Athens VA Clinic

1320 Decatur Pike Athens, TN 37303
DetoxInpatientOutpatient
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System - Athens VA Clinic TN 37303

About Athens VA Clinic

Athens VA Clinic is an addiction treatment clinic that offers drug rehab services to veterans and their families living in the Athens, Tennessee, area. They don’t only treat drug and alcohol addictions, though. Referrals are required.

They also are a dual diagnosis center that treats mental health conditions as well. These mental health conditions may include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. It is very common for veterans to experience trauma during their time on active duty, therefore some mental health conditions are understandable.

Still, things such as medication assisted treatment can be very helpful when attempting to address these issues and quit drugs and alcohol for good. Sometimes, addictions can grow so severe that it can even be dangerous to quit on your own. It may be safer to quit under the guidance and supervision of a team of medical professionals who can administer medications such as Vivitrol or Suboxone to reduce the intensity of cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

Keep in mind that this is an outpatient clinic. This means you won’t be staying there overnight as a patient. Instead, you will have the benefit of returning home after a day of sessions. They also offer women’s health services such as military sexual trauma treatment and maternity care. On top of this, you’ll find health maintenance services, community support, and counseling options.

Some of their counseling options include individual therapy, group therapy, and marriage or relationship counseling. All these tracks can be seen as pillars in the recovery community that can drastically help you on your journey. You’ll also learn how to identify triggers that may cause you to relapse, learn how to deal with past trauma, and learn new coping skills.

Latest Reviews

T council
6 months ago on Google
5
Never had to wait more than 3 minutes for anything. Always polite and they are always willing to help. Doctors go beyond to make sure you re taking care of. Love this place.
James Ramey
8 months ago on Google
5
My experience here was completely positive. The gentleman behind the desk help me file for a new VA healthcare ID . And explained how to ge the services I need through my primary care provide. Bravo Zulu.
sgtck72
10 months ago on Google
1
They need to update their damn hours showing on Google, so veterans don t drive a half hour, just to have to sit in the parking lot an hour, waiting for them to open due to Google showing they open at 7:30am, when they don t open til 8am!!!
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Rehab Score

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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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8.3 / 10

Location

Other Forms of Payment

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.

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.

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.
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.
intensive-outpatient iconIntensive 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.
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.
sober-living iconSober Living Homes
Sober Living Houses (SLHs), aka sober homes or halfway houses, are safe, substance-free, supportive living facilities for those recovering from substance abuse. Ideal for those who've just been through inpatient or outpatient treatment, SLHs are supervised environments with rules that support sobriety, such as curfews, shared chores, and therapeutic meetings. Residents are also often trained on life skills and coping skills to make it easier to transition into society. SLHs also provide a strong sense of community that can lead to the kind of deep and lasting connections with other sober individuals that supports a new, healthy lifestyle.
partial-hospitalization iconPartial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.
aftercare iconAftercare Support
Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

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

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.
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).
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • 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: 340932

Contact Information

Phone icon (423) 746-1410
Building icon

1320 Decatur Pike
Athens, TN 37303

Fact checked and written by:
Benjamin Cardenas
Edited by:
Peter Lee, PhD

Reviews of Athens VA Clinic

3.68/5 (17 reviews)
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Reviews

5

A great place to get help! the staff is nice and they understand very well the veterans, I have been in other clinics and this is by far the best of all, the medical staff is committed to the recovery of the patients, they really give a good service.

Reviewed on 1/7/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.6 (16 reviews)
Crystal Lane
3 months ago
5

T council
6 months ago
5

Never had to wait more than 3 minutes for anything. Always polite and they are always willing to help. Doctors go beyond to make sure you re taking care of. Love this place.

Jeanne Kersenbrock (Jen)
7 months ago
5

James Ramey
8 months ago
5

My experience here was completely positive. The gentleman behind the desk help me file for a new VA healthcare ID . And explained how to ge the services I need through my primary care provide. Bravo Zulu.

Dean Duvall
10 months ago
5

sgtck72
10 months ago
1

They need to update their damn hours showing on Google, so veterans don t drive a half hour, just to have to sit in the parking lot an hour, waiting for them to open due to Google showing they open at 7:30am, when they don t open til 8am!!!

Al Schuman
3 years ago
5

I have been in the VA system since 1991 and to tell you the truth Athens and Chattanooga VA has been the best. When I get to the site and check in sometimes the wait is a little long but that s because Dr.Heath takes the time to listen to the vets and not rush them out. She has a number that she has to see per hour but still will sit and listen to you. If you think you are having to wait a long time try going to a Dr office outside of the VA. I have 0 complaints and get good care there.

Robert Miller
3 years ago
1

I was in a bad motorcycle and went the the emergency room. Call to make a follow up and said they have never seen me there, even though this is the only clinic I ve been to since leaving the army. I told the nurse I was going to come in and straighten everything out. I show up in a wheel chair with 65% of my body being covered in road rash and all of it being infected and unable to walk or even drive myself. The nurse on the phone called the police and lied and said I had a gun. When I arrived I was met by two very nice police officers who asked if they could search me, I agreed not understanding what was going on and my family helped me out of the wheel chair and the police officers looked in my pockets of my shorts which is the only thing I was able to wear because of the injuries. I am then brought inside where the nurse I was on the phone with starts to yell at me saying I am not a patient and I need to leave. Her yelling was so long the rest of the staff came out to see what was going on and my doctor, right away checks on my well being and even knew me by first and last name. Horrible place if you care about your family or your own well being, I d say to go make the drive to Chattanooga or Nashville.

Richard Goins
3 years ago
2

Great Value Eddie Hall
5 years ago
4

Sarah Leming
5 years ago
3

The lobby was ice cold, appointment was for 3:30 PM, sat in room for nearly an hour before hubby told the nurse he was giving the doctor 7 mins then he was leaving. Doctor was apologetic, but no one should have to wait for an hour by themselves. The nurse should have kept checking in with the patient and should have offered a blanket for the coldness of the exam room.

Ron Mitchell
5 years ago
1

I went there to get help with a fragmented disc in my back. They sent me to a orthopedic surgeon through Tri-Care. A couple days before surgery Tri-Care calls and said they cancelled my surgery because i was suppose to go to a nuerosurgeon. The NP set this up and then cancels it? I waited 3 months for a nuerosurgeon and to this day they can't find one. Also saw my notes. They got me marked down to avoid opioids. All because I called the pharmacy to refill my prescription. Pharmacist said I should have enough for two more weeks. She failed to check the incompetent NP was writing different quantities. All they have to do is look at my prescription history and see i am right but they are too lazy. So her mistake is now my problem which it's not because I rather pay for private care than deal with the stress they place on you.

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