My husband attempted suicide and was held here after I took him to the emergency room. I was asked to go home because I couldn't follow him. I didn't know if he was okay or not. After twelve hours, I called the hospital and they transferred me to his unit. The miserable ...
About Fort Walton Beach Medical Center – Behavioral Health
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center – Behavioral Health is a drug and alcohol treatment center that supports adults with substance use disorders, centrally located in Walton Beach, Florida. They also provide valuable community resources, such as referrals, mental health services, and medical care.
Addiction-related services at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center – Behavioral Health include mental health assessments, detox, inpatient residential treatment, counseling, outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Mental Health Assessment and Counseling
Assessments help clinicians to evaluate a client’s mental health for substance use disorder, the severity, and any co-occurring mental health conditions, in order to create a tailored plan of care. Treatment may involve individual, group, and family counseling.
Inpatient Detox
Detox services involve medication and 24-hour medical care to support individuals in safely and comfortably detoxing from drugs and alcohol. Programs run from three to six days depending on individual circumstances.
Inpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The residential addiction treatment program is for adults over 18 and involves a comprehensive assessment and client-centered treatment plan. Treatment includes individual and group counseling, educational classes, recovery meetings, and skill development.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Outpatient is for individuals over 18 who need addiction treatment, but don’t need 24-hour care. Treatment includes individual and group counseling, skills development groups, and aftercare.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction
The MAT program is appropriate for alcohol and opioid addictions. The program includes counseling, support groups, and medication management in an outpatient setting.
Facility Overview
309 Number of Available Beds
Latest Reviews
I was transferred from ER to 4th floor. I never was offered water or ice. I know I was NPO but after the test I was still not offered any water. What happened to the small hygiene kits that used to be offered to the patients. I wasn t offered anything to eat after my test or any of my medication. As a cardiac patient how is it that my blood pressure medications were not offered. In reviewing my medications 2/3 of them were wrong and were never corrected. So therefore I didn t receive any of the meds I should have had at bedtime. Nurses were kind but didn t practice appropriate bedside care. Lastly, the process of discharge broke every HIPPA regulation there is. Why would you send a patient to a different unit, to a different nurse who has never seen the patient, and sit them in a room with 6 other patients to be read their discharge. I could hear anything about the other patients. There was no privacy for these patients. Because I said the word HIPPA they took me to another room. Again, my medications were 2/3 wrong but at this point I didn t care. I was ready to go home. They did not offer when I asked that my records be sent to my cardiac doctor and internist. I would have to go to records. Very poor quality of care. The process is a failure of privacy and correctness.
I came into your ER on Saturday evening 8-9pm,04/04/25 in pain as a result of a clogged catheter after having an Aquablation procedure on Thursday, 04/03 in your hospital. Your employees timely assistance and professionalism was exceptional, solving my problem.I would like to especially praise the receptionist (name: unknown), the attending ER nurse (name: unknown), and Dr Hernandez the attending physician.At a follow-up visit my urologists, Dr Chung this morning, Monday, 04/07/25 also expressed his appreciation for the assistance I received at your ER. He and I are pleased with the my results from the aquablation operation.
They cared for my husband after an accident. Everyone was very caring, kind and competent. We are so grateful your your staff.
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7.4 / 10
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Accepted Insurance
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.
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 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.
Treatments
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 rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.
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.
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).
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.
Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and dysfunctional eating patterns. Many psychologists and other mental health professionals consider eating disorders to be food addictions, meaning food is being used in an addictive way (similar to drug or alcohol addiction). Certain substance abuse treatment programs will have treatment for eating disorders as one of the services offered. An eating disorder may also present as a co-occuring disorder or dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction.
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.
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.
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.
Staff
Charles Gressle III
President
Richard Read
Chief Financial Officer
Jason Kelly
Chief Medical Officer
Natalie L. Ransom
Chief Nursing Executive
Fariba Borjian
Chief Information Officer
David Irizarri
IT Director of Operations Manager
Aaron Smith
Divisional Director of Facilities Management
Contact Information
(850) 862-1111 
1000 Mar Walt Drive
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Get Help Now - 850-706-9934
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Fact checked and written by:
Nadia El-Yaouti, M. Ed.
Edited by:
Nikki Seay
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