VA St. Louis Health Care System – Jefferson Barracks Division

1 Jefferson Barracks Drive Saint Louis, MO 63125
InpatientOutpatient
VA St. Louis Health Care System - Jefferson Barracks Division MO 63125

About VA St. Louis Health Care System – Jefferson Barracks Division

St. Louis VA Medical Center’s Jefferson Barracks, Missouri location includes a drug rehab center for veterans who are suffering from drug and alcohol-related diseases. This also includes opioid addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

They have residential and outpatient programs, giving you the freedom to recover at the pace that you need. If you take the residential route, you’ll take part in a more intensive program and have access to around the clock care from their team of medical professionals.

If you go with outpatient treatment, you’ll have the benefit of being able to return home after sessions. This center has specialized services for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Aside from counseling, they also provide health maintenance services, community support, and medication assisted treatment.

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT for short, is a very helpful addition to this clinic because it can help lower your cravings and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. They’ll also monitor you during the process to ensure your safety at all times. If you’re addicted drugs like opioids, which they specialize in treating, this can make a huge difference in your recovery journey to sobriety. Their residential program takes approximately three weeks to complete, while their intensive outpatient program is about four weeks long.

The counseling services at their clinic include individual therapy, group therapy, and recreational therapy. Individual therapy puts in you in weekly conversation with a professional therapist who can help identify your triggers, deal with past trauma, and learn new coping skills, among other benefits. Group therapy, on the other hand, can help you meet new people who are also struggling and may benefit from your experience.

Latest Reviews

Super Honky
3 months ago on Google
5
I ve always been treated very well at both John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks.
michael ellis
Reviewed on 08/12/2024
3
I have been searching for multiple times, trying to find some Indepth information about what is offered education wise at JB. I have had no luck some far I am waiting a callback. It's a lot easier to find what civilian programs the GI Bill will pay for, then what OJT and apprenticeship programs they will offer at a VA facility.
David Dejarnette
7 months ago on Google
1
Incredibly diverse staff, if you do not speak ebonics you will have a very difficult time communicating with anyone who answers the phone and likely hung up on. Properly spoken English obviously intimidates these diversity hired things that answer the phone. Very similar to scenes out of Idiocracy. Absolute shame and disgusting for vets to have to deal with this trash.
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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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8.5 / 10

Location

Other Forms of Payment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

inpatient iconInpatient
The Acute Psychiatry Service is designed to provide brief hospitalization in a safe environment to facilitate psychiatric stabilization. During a short-term hospitalization, each veteran’s treatment and care will be individualized to the specific needs of the veteran and his or her family. The treatment focus will depend upon the recommendations of the primary mental health provider and the choice of the Veteran. There is also a residential treatment for addictive disorders, the treatment utilizes evidence based therapies employing holistic principles to facilitate recovery.
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.
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.
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).
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 Missouri usually involves several phases: detox, rehab, and aftercare. The rehab phase may include a combination of inpatient and outpatient treatments, as the individual moves through a continuum of care on their recovery journey.

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

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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.
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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).
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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.

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.

ECT is a form of treatment in which controlled electric currents are passed through the brain, sometimes causing short seizures. Treatments are done under general anesthesia. ECT appears to change brain chemistry for the better, and has been shown to provide fast and sometimes dramatic improvements in severe mental health conditions that can exist alongside addiction, including depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and suicidality. ECT is also often used by those who prefer it to taking medication.

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.

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.

Recreational therapy (aka therapeutic recreation) uses creative and fun activities to help with addiction recovery. Recreational therapists lead patients in entertaining and engaging activities like sports or games; art (drawing, painting, sculpture); drama, music, and dance; and/or community outings (field trips) to improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being.

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

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Jaime Areizaga-Soto

Chairman of the Board

Tanya Bradsher

Deputy Secretary

Kurt DelBene

CIO

Dr. Shereef Elnahal

Under Health Secretary

Margaret Kabat

Chief of Staff

Michael D. Parrish

Chief Acquisition Officer & Principal Executive Director

Accreditations

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 232460

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: 2532

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

Contact Information

Phone icon (314) 652-4100
Building icon

1 Jefferson Barracks Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63125

Fact checked and written by:
Benjamin Cardenas
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS

Reviews of VA St. Louis Health Care System – Jefferson Barracks Division

3.53/5 (80 reviews)
4
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
3
Value
1
Cleanliness
5
42
4
6
3
5
2
6
1
21

Reviews

3
voc rehab program insite

I have been searching for multiple times, trying to find some Indepth information about what is offered education wise at JB. I have had no luck some far I am waiting a callback. It's a lot easier to find what civilian programs the GI Bill will pay for, then what OJT and app ... Read More

Michael E.
Reviewed on 8/12/2024
Staff
4
Amenities
1
Meals
1
Value
3
Cleanliness
1
5

Jefferson Barracks and the staff saved my life.

Reviewed on 8/30/2019
5

This VA institution gave me and my father something we had lost a lot of time ago, HOPE, hope is something very hard to get but after just a few weeks of treatment they gave us that and after that everything became easier.

Reviewed on 2/6/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.5 (77 reviews)
The Shah
1 month ago
1

Pam Strasburg
3 months ago
5

Super Honky
3 months ago
5

I ve always been treated very well at both John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks.

David Dejarnette
7 months ago
1

Incredibly diverse staff, if you do not speak ebonics you will have a very difficult time communicating with anyone who answers the phone and likely hung up on. Properly spoken English obviously intimidates these diversity hired things that answer the phone. Very similar to scenes out of Idiocracy. Absolute shame and disgusting for vets to have to deal with this trash.

Bradley Ward
8 months ago
5

I've only had positive experiences when dealing with any employee of the facility and the VA mobile app is a huge help when setting up appointments.

Shelley Cade
1 year ago
1

Incomplete, they don t call people back. Shameful.

Sylvia Ascencio
1 year ago
5

Matt Higgins
1 year ago
5

The VA Healthcare system has saved my life several times, and continues to give good medical care to all qualified Veterans.

Dave Nunnally
2 years ago
5

The VA in St. Louis is very difficult to navigate. Some doctors and clinics, like St. Clair, are just an abomination. John Cochrane has a rough reputation, but I have received excellent care there. If you have an emergency be prepared for long waits, but it isn't any different at civilian hospitals. The place that redeems STL VA is JB. I have never been treated better and more capably. Dr. Kherdeker is phenomenal and the staff supporting her was just excellent. Caring, compassionate and thorough! Very well done! The moral is to seek care at JB first, JC second and avoid satellite clinics. Stand up for yourself. Demand a community care referral if your concern cannot wait. And remember to say please and thank you. Those go a long way toward ls putting smiles on the faces of people who manage your most precious commodity - your health.

michael meyer
2 years ago
1

Had a appointment at John Cochrane VA Plumonary Clinic on Nov.18. at 1.20. I arrived at the Hospital at 12.05 ask for a wheelchair with oxygen and a transporter to take me to the clinic. Was told by Valet parking it wasn't their job. So called the Hospital 8 times and the Plumonary Clinic had it's answer machine on. Wasn't until 2.45 until they finally showed up. Over 2 hours of waiting in my truck.... Missed my appointment, didn't get my travel pay, or meds renewed. Here it is Wed. 23 of Nov. Repeatly have called the Plumonary Clinic for 3 days and left messages. Not a word from the VA. Veterans stay away from this place, THEY DON'T CARE. Going back to Harry S. Truman VA Hospital in Columbia. It's a shame that the Veterans have to drive almost a hundred miles to get care. When this Place is much closer This John Cochran VA needs to be investigated for not doing their job.

Lou
2 years ago
5

The VA has saved my life three times...so far.

ROBIN MASON
2 years ago
4

Depending on the services, if you're on an appointment, you can be seen within 20 minutes by nurse and doctors. If you're a walk-in, you'll be waiting just like in the Emergency Department.

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