VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus

1 VA Center
Augusta, ME 04330

VA Maine Healthcare System - Togus VA Medical Center ME 4330

About VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus

Togus VA Medical Center, part of VA Maine Healthcare System is a hospital located in Augusta, Maine. Togus VA Medical Center provides behavioral health and chemical dependency services in an outpatient and inpatient setting.

VA Maine Healthcare System exists to serve the veteran through the delivery of timely quality care by staff who demonstrate outstanding customer service. They welcome the opportunity to serve America’s Veterans by making them their first priority.

The VA provides Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling and treatment in a free and confidential manner. The treatment is for both male and female veterans for mental and physical conditions. Military Sexual Trauma (MS) is the term used to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred while the Veteran was in the military.

They also provide Veterans with Telehealth, for access to health care that is timely, more convenient and easier to access through the use of new healthcare technology including video conferencing and health monitoring devices that can connect patients to their health care team.

Latest Reviews

Trina Brown
3 months ago on Google
4
I would give 5 stars, however, while in the waiting rooms, especially in Dental Services, it's so cold waiting, that I have to bring in a blanket to stay warm. It's an ice box. I know it's summer, but it's ridiculous how cold it is in the waiting rooms. I bring my dad to Togus 2-3 times a week for his appointments.
Kelly Langan
3 months ago on Google
2
It s like I m back in the Army when I go here.Even as the customer, the staff will look right past me if I m not alone and ask my husband what HE needs and how HE s doing. I don t get greeted in the lobby. I was questioned several times about the validity of my veteran status from multiple employees at the DAV when I went for help with obtaining a commissary letter and DD214 printout since we had just moved and didn t have household goods yet. Instead of asking for my ID or insurance card to verify, they just kept asking, making me feel small, dishonest, and invalidated.Though I ve voiced my opinions and beliefs about my body and convictions about medication and treatment, three different providers have tried to push antidepressants on me and insisted all of my symptoms are just PTSD related when I know other things are at play with my health that I have diagnoses for and am receiving compensation for. They are adamant about giving you pills, which I ve tried time and again and only made my symptoms worse. I ve felt chronically ill for nearly a decade as a result and that s on top of the actual distress and pain from disabilities and injuries I ve sustained during my 11 year service. I don t feel heard here, and I feel like the same treatment is just a bandaid given to everyone. The other vets in the pharmacy look like zombies as they clutch their sacks of pills; victims of an era of pain and suffering, overmedicated into senility until they fade away. A symptom of rampant over prescribing that is so prevalent in the US healthcare system. Though I do have PTSD, a major depressive disorder, and chronic insomnia, I ve been on a waitlist since April and it will be more than 6 months before I get to see a behavioral psychologist. In the meantime, they keep lecturing me on the importance of medication, hoping I ll eventually cave-in and be another tick to scratch off their list of cases.I went to the ER for a suspected broken foot from house renovation in June, and after a few routine questions, I was ushered into a small room, and hurried into a gigantic blue jumpsuit and given no information about what was happening as they snatched all of my belongings into a plastic bag, ran out, and put a guard on the door. I spent 4 hours being interrogated a doctor and social worker and they tried to put me in the psych ward. They talked to me like a 10 year old, praising my pretty toesies when I hadn t had a pedicure in nearly 2 months and essentially had baby eagle talons on my feet. Talk about a traumatic experience and feeling trapped !! I had no control over the situation or choice in my treatment. Though I stressed that I hadn t slept in weeks after a stressful move and had a history of chronic anxiety, they did nothing more to help me there.The last time I left there an old NAVY vet (he had a hat on) asked me to sit on the bench outside with him and told me I had a nice ass . Regardless of my status at the hospital or in this world, THIS is unacceptable treatment of women! THE MILITARY WILL NEVER CHANGE.Truly, nothing has improved since I left the military in 2019. I feel unsafe, unheard, and unappreciated as a 100% disabled combat veteran when visiting here. I am currently seeking outside healthcare. And I ll pay out of pocket if I have to.
jeff zimba
4 months ago on Google
5
Like many others, I had private health care until Obamacare destroyed my policy. After several years paying cash, out of pocket, a friend asked why I didn't utilize the VA. The short answer was that I had heard unflattering things about the VA system and hadn't considered it. I eventually applied and was accepted right away, 31 years after my discharge. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. They are terrific people with terrific facilities here in Maine. They've literally saved my life, sending me to the Rochester MA VA 3 years ago, by Lufe Flight, for an ugly emergency surgery where i almost lost my life and would have with certainty without the VA. They were equally kind & helpful. I can't compliment the people there enough and I'd encourage any Veteran to look into joining. Thank you TOGUS VA, you've been a life saver to my family and I.

Location

Accepted Insurance

VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

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.

Per session payment lets you pay for each treatment at the time of service. You may also pay for a certain number of sessions up front and then pay for more if needed. This format allows you to tailor the financial investment to your specific needs and avoid having a large lump sum payment due at the end of the treatment program.

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.
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

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.

Drug rehab in Maine is the process of helping someone learn how to live without the use of substances. Professional staff provide treatment to address the various issues of addiction. Methods often involve medication, counseling, and evidence-based therapies.

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.
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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.
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Hearing Impaired Program
A sensory disability, such as hearing impairment, can compound the challenges of addiction recovery. Drug rehabs that are specially designed to accommodate the needs of persons with hearing impairments will include special accessibility features and accommodations to make treatment as comfortable and effective as possible. This may include access to American Sign Language interpreters.
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.
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.

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.

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

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.

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.

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.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

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

  • private iconPrivate Setting

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: 2460

Contact Information

Phone icon (207) 623-8411
Building icon

1 VA Center
Augusta, ME 04330

Reviews of VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus

4.01/5 (36 reviews)
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Reviews

4.5

It is a good rehabilitation center, they have extensive facilities, a highly qualified staff, and doctors are the most beautiful and wise people in the world. Its high demand is bad.

Reviewed on 3/14/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

Trina Brown
2 months ago
4

I would give 5 stars, however, while in the waiting rooms, especially in Dental Services, it's so cold waiting, that I have to bring in a blanket to stay warm. It's an ice box. I know it's summer, but it's ridiculous how cold it is in the waiting rooms. I bring my dad to Togus 2-3 times a week for his appointments.

Kelly Langan
2 months ago
2

It s like I m back in the Army when I go here.Even as the customer, the staff will look right past me if I m not alone and ask my husband what HE needs and how HE s doing. I don t get greeted in the lobby. I was questioned several times about the validity of my veteran status from multiple employees at the DAV when I went for help with obtaining a commissary letter and DD214 printout since we had just moved and didn t have household goods yet. Instead of asking for my ID or insurance card to verify, they just kept asking, making me feel small, dishonest, and invalidated.Though I ve voiced my opinions and beliefs about my body and convictions about medication and treatment, three different providers have tried to push antidepressants on me and insisted all of my symptoms are just PTSD related when I know other things are at play with my health that I have diagnoses for and am receiving compensation for. They are adamant about giving you pills, which I ve tried time and again and only made my symptoms worse. I ve felt chronically ill for nearly a decade as a result and that s on top of the actual distress and pain from disabilities and injuries I ve sustained during my 11 year service. I don t feel heard here, and I feel like the same treatment is just a bandaid given to everyone. The other vets in the pharmacy look like zombies as they clutch their sacks of pills; victims of an era of pain and suffering, overmedicated into senility until they fade away. A symptom of rampant over prescribing that is so prevalent in the US healthcare system. Though I do have PTSD, a major depressive disorder, and chronic insomnia, I ve been on a waitlist since April and it will be more than 6 months before I get to see a behavioral psychologist. In the meantime, they keep lecturing me on the importance of medication, hoping I ll eventually cave-in and be another tick to scratch off their list of cases.I went to the ER for a suspected broken foot from house renovation in June, and after a few routine questions, I was ushered into a small room, and hurried into a gigantic blue jumpsuit and given no information about what was happening as they snatched all of my belongings into a plastic bag, ran out, and put a guard on the door. I spent 4 hours being interrogated a doctor and social worker and they tried to put me in the psych ward. They talked to me like a 10 year old, praising my pretty toesies when I hadn t had a pedicure in nearly 2 months and essentially had baby eagle talons on my feet. Talk about a traumatic experience and feeling trapped !! I had no control over the situation or choice in my treatment. Though I stressed that I hadn t slept in weeks after a stressful move and had a history of chronic anxiety, they did nothing more to help me there.The last time I left there an old NAVY vet (he had a hat on) asked me to sit on the bench outside with him and told me I had a nice ass . Regardless of my status at the hospital or in this world, THIS is unacceptable treatment of women! THE MILITARY WILL NEVER CHANGE.Truly, nothing has improved since I left the military in 2019. I feel unsafe, unheard, and unappreciated as a 100% disabled combat veteran when visiting here. I am currently seeking outside healthcare. And I ll pay out of pocket if I have to.

jeff zimba
4 months ago
5

Like many others, I had private health care until Obamacare destroyed my policy. After several years paying cash, out of pocket, a friend asked why I didn't utilize the VA. The short answer was that I had heard unflattering things about the VA system and hadn't considered it. I eventually applied and was accepted right away, 31 years after my discharge. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. They are terrific people with terrific facilities here in Maine. They've literally saved my life, sending me to the Rochester MA VA 3 years ago, by Lufe Flight, for an ugly emergency surgery where i almost lost my life and would have with certainty without the VA. They were equally kind & helpful. I can't compliment the people there enough and I'd encourage any Veteran to look into joining. Thank you TOGUS VA, you've been a life saver to my family and I.

jim van
6 months ago
5

APPRECIATE THE CARE....PROFESSIONAL STAFF THAT CARE.

Yasmine Nicole Pulay (Yaz)
8 months ago
5

Stephen Arlaud
8 months ago
1

This does not take you to the medical Center. Someone added this Spam. Google will not remove this junk entry. Use VA Maine Healthcare System - Togus Maine instead of this location. This does not take you to the Medical Center!This was added by someone as spam this does not bring you to Medical Center front entrance. Do not use this location on maps. Someone is just creating mischief! Please ignore and report to Maps. I am a Maine vet and level 8 local guide and this is a spam entry! I used this as my destination to the VA medical center and it has you turn on roads before you even get to the medical center. It actually brings you out behind the medical center to another building. I have tried numerous times to have this destination deleted or move the marker and it was not implemented. There is another Medical center destination that brings you to the front door and is correct. I actually had the marker moved to front entrance. There are 2 other destinations that are for the medical center but are not correct in location.

Tj E.
9 months ago
1

Would not allow me to make appointment too see heart dr after having a heart attack...truly a bunch of childish idiots

phillip webber sr.
9 months ago
5

You are the best l want to wish you all and your families a happy new year .simply put you all are amazing . Thank you for all that you do

Nan Bee
11 months ago
5

Just a great place.

Fred Sewell
1 year ago
5

Great medical care

Nathan Delapp
1 year ago
1

This place is absolutely terrible. If you want the worst healthcare experience then this is the place for you. I would rather go broke than get help from them. I went to the mental health clinic in hopes to talk with someone and was just handed a bottle of pills and told to wait a year to talk to someone. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else

Daniel Werts
1 year ago
5

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