Discover how CHAMPVA covers addiction rehab for veterans’ families, including inpatient, outpatient, and mental health services.
CHAMPVA Insurance for Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Discover how CHAMPVA covers addiction rehab for veterans’ families, including inpatient, outpatient, and mental health services.
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) offers health coverage for spouses and children of military members and veterans who are rated permanently and totally disabled for a service related disability. These dependents do not qualify for TRICARE — if they do they are covered by TRICARE instead.
The program was established in 1973. Members can get care at a VA Medical Center or clinic. If your local clinic participates in the CHAMPVA Inhouse Treatment Initiative (CITI) you can get care through that program at no charge to you. You can also get care from non VA providers that accept CHAMPVA. Providers who accept TRICARE often accept CHAMPVA as well.
By Cara Towle
Cara Towle is a freelance web content writer from the Seattle area. She is a media and communication professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in English Writing Emphasis from Pacific Lutheran University. Cara primarily specializes in automotive content but also has strong experience writing for addiction rehab, insurance, and travel clients.
Medically Reviewed by Anna Spooner
Anna has 10 years of experience in insurance and has been a content and copywriter since 2011. She strives to make all of her writing approachable and easy to understand while drinking copious amounts of tea. Anna writes about accessing addiction treatment, insurance, and finance.
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
AlcoholismDrug AddictionDual DiagnosisMental Health and Substance AbuseOpioid Addiction
Adult ProgramYoung Adult Program
Private InsuranceSelf-Pay OptionsMedicaid
I have been to treatment over 30 times and by far this has been the best experience. These people have accommodated me with all of my needs and trust me I had a lot of needs! lol I have never had the type of love that Freeman gave to me and my wife. They have the best of staff and the types of clientele that were in this facility were awesome also. I made some lifelong connections at this place and really found out a lot about myself. I found out what my triggers were and really dug deep. They are the only place that accepted me and my wife after she called over 40 places. I promise there needs to be a standard for having a couple in a treatment center because it can be done. Not saying anything about "becoming a couple" in a treatment center because I wouldn't recommend that. We were married before we came in. So if you are struggling with addiction and you are married, this is the place to go. They will accommodate the two of you in the most appropriate ways possible. We talk every night about how much we miss the comraderies that we have gained here. If your struggling, reach out to these people because they will help you. IF they can help a guy like me get sober then they can help anyone get sober. Thank you Freeman for all of the hard work and dedication you put into making this experience a once in a lifetime experience. You rock AND we love you!!
Jarred Trosclair
3 weeks ago
I had the absolute best experience here at Freeman Recovery Center, it was by far the absolute best treatment center I have been to. I looked forever to find a place that would take me and my husband. Let me just tell you that was difficult in itself, this place opened up its doors for us and came through in all aspects. We both got some good recovery and we both got some good experience here. The staff was extremely great and the facilities were top notch! I highly recommend them to anyone in search of treatment no matter the level of care! My therapist was awesome and she really helped me manage some of the things I struggled with. Without a doubt pick up the phone if you need help. These people will help you whichever way they can. They helped us with transportation from 3-1/2 hours away and didn't sweat it. If there was an option to add an extra star I would do so. Thank you FRC for all that you have helped me and my spouse with, we love you!
Amanda Trosclair
3 weeks ago
Over all the reviews I have left on places I have visited, this one I feel is the most valuable. I spent a short part of my life here at freeman and I could not even try to say anything was bad about this place. They gave me a safe place to lay my head, and , "reset". The tools to change and become the person you need to be, are available to everyone, and, I am thankful for the people who made them available. "Paul C." Is the one I will be forever grateful for, and consider my friend. He had the most impact on me from the very beginning and would not be where I am today without him. He sat without judging and listened to me rant and rave and kick and scream and never once did I ever feel like he didn't truly care about my well being. He made sure I had what I needed, and never once asked for anything from me other than just to continue on the path that made me a good person. Paul C single handedly led me to safety and as I said before I will be forever grateful. Thank you Paul, and thank you freeman!
... if your struggling with nowhere to turn and no options, these people are genuinely there to help you amd want you to make it.
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
super nice staff , realy went out thier way to help me threw my recover journy, thankfull
E Thompson
1 month ago
I did not think i had a problem and did not want to be here. I needed to be at 12 Oaks. They really got to the core issue in my life that caused me pain and taught me ways to manage and cope with the anger and hurt i had. This place really changed me for the better. Through one on one therapy, class time and even through other clients, i learned the real me. This place is phenomenal!!! Thank you to the Counselors, Nurses and the techs, much love
I wanted to go on a path towards bettering myself, and this place helped me to do that. They offer one on one counseling, group counseling sessions, telehealth psychiatry, and is run by people who actually care. 4 years later, I'm proud of who I am now, and I have Transitions to thank for that.
Shout-out to Mrs. McCall, she was my psychiatrist, and is very good at what she does. Thank you all.
Joseph Rogers
1 month ago
So far, so good a lot better than my last experience with them where all I never got past the introduction into it this time I’m actually talking to people
If u could leave more than 5 stars I would. This hospital truly took their time to understand me & my short comings. God for bid, if I ever needed to go back for help. It would be this facility. Thanks to the whole team.
Journey Pure has a incredible team of staff, the best that I’ve ever seen, from an amazing Dr on site that cares and conforms to you and all your needs, along with a great staff of therapists, like Heather and Teeva; all the way down to everyone in the office that’s gets you started. They give personal care to everyone that walks in. This is the only place that I would go to without a doubt
ItsDomo954
1 year ago
Teeva is an awesome counselor and is very informative and I have learned a lot from her very caring
jonemilpatrick
1 year ago
Journey Pure is a diamond in the rough. It’s simple and it’s because they really care about all of us individually. It’s also an amazing support system of my peers in groups and the staff made me feel welcomed and that really helps when discussing deep feelings and emotions.
I love my therapist here I recommend giving it a try if your looking for services
Rubi Burton
1 month ago
My daughter’s therapy got discharged. I spoke with Michelle and Katelin and they got it squared away when it wasn’t supposed to be a discharge and got her right back in with her therapist. Michelle is also so friendly and helpful. I had my 18m old with me and she accommodated to his needs so he would sit still during a session. Thank you so much for all that you both do in this office!!
Ashley Ellis
11 months ago
Hi my two grandsons go to Penessa and see Steven,he is amazing with the boy's and he his helping them so much with their issues. The receptionist Michelle is so nice and always is very welcoming. I myself see Kaitlyn on Mondays and she helps me a lot, such a wonderful person and therapist.
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does CHAMPVA Cover Addiction Rehab?
If addiction treatment is considered medically necessary you will be able to get at least some of the cost covered by CHAMPVA. The CHAMPVA Guide helps you understand what services are covered. You will need to get authorization for mental health or substance use care before you begin treatment.
How can you prove what’s medically necessary? You’ll want to work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. That will help you know where to start with treatment and will prove what’s medically needed in your case.
According to the CHAMPVA Guide a beneficiary can have three substance use treatment periods covered in their lifetime. A substance use treatment period starts on the first day of covered treatment and ends 365 days later.
Many people have other insurance such as Medicare along with CHAMPVA. If that’s the case your other insurance is primary and CHAMPVA is secondary. If your primary insurance has already authorized your care then you don’t need to get another authorization from CHAMPVA.
What Inpatient Addiction Treatment Does CHAMPVA Cover?
CHAMPVA covers inpatient addiction treatment with prior authorization. The facility must be Medicare-certified or approved by TRICARE. The care you receive also needs to be medically necessary. It’s essential to get a treatment plan from your doctor to determine medically necessity.
Medical detox is a form of inpatient care where you are able to receive medical care for withdrawal symptoms as the substances leave your system.
Inpatient or residential treatment is limited to no more than one stay during one benefit period of 21 days. Some partial hospitalization rehab is considered inpatient care by CHAMPVA and is subject to the same limitations.
What Outpatient Rehab Does CHAMPVA Cover?
CHAMPVA covers outpatient rehab for substance use disorder. Outpatient rehab includes limited individual, family, and group therapy sessions. Outpatient treatment can vary in length and intensity.
The most intensive treatment is PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program), which is a full-time day program and is often classified the same as inpatient care in CHAMPVA coverage.
The two lower tiers of outpatient treatment are Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and General Outpatient. An IOP provides at least 9 hours of treatment in three sessions per week. General outpatient care meets once or twice per week. You can return home after treatment sessions in all outpatient treatment programs.
Does CHAMPVA Cover Methadone & Suboxone (MAT)?
CHAMPVA covers medical detox, which can use supportive FDA approved medication.
However, many medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs switch a “safer” addictive drug for the substance being used. For example, they might replace illicit opioid use with prescribed Methadone, but Methadone is still an addictive drug. This type of treatment is not covered by CHAMPVA.
There’s another kind of MAT that provides you with medications that block the effects of substance misuse, and the medications themselves are not addictive. For example, Naltrexone is a blocker for opioids and alcohol and may be covered by CHAMPVA.
Does CHAMPVA Cover Other Mental Healthcare?
Mental healthcare is covered under CHAMPVA plans, but the number of visits you’re allowed per year is limited. The exact coverage depends on your plan and the type of treatment.
For example, you’ll need authorization for any acute mental health treatment that requires inpatient hospitalization. CHAMPVA also covers a total of 23 psychotherapy sessions per year for outpatient mental health treatment. Additional sessions require authorization.
How Long Will CHAMPVA Cover Rehab?
It’s important to fully embrace the treatment process and complete all the steps as outlined in your program. To that end, CHAMPVA gives patients 365 days to complete a full treatment program and establish long-term recovery.
The length of care in your specific program will vary depending on what you need. CHAMPVA also has limits on coverage of specific types of care.
The average residential program covers three to four weeks, while outpatient programs may run for as long as 90 days. You may also participate in an aftercare program when your treatment plan has finished.
Can I Travel Out of State for Treatment with CHAMPVA?
Unlike many insurance plans, CHAMPVA doesn’t have a provider network. You can choose your own provider, but it’s best if you find one that accepts assignment from the VA.
Fortunately, these providers exist in every state. You can still see a provider that doesn’t accept assignment but you will pay upfront and have to seek reimbursement. Costs will generally be much higher if you choose a provider that doesn’t accept VA assignments.
Choosing a VA-participating provider in whichever state you prefer will help you maximize your coverage and save money.
What to Do if CHAMPVA Won't Cover the Cost of Rehab?
Depending on your plan, CHAMPVA’s coverage for mental health and addiction treatment may not fully cover your rehab. If this happens, you might have to pay for rehab yourself or work with another insurance plan.
Even still, it’s very important to get the care you need. The good news is that there are a lot of options. Many treatment centers offer sliding scales for fees so you can pay less depending on your income. Sometimes there are also payment plans or scholarships available.
Another option is to look at free and low cost rehab programs such as Salvation Army or state or county run programs.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.
Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline could be forwarded to SAMHSA or a verified treatment provider.
If you wish to connect with non-sponsor centers, you can browse top-rated listings, visit our homepage and browse by state, or visit SAMHSA.
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