About Allentown VA Clinic
The Allentown VA Clinic is located in Allentown, PA. They help veterans get back to healthy, sober lives by treating substance misuse and even co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety and schizophrenia. They provide inpatient and outpatient levels of care depending on your unique needs.
It is essential that veteran clinics offer these types of services because mental health can play a major role in addiction, especially for veterans who have experienced trauma during their time on active duty. In many cases, addiction to drugs such as opioids or alcohol can become so severe that they require medication in order to prevent dangerous withdrawal symptoms. At the very least, the medication can make the patient feel more comfortable and have less cravings. This is called medication assisted treatment, or MAT for short.
This clinic offers their patients both inpatient and outpatient care. Inpatient care gives you the benefit of receiving care round the clock, while outpatient care has the benefit of only taking a few hours out of your week for treatment. If you can still function well in the outside world, then outpatient care might be a better fit for you.
This clinic also supports those in the LGBTQ+ community who may require specialized care. And aside from their counseling services, they provide health maintenance and community support. Their counseling options include individual counseling, group therapy, and marriage or relationship counseling. These three options are seen as vital to the recovery process, and each adds a layer of support that has been proven time and time again to help many people recover from addiction.
Payment Options
- Private Insurance
- Self-pay options
- Financial aid
- Per session
- Military Insurance
Levels of Care
Outpatient
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
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).
Programs
Adult program
Program for men
Program for women
Young adult Program
Elderly program
Hearing impaired program
HIV/AIDS program
LGBTQ program
Settings & Amenities
- Residential setting
- Private setting
Treatment
Alcoholism
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 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.
Dual 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 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.
Opioid 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.
Clinical Services
Cognitive 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.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy in Pennsylvania is an evidence based technique that involves group therapy, individual therapy, and phone coaching. Group sessions focus on learning behavioral skills. Individual therapy gives you the opportunity to apply what you're learning to your personal situations. Phone coaching allows you to call your therapist during the week for help with challenging situations.
Group 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.
Individual 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.
Trauma 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.
Couples 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.
Family 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.
Accreditations
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
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