response I got back was I was CCed on a message to another individual that I declined my appointment and they will be pulling my referral to dermatology. The bottom of the message told me to have a wonderful day with an exclamation point. I don t know how other patients treat them, but I have never talk to the nurse, and I only messaged her in the past. I don t understand the sarcasm. To say the least, it seems that this is the San Antonio s VAs culture.

joe perry
1 year ago
1

I just got of the phone with Thomas Pierson. I have been reaching out for mental health help for quite some time now. There was a program that I had been referred to. So, I was explaining what type of treatment I was looking for(along with some of my concerns from the type of treatment offered) and he told me that I don't know anything about what I need because I am not qualified. He said that if I knew anything I wouldn't be seeking help and that I need to do what he tells me because he is qualified in this field and I am not. When I pointed out how I didn't appreciate him talking to me that way, he continued to say it was because I was uneducated and that because he looks at stats and charts, he understands how to help. He also told me that he didn't care about my opinions or feelings when that's quite literally what therapy is meant for, to sort out feelings and opinions in a positive way. In my opinion, the v.a intentionally refuses to offer certain treatment programs because in the end it is not their goal to help. It is their goal to say that you are cured and no longer need assistance so that they can dissolve any responsibility to help. Some of the people within the v.a. are still a great help, but fighting against a bad system. Thomas Pierson however, plays right into that angle of blaming everything on the patient and refusing to actually help them. Please, let's get the v.a. to a point where the goal is to help patients actually receive the care they need instead of avoiding responsibility. In order for this to happen, people such as Thomas Pierson need to either be corrected or removed from these positions.

well fo
1 year ago
1

This clinic is a joke last time I went to see a therapist I ended up been her therapist because she started complaining about everything lol plus she laughed about my accent definitely not going back to this place. very unprofessional personal and no even caring about mental health at all. San Antonio VA service is a disgrace for vets.

Kumiko Murayama
1 year ago
5

Nice people work there.

Tori Eaton
1 year ago
1

This place epitomizes everything wrong with the VA. appointments are months out. The initial appointment got moved 4 times before I finally got seen. Took about 6 months.If you call, good luck getting the phone call answered. And if you do the people on the other line are rude. Why works for the VA if you don t actually care about veterans?

Joe Schmo
1 year ago
5

Dr. Cuellar is the best!!She was very nice and very very thorough with everythingHer nurse was also super greatBoth were very professional addressing all my personal issues and not once did I ever feel uncomfortableThank you so much!

Francisco Villanueva
1 year ago
5

Good location

Elizabeth Osborne
2 years ago
1

I m starting to believe that my primary car doctor isn t even a real person and the only hope I have is an RN who doesn t really care about patient well being. Given the choice I would never set foot into this clinic.

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