Coatesville VA Medical Center

About Coatesville VA Medical Center

Coatesville VA Medical Center is a drug and alcohol treatment center for veterans, situated in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. They also provide valuable community resources, mental health services, case management, and family support services.

Addiction-related services offered at Coatesville VA Medical Center include mental health assessment and counseling, intensive outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, and continuing care.

Mental Health Assessment and Counseling
Assessments evaluate the patient’s mental health status, severity of mental health and addiction diagnosis, and to create an individualized treatment plan. Individual care plans may include
individual, group, and/or family counseling.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction
The medication-assisted treatment (MAT) rehab program is appropriate for alcohol and opioid addictions. MAT includes counseling, support groups, and medication management in an outpatient setting.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP is suitable for Veterans with substance use disorder and/or co-occurring mental health disorders, like PTSD. Participants may attend one to five sessions per week for up to three months. Individual assessments determine the appropriate treatment plan. Services may include individual, group, and family counseling, educational groups, case management, and recovery support meetings.

Continuing Care
Continuing care includes relapse prevention strategies, recovery activities, and on-going clinical support as needed.

Latest Reviews

Randy Fluck, Sr.

3 months ago on Google

Thanks to the Staff in Radiology... Special Appreciation to Connie for her professionalism and Courtesy on February 20th.

Jeff Knapp

3 months ago on Google

Do they always punish their Chaplains for quoting scripture?

J C

4 months ago on Google

My experience at the Coatesville VA Medical Center s Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) was profoundly impacted by the conduct of Stephanie Adams Psy.D, SATU Clinical Team Leader, Jill a Mental Health Technician, and several other mental health technicians. Unfortunately, their behavior and approach often undermined the therapeutic environment essential for individuals managing mental health diagnoses.There were several instances during my stay where the staff s communication lacked empathy and therapeutic value. Rather than fostering a safe and supportive environment, their approach was often antagonizing and dismissive. This was especially troubling given that the program is specifically designed to assist patients navigating mental health challenges.It became apparent that some staff members failed to recognize the critical distinction between behavioral issues and symptoms directly tied to patients mental health diagnoses. On multiple occasions, I observed and personally experienced instances where staff seemed to intentionally provoke or antagonize patients who were merely expressing symptoms of their diagnoses. This behavior not only exacerbated the stress and discomfort of the patients but also undermined the purpose of the program as a space for healing and growth.As a mental health facility, it is crucial for the staff to practice patience, understanding, and professionalism when dealing with individuals seeking help. Unfortunately, the lack of consistency in these areas created an environment that often felt more punitive than rehabilitative.I strongly urge the administration to address these concerns through additional staff training on trauma-informed care, active listening, and de-escalation techniques. Ensuring that all staff members understand the importance of therapeutic communication is vital to maintaining the trust and well-being of patients.Despite these challenges, there were shining examples of staff members who exemplified the professionalism, compassion, and dedication necessary for this field. Shirley, Quianna, Rose, and Alan stood out as the saving grace of my experience. Their approach was consistently empathetic, patient, and solution-focused, creating moments of relief and genuine connection during my stay. They demonstrated what it truly means to work in mental health treating patients with dignity and respect, understanding their struggles, and providing support that felt both sincere and therapeutic. Their presence offered hope and a reminder of the program s potential when staff prioritize the well-being and recovery of the individuals they serve.While I acknowledge that working in mental health is challenging, it is also a responsibility that demands professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to the recovery of those they serve. I hope my feedback contributes to improvements in the program for future patients.

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

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 Methodology

8.9 / 10

Gallery

The facilities at Coatesville VA Medical Center in Coatesville, PA 1

The facilities at Coatesville VA Medical Center in Coatesville, PA 2

The facilities at Coatesville VA Medical Center in Coatesville, PA 3

Location

Accepted Insurance

Coatesville VA Medical Center works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Cigna

UnitedHealth Group

Humana

Other Forms of Payment

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.

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.

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

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

Inpatient rehab provides clients with an opportunity to focus solely on their sobriety away from the stressors of the home and workplace. Clients receive housing, food, and intensive clinical supervision. They also typically engage in multiple addiction counseling sessions each week, including daily individual, group, and/or family sessions. Most programs also prioritize recovery-focused life skills training, including courses in relapse prevention. Many facilities offer evidence-based holistic therapies, such as yoga and meditation.

Intensive 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 Support

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

12 step programs prioritize the recovery journey as a life-long process based on personal spiritual growth and ongoing peer support. Regular attendance at 12 step meetings, which are held multiple times each day in most communities, is expected. Participants also receive one-on-one mentoring by a self-selected peer sponsor. The 12 steps are designed to encourage participants' self-compassion, awareness, acceptance, and accountability. Dedicated programs for specialized groups, including seniors, teens, and families, are common.

Sober 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.

Intervention Services

Intervention services helps family or friends of addicts stage an intervention, which is a meeting in which loved ones share their concerns and attempt to get an addict into treatment. Professional intervention specialists can help loved ones organize, gather, and communicate with an addict. They can guide intervention participants in describing the damage the addict's behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. The ideal outcome of an intervention is for the addict to go to rehab and get the help they need.

Partial Hospitalization Program

With a partial hospitalization program (PHP), you can participate in intensive rehabilitation treatment with the ability to return home at the end of the day. For a weekly minimum of 20 hours, a partial hospitalization program can take place up to 5 days a week for an average of 90 days. During PHP treatment, you can receive relapse prevention strategies, medication management, individual and group therapy, and other behavioral therapy interventions.

Medically Assisted Detox

A medical detox is the safest way to wean your body off drugs and/or alcohol in an inpatient setting. When detoxing from addictive substances, the physical and psychological side effects of withdrawal can cause mood swings, anxiety, nausea, or flu-like symptoms. In medically assisted detox, a team of medical professionals are on hand 24/7 to help alleviate potential withdrawal symptoms, administer medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and ultimately keep you safe and comfortable throughout this process.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

Motivational interviewing in Pennsylvania gives you the opportunity to share your perspective and explore your ideas and motivation for change. Your therapist will walk you through the four steps of engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning to empower you to make any desired changes in your life.

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.

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.

Amenities

Private Transportation
Residential Setting
Private Rooms

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Jennifer Harkins, MS, FACHE

Executive Medical Center Director

Ketan Patel, M.D.

Acting Chief of Staff

Malisa Fritz, MSN, RN

Associate Director, Patient Care Services

Gregory O. Wolff

Associate Director, Finance and Operations

Accreditations

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

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

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: 2375

Contact Information

(610) 384-7711

Website

1400 Blackhorse Hill Road
Coatesville, PA 19320

Get Help Now - 267-450-9996

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Reviews of Coatesville VA Medical Center

3.7/5 (100 reviews)

Google Reviews

3.7 (100 reviews)

David Cerullo

1 month ago

Very competent staff and they are very knowledgeable and very helpful.

Daniel Bennett

Avoid the Coatesville va if at all possible, I understand the va is the only option for most vets but Wilmington or phily is worth the drive. But the residential ptsd program is good everything else terrible

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:

Any Veteran, family member, or caregiver who has concerns about the treatment they receive at Coatesville VA Medical Center or our community clinics that could not be resolved with the care team treating them is encouraged to reach out to one of Coatesville VAMC’s patient advocates. Visit our website for their contact information: https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/health-services/patient-advocates/

Dick Fitzwell

The level of care you can expect to receive at this hospital is "Second to All!" There is a public road that runs through the hospital grounds, and a popular saying, amongst the VA emergency services about it. "If I have a heart attack, drag me to the middle of Blackhorse Hill Road, and call 911." They don't want the hospital staff to touch them, that's telling. Speaking of staff, complaints about them are ignored by the hospital director personally. There is no accountability. It's rotten from the top down.

3 months ago

4 months ago

My experience at the Coatesville VA Medical Center’s Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) was profoundly impacted by the conduct of Stephanie Adams Psy.D, SATU Clinical Team Leader, Jill a Mental Health Technician, and several other mental health technicians. Unfortunately, their behavior and approach often undermined the therapeutic environment essential for individuals managing mental health diagnoses. There were several instances during my stay where the staff’s communication lacked empathy and therapeutic value. Rather than fostering a safe and supportive environment, their approach was often antagonizing and dismissive. This was especially troubling given that the program is specifically designed to assist patients navigating mental health challenges. It became apparent that some staff members failed to recognize the critical distinction between behavioral issues and symptoms directly tied to patients’ mental health diagnoses. On multiple occasions, I observed and personally experienced instances where staff seemed to intentionally provoke or antagonize patients who were merely expressing symptoms of their diagnoses. This behavior not only exacerbated the stress and discomfort of the patients but also undermined the purpose of the program as a space for healing and growth. As a mental health facility, it is crucial for the staff to practice patience, understanding, and professionalism when dealing with individuals seeking help. Unfortunately, the lack of consistency in these areas created an environment that often felt more punitive than rehabilitative. I strongly urge the administration to address these concerns through additional staff training on trauma-informed care, active listening, and de-escalation techniques. Ensuring that all staff members understand the importance of therapeutic communication is vital to maintaining the trust and well-being of patients. Despite these challenges, there were shining examples of staff members who exemplified the professionalism, compassion, and dedication necessary for this field. Shirley, Quianna, Rose, and Alan stood out as the saving grace of my experience. Their approach was consistently empathetic, patient, and solution-focused, creating moments of relief and genuine connection during my stay. They demonstrated what it truly means to work in mental health—treating patients with dignity and respect, understanding their struggles, and providing support that felt both sincere and therapeutic. Their presence offered hope and a reminder of the program’s potential when staff prioritize the well-being and recovery of the individuals they serve. While I acknowledge that working in mental health is challenging, it is also a responsibility that demands professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to the recovery of those they serve. I hope my feedback contributes to improvements in the program for future patients.

Any Veteran, family member, or caregiver who has concerns about the treatment they receive at Coatesville VA Medical Center or our community clinics that could not be resolved with the care team treating them is encouraged to reach out to one of Coatesville VAMC’s patient advocates. Visit our website for their contact information: https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/health-services/patient-advocates/

Mamie Blizzard

5 months ago

My husband's in building 138A. Very nice place. Most of the employees are nice and willing to help.

Cassie Ragan

Pharmaceutical drug dealers who refuse to remove the toxins from the bodies of our veterans who have been poisoned by the government (See: PACT ACT) I told them I saw my husband turn into a totally different person after multiple toxic exposures. They do not believe what I saw with my own eyes many times and don’t believe toxins can cause psychotic episodes even though I sent them the studies I found myself on Google scholar about Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. They probably didn’t even read them. Mental illness/PTSD is caused by toxic heavy metals and other toxins combined with trauma. YOU NEED TO DETOX THESE VETERANS!!! What you are doing is not working! My husband has already attempted to commit suicide twice. If he attempts again and succeeds, his blood will be on YOUR HANDS. I am going to be relentless until you do your jobs and detox these veterans! Not only did you not detox him but you sent him home with 10 different pharmaceutical drugs that are going to overburden his detox organs even more! You will never heal them with the garbage ultra-processed food you are feeding them. They need nutraceuticals and sauna therapy. Thank God for RFK Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement because soon you will all be forced to do your jobs and actually heal our veterans! Once our veterans are healed they will heal the world! #MAHA

Russell Roark

karfn daltin

6 months ago

Hummingbirds were regular entertainment about the garden atop the hill out back. Then vs. now, 'politics, being showbiz for the ugly', comprehensive dismantling of what worked. New plan I reckon. Support Compassion Fatigue Syndrome R&D Treatment and Recovery Reduce AMA, psycho-pension early disability retirements. It's so terribly mixed up. My last visit there was a triple nightmare in day and nighttimes. Treated like POW by local social services offices in the facilities and her Psychiatrist accessory. Three attempts to have vet arrested for no crime - some political militant attacks on a very exhausted battered wounded vet looking for help & advice where he got it before and proved it worked afterwards long-term. Now ghost town. Ouch. After being screwed here fake "wesoldieron" solicited me for HUDVASH Program and torpedoed my claim while they endorsed numerous other vets in the same program. Golly what made them evil. Support compassion fatigue syndrome treatment and recovery for state employees too. Yup that was back in 2011 I believe. Treated like a rabid political target by psychiatrist and a local social services person with an office inside the VAMC Coatesville. I should have went directly to a civilian hospital for eval cause I was in a sad condition and tortured rather than treated. Politics I've never voted yet these hate mongers fabricate anything to hate and gaslight anything not them. Support compassion fatigue syndrome and fund good cops the the nth degree. Weed out these insurgents that hate veterans who ain't their political choice. AMEN Whose gonna be TRUMP new FBI BOSS.

Robert Mogel

8 months ago

I was in the Coatsville VA Hospital for 2 months because of ptsd symptoms making my life unlivable. The staff was caring and compassionate. I hope the vets there now get the same care I got. Ten stars.

Thank you Robert. We'll always be here when you need us.

Ron

10 months ago

One of the worst and most dangerous places a veteran can go for care. Closing this hospital will save lives. The director should be jailed

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