Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center

Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

1111 East End Boulevard
Wilkes Barre, PA 18711

(570) 824-3521
3.7 (230 reviews)

About Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center

Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center is part of the VA network and is located in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. They provide a range of services for veterans and their families, including treatment for addictions and substance abuse.

Their Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program has 10 beds and provides detox and therapy. You’ll have individual and group counseling and life skills development, with a goal of changing your life so you won’t relapse. Additional support is provided by other branches in the hospital, including social services if you’re at risk of homelessness or need other basic necessities.

Outpatient care is available if you have less severe symptoms that don’t require 24/7 supervision. There’s also primary care and programs for specific groups like the LGBTQ+ community and minorities. Transportation is available to and from the facility. If you’re not local, outside lodging can offer discounted rates if you’re being treated by the VA center.

Dollar icon Payment Options

  • shield-cross iconPrivate Insurance
  • self-pay iconSelf-pay options
  • financial-aid iconFinancial aid
  • medicare iconMedicare
  • medicaid iconMedicaid
  • medicare iconMedicare
  • military iconMilitary Insurance

Medical briefcase icon Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient

Outpatient programs are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. Outpatient services are provided at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and at community based out-patient clinics (CBOC)or Veteran's Centers conveniently located throughout the surrounding area.

inpatient iconInpatient

There are occasions when treatment requires more intensive management than what could be provided through the out-patient clinics. Wilkes-Barre meets that need through provision of intensive Mental Health and/or Behavioral Services in their state of the art in-patient unit. The Veteran's needs are fully assessed on admission to ensure that any physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or social need is identified and addressed. Families are encouraged to become involved and to become active participants in helping to identify and work toward resolving problematic issues during the Veteran's stay. The SARRTP unit is a 10 bed in-patient residence unit with a day treatment program. The program offers eligible Veterans the opportunity to learn how to stay clean and sober, with an emphasis on changing behavior and lifestyle in order to promote abstinence. In this way, the Veteran is better prepared for a lifestyle based on continuing recovery. The Staff of SARRTP encourages the Veteran to meet their own personal recovery goals, as well as their goals to improve the quality of their lives and relationships (Length of stay is 21 days).

intensive-outpatient iconIntensive Outpatient

Clients engaged in intensive outpatient programs (IOP) live and work in their home community while receiving frequent, high-level care. These programs offer personalized care designed to evolve with the clients' changing needs. Many intensive outpatient rehabs require a minimum of nine hours of treatment per week, but high-risk clients and those in early recovery may receive up to 20 hours of care weekly. IOP services generally include addiction counseling, recovery education, and holistic therapies, such as massage.

aftercare iconAftercare

Clients receiving services from a rehab aftercare program are usually stable and in the maintenance phase of recovery, having completed detox and/or intensive inpatient treatment. Rehab aftercare services can vary widely based on clients' individual and evolving needs, but often include peer coaching, relapse prevention support, 12 step program induction, and medical, mental health, and social service referrals. Individual care plans are typically developed by the client in partnership with their case manager and care team.

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).

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.

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.

User icon Programs

check iconAdolescence program

adult-program iconAdult program

men iconProgram for men

women iconProgram for women

young-adult iconYoung adult program

children iconChildren program

elderly iconElderly program

military-hat iconMilitary program

hiv iconHIV/AIDS program

House check icon Settings & Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential setting
  • private iconPrivate setting
  • car iconPrivate transportation
  • acupuncture iconAcupuncture room

Heart icon Treatment

alcohol iconAlcoholism

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.

drugs iconDrug Addiction

Drug rehab in Pennsylvania is devoted to the treatment of addiction. Levels of care, treatment methods, and settings differ, but the aim of each program is to end drug dependency and empower participants to achieve long-term recovery.

check iconDual Diagnosis

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 iconMental Health and Substance Abuse

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.

opium iconOpioid Addiction

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.

Hand holding medical sign icon Clinical Services

inpatient-file iconCognitive Behavioral Therapy

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.

couples-therapy iconCouples Therapy

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 iconDialectical Behavior Therapy

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.

medical-detox iconExperiential Therapy

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.

family iconFamily Therapy

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.

intervention iconGroup Therapy

A variety of groups are offered to provide Veterans with support and tools for symptom management. Current Active Groups include and are specific for the WWII/Korea, Vietnam and Global War on Terror Veteran with a focus on reducing the effects of military-related trauma. Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center offers Group Therapies for PTSD, Vietnam Vets, OEF/OIF Vets, Korean Vets, Substance Abuse, Smoking Cessation, Depression, Chronic Mental Illness and Anger Management.

mental-health iconIndividual Therapy

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. Focuses on improving coping skills and resolution of trauma.

life-skills iconLife Skills

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.

desert iconMotivational Interviewing

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 iconNicotine Replacement Therapy

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 is to provide support and behavioral strategies along with optional nicotine replacement therapy, as prescribed by the Veterans' Primary Care Physician.

Nutrition Therapy

Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) provides evidenced based nutritional services for Veterans and their families. NFS registered dietitian nutritionists promote wellness and disease prevention by ensuring effective nutrition education and counseling. NFS also delivers safe and high quality patient food services.

Rational Behavior Therapy

Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy meant to be short-term and comprehensive. It was intended to help clients become more self-sufficent and move forward without the need for expensive, ongoing therapy. It includes an emotional self-help method called “rational self-counseling,” the purpose of which is to give clients all the skills needed to handle future emotional issues by themselves, or with significantly less professional help.

house-medical iconTrauma Therapy

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.

Check icon Accreditations

CARF

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

Joint Commission

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: 4580

SAMHSA

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

Phone icon Contact

Phone icon (570) 824-3521
Building icon

1111 East End Boulevard
Wilkes Barre, PA 18711

Call Now - Help is Available
Get Help Now - 267-450-9996
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Fact checked and written by:
Peter Lee, PhD
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Reviews

3.7 (230 reviews)
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Google Rating

3.7 (230 reviews)
Matthew Samson
1 month ago
1

keith porter
1 month ago
5

August
2 months ago
5

Seems like I go here every week for more treatments

Walter Brewster
2 months ago
5

Professional, clean, informative

Ali Riso
2 months ago
5

I have been with the VA since 2012 and in several different states. I have to say I have the best Drs and Nurses since 2014. The pharmacy staff are very helpful if you need a script in a hurry. I don't think I'll ever leave here

Susan Kennedy
3 months ago
1

Gerard Garcia
4 months ago
5

Great staff, and Doctors

bob croucher
4 months ago
5

VAMC Wilkes Barre is an outstanding facility. I have worked as a travel RN for 20 years and choose to come here as there is no better. Excellent customer service, qualified staff and if a referral is needed elsewhere for a more complicated condition, it will happen quickly. Well done to all staff at Wilkes Barre.

Angel Ayala (Greatone718)
5 months ago
5

Charles Tully
6 months ago
5

Was at the VA hospital today for the first time. Check in was quick, little wait time. In exam room was asked questions about my health by the nurse and then seen by Dr. Pancholy who was polite, professional and easy to talk to. Had no problems with any staff members I dealt with. All were friendly and helpful.

Mark Nies
6 months ago
1

The VA does not care about you. I have been seeking help from The VA for 6 years. I had two primary providers that never follow up or actually listen to all my problems and figure them out. my conditions are getting worse. I now have a community care provider in network with the VA and what would you know the same level of care. Their doctors are trash, their system and process is trash, and patient advocate is trash. they do not know how to listen and when you get frustrated after years of continue pain and mental problems, they get mad when you curse not even at them but at the situation at hand because you are explaining your problems that have been neglected by the VAIt is pretty sad if you ask me how they are getting mad at someone who is seeking for mental health and other health related issues for years and still waiting. Now because it is in a community it is even more of a process. get this. I saw my new primary care provider in the community 3 months ago. After the referral was put in for mental I called the VA community line to let them know the referrals.they sent it up and sent it out, I wait three weeks for a call nothing. I call the VA again and they said they will call them and they did just to find out they are full. Why didn't they call me to tell me that so we can move forward with my mental health with another provider. After that another referal was put in prior to March for mental health. I called the VA today March 24 and guess what the lady told me that they recieved the referal however they are also full.Why did they not call me regardless of being full or not. My mental health doesnt stop because you are full it would be nice to know this so I can pursue other options.Remember guys I had three primary care providers and they all suck and the VA sucks.and curse over the phone not even screaming just talking loud because frustrated being neglected and they can't handle it, is pathetic. you are working with veterans there is going to be cursing when you don't do your job!

Nicole H
7 months ago
2

Speaking as the wife of a combat veteran as as a healthcare provider, the only staff I've seen who seem to put a heart and soul into their interactions with my husband at least, presumably all patients, are the ER staff. Everybody else seems to loathe just being there and doesn't remember how to see patients and family members (who may or may not know how to navigate the system) as people. Where is your compassion, your patience? Why did you get into healthcare to begin with? LOOK AT YOUR PATIENTS AS PEOPLE WITH DIGNITY INHERENT, not some bunch of "randoms" off the street whom you don't actually care about, and intend to roll your eyes over when they're not looking. Make the extra effort. Again, why are you in healthcare? The biggest part of our job is giving a damn about our patients and their struggles. God forbid you would feel more fulfilled in your role if you went to work every day with this kind of mentality, not seeing it as drudgery as it seems. Your attitude makes the people in our society who gave the most, FOR US, feel like they're not even worth it. Which they face everywhere. This is so sad and it's shameful that this even has to be mentioned. The nicest and most humble people I've encountered here work in housekeeping. Let that sink in.

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