Explore VA Community Care for addiction rehab! Get timely access to treatment outside VA facilities. Check your eligibility now.
VA Community Care Health Coverage for Drug Rehab
Explore VA Community Care for addiction rehab! Get timely access to treatment outside VA facilities. Check your eligibility now.
The VA Community Care Program is part of the broader Veterans Affairs Health System. The program lets eligible veterans receive care from community providers outside of VA facilities when a VA hospital or clinic isn’t accessible or the wait time is too long. The CCN was established in 2018 to provide veterans with timely and accessible health care, especially for those who cannot readily access VA healthcare facilities or when specific services are unavailable.
Your eligibility hinges on the availability of services at a local VA facility or quality concerns at an existing VA service along with specific healthcare needs that are better met through community providers. Veterans living in states without full service VA medical facilities, such as in Alaska or Hawaii, are typically eligible. The CCN does not require preauthorization for urgent care services. For regular appointments or specialized care you will need a VA referral and could still have wait times.
Does VA Community Care Cover Addiction Rehab?
VA Community Care is an extension of VA Healthcare services. To use a CCN facility the VA must provide a referral. Your primary care provider in the VA can initiate a referral that must pass a comprehensive review by the Community Care Department.
VA Community Care can cover a comprehensive range of addiction treatment. Treatment is not a one size fits all process and your customized treatment program may require medical detoxification and/or inpatient or residential treatment and/or outpatient care. By working closely with your VA doctor you’ll be able to get a treatment plan that outlines exactly what you need which will help you get approved for CCN providers as needed.
A Transformative Path to Recovery: Runway and Treehouse Recovery
My journey to sustained sobriety began at Runway, a premier short-term stabilization facility in Santa Ana, California. Designed for individuals in crisis, Runway offers 24-hour monitoring in comfortable, well-appointed accommodations, including private bedrooms, an on-site cook, and a dedicated nursing staff. A compassionate team of five to six professionals provides individualized care, preparing patients for a seamless transition to long-term treatment. Runway’s structured yet nurturing environment makes it an exceptional choice for immediate, high-quality intervention.
After stabilization, I transitioned to Treehouse Recovery to address a complex history of alcohol addiction, combat-related injuries, and a rare psychotic episode triggered by marijuana use. The Treehouse staff’s expertise in treating combat veterans navigating reintegration and substance abuse was remarkable. Their swift, targeted response to my unique challenges laid a critical foundation for my recovery.
Treehouse’s program distinguishes itself through a robust team-based approach, which fosters accountability, camaraderie, and personal growth. Patients are organized into small, cohesive units that collaborate on daily tasks, from meal preparation and facility maintenance to group sports and weightlifting. This model mirrors the discipline and interdependence of military teams, which was particularly resonant for me as a veteran. For example, morning team raft exercises in the surf required synchronized paddling, teaching us to trust one another and communicate effectively under pressure. These activities were more than physical; they instilled a sense of shared purpose and mutual reliance, reinforcing the skills needed for long-term sobriety. By working closely with peers, I rebuilt self-esteem, learned to embrace responsibility, and developed a support network that extended beyond the program. This team dynamic was a cornerstone of my recovery, providing a safe space to confront vulnerabilities and celebrate collective achievements.
Beyond its team-based framework, Treehouse emphasizes the physiological and biological aspects of addiction, moving beyond traditional talk therapy. Physical training restored my strength and confidence, while the program’s focus on leadership in its latter half prepared me for a successful return to everyday life.
Over a year later, I remain sober, with strengthened family ties and renewed self-confidence. The ongoing support from Runway and Treehouse, through regular check-ins, reflects their commitment to clients’ long-term success. Their tailored, family-like approach creates a global network of support that empowers individuals to thrive post-treatment.
I wholeheartedly recommend Runway and Treehouse Recovery to anyone seeking a path to lasting recovery. These facilities not only saved my life but also provided the tools and community to build a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Sincerely,
Charlie
CB
1 week ago
I showed up to Treehouse ready to change but i didn't know how to make these changes. Anything i tried alone always seemed to fail until i was accepted into the treehouse family. They showed me how to handle simple to complex tasks with a rational clear thinking mind. They gave me the tools and confidence to stay in a state of gratitude day in and day out. They solidified my hard working ethics and gave me a place to call home. We worked hard and we had a lot of fun. I particularly love the ocean (surfing, diving, skimboarding) so being on the boats with the team was my favorite part of the physical modalities. I owe it big time to the clinical staff for listening intently, caring and asking the right questions at the right time to help me work through a lifetime of baggage.
Cruz Bokolas
3 months ago
Treehouse has made a huge impact on my life. The values, connections and education have given me an entire different perspective on life. They have given me the tools and knowledge on how to live a life in sobriety. The staff are all super cool and very supporting of whatever you are going through and will do the best they can to help you get where you need to be. Thank you treehouse !
Woodland Recoverry is an awesome place with wonderful people that are ready and willing to help those who want to help themselves. I personally appreciate every step that has been taken in the aid that they’ve offered to me.. thanks again you are a greatly appreciated
dea dunn
2 weeks ago
I made the BEST decision in my Life when I chose Woodland Recovery. I'm Sober and loving it. Thanks again to the staff, volunteers and everyone I met.
Willie George Johnson Jr
3 weeks ago
It was a good experience! All the staff was very kind and friendly! I would recommend this place to anyone that I know wants help.
The counselors and providers were loving, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout my stay. They made my detox and withdrawal experience more comfortable and safe than I could have imagined. Michael’s House genuinely feels like a community setting in which it is possible to embrace change. And the food was healthy and delicious.
Carole Mendelsohn
4 weeks ago
Clean, great staff, therapist were absolutely great. Food was delicious.
Johnnelle Neal
2 months ago
Michael's House offers some of the best knowledge one can obtain when it comes to recovery. If you're open to receiving such information, this program works like a charm! Their staff and counselors are incredible when it comes to providing quality care for their residents. I highly recommend Michael's House if you're wanting to make a permanent change in your life. The adventure program they offer is loads of fun, too! It serves as proof that we can have fun clean and sober.
Great place great community, great staff, all around great experience
jeff favreau
1 week ago
Swift River is amazing! It is truly and amazing experience. Its definitely one of a kind. From the very minute you arrive til the time you leave you you are under the best care imaginable. The staff are incredible and you no right away it's all about healing and recovering with all of them. Nursing, counselors, therapists, case management, kitchen, House keeping, BHT's are all on the very top of what they do. The campus is beautiful, clean, comfortable, and up to date. Its college campus like and never feel locked in at all. They offer many different types of recovery classes and do not single out any one way. They offer many different options recreational wise as well. 9 hole disc golf course is my favorite. They provide multiple avenues of further treatment all done with your own case manager. Also, an amazing Alumni group with all kinds of stuff going on to keep you connected to people in recovery. Thanks Swift for all that you do.
Robert perryman
3 weeks ago
Best residential rehab -and hopefully the last- I've attended so far. Patients are giving more personal autonomy and respect and they have much better programming. The outside campus is amazing. Art room and Music room are open during the afternoon. The ropes course was closed sadly but everything else was great including the food.
I was in for shoulder surgery. Everything went well. The care that was given by the staff, nurses, etc.. professional, attentive and caring! TY!
Ray R.
3 weeks ago
Managing health issues are always a difficult, but I have found the people and facilities at Riverview make every effort to make these moments as easy on you as possible. Valet your car at the front door, register at the front desk, take in the sweeping views of the river, and be seen by doctors, nurses, and the all the other staff members who make you feel like a real-life person they care about helping rather than a cog in the machine of their business. Dr Ciervo and team saved my life in a medical emergency a few years ago and I will never forget how compassionate they were through the entire process. I also highly recommend the Women's Center for annual screenings and follow up procedures as Dr Borofsky and her team - specifically Tiffany, Lisa, Doris and Danielle - were a dream team and provided the kind of top-notch care that all women deserve.
Edit: Removed a star as admin and billing required some corrections. Wherever you go, be your own advocate!
Jenna Gaudio
3 weeks ago
Mike from security is so nice! He offered to wheel me to get my mri disc when he didn’t have to but he was super nice and helped me anyways. Everyone in here is sooo nice and always caring. Thank you Mike!
SunCloud is fantastic! From intake to graduation the team is there to support you in whatever type of recover you need. Staff is kind, caring and adaptive to your needs. Dedicated doctors on site. Post treatment support and groups. Would and have recommended to family and friends.
Chris Salvador
5 months ago
I was scared and unsure going into this process but after the Community welcomed me with open arms I knew I was in the right place. Staff went above and beyond my expectations with how devoted their are to taking care of us. I felt safe and comfortable to start my healing process. The psychiatrist is the best doctor I have ever worked with. I am forever thankful for this wonderful place in giving me a second chance at life.
Rachael Granger
10 months ago
I found SunCloud by Googling different outpatient treatment centers Per the request of my therapist and went with them because of their ratings. I did not know what to expect when coming into SunCloud, but as soon as I walked in, I knew I was in the right place. I was in the Naperville location, and they have both an adolescent and adult side, which includes all ages. SunCloud provides food M, W, and F for lunch, which is highly convenient as it removes the stress of figuring out what you will eat and saves you money. The therapists, front desk, and RN staff are exceptionally kind and supportive. They all want the best for every person there and recognize even the most minor accomplishments. There is a daily 1.5-hour process group where it truly feels so safe and comfortable to share whatever is on your mind/you are going through.
Peers provide feedback or listen if that is what you need. The therapists are good at prompting if you need them and always allow patients to choose whether they want to share. There are psych. Ed. Groups after lunch where we learn different DBT skills or play games to engage in mindfulness. You also meet with a therapist and psychiatrist once a week one-on-one in addition to groups. I have met some of the best people at SunCloud. There is nothing like being in a place full of people to recover or better themselves and accept each other with non-judgment and love. I created lifelong friendships, and being there even inspired me to get my masters in social work. I never wanted to leave. Whether you are struggling with substance abuse, grief, eating disorders, or complex trauma, the community is SO important. The support is unmatched. Once you graduate from the program, there is an alum and outpatient group, so the support never stops. I miss coming in every day! Thank you so much SunCloud!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Warriors Heart in Bandera, TX was the safest spot I could’ve landed when my life was burning down. I came in drowning in booze, broken from childhood abuse, combat PTSD, and straight rage. They gave me the tools to start building something solid out of all that wreckage.
Biggest lesson for me was Ego. I thought I had one, maybe two. Nah, I had a fleet of them! All those past traumas twisting up and firing off as anger. Warriors Heart helped me see it, strip it down, and start putting in the real work.
Most of the staff are real ones, and they show up every day with wisdom, patience, and love.
It wasnt a magic fix. But it’s where the construction starts, new foundations can be started, and for me, that made all the difference. 🙏
Sharpe_Actl
3 weeks ago
I can't express enough how greatful I am to these wonderful people and the huge heart they have. They spend everyday looking out for and taking care of Warriors who are lost and seeking peace and stability in their lives.
Tom Spooner and the staff at WH are wonderful people who truly care about the Warriors they serve!
Thanks for everything!
Bill schnarr
3 months ago
9 months. DJ from MN...hi to the team, appreciate the support, the community is real there, build the foundation, and use the tools when needed. CRs are the gatekeepers, keep it up!
Medical team and those within the walls there, you make the day better, especially with the Ws when you run out of M&Ms...
Bubblicious
Beautiful Facility, Staff was mostly friendly, professional & helpful. Most patients were nice; few bad apples; but expected. Learned a lot & really glad I went. I would highly recommend it to others. 👍😎 Martin
Martin Dodge
3 months ago
This place was amazing it really changed my life 70 days sober now
John Dasher
8 months ago
Thee best experience in recovery I've ever had. If anyone needs help with drug or alcohol addiction please call Serenity Springs. Their staff is amazing.
AlcoholismDrug AddictionDual DiagnosisMental Health and Substance AbuseOpioid AddictionSubstance Abuse
Adult ProgramYoung Adult Program
Private InsuranceSelf-Pay Options
Thankyou Calvery team family !! I was so scared to come in but ..
The staff were so nice & supportive I really enjoyed my time there they really DO CARE ! One thing intake REALLY long all the paper work is a little overwhelming but ... I came on Sunday visiting day so perhaps that's why ?? Idk but ..once done was smooth sailing I have never been to detox so it was a really good experience for me also I didn't know that I was suppose to ask doc everyday about meds to be sure on same page I didn't get it till release day but ...all good !! The food is amazing there too 😋 I almost wanted to stay just for the food lol thankyou again im on the road & feel the best ove felt in ALONG time never going back there thankyou again coby Patricia sellers
Pat Sellers
2 weeks ago
I had an awesome experience working with Calvary. The staff is responsive and clearly dedicated to helping the people they serve!
Tony Fedrizzi
3 weeks ago
Owe this place my life! Great place and amazing staff!
Relevance Treatment Center was a necessary step in my recovery to secure sobriety and live a life worth living. Their PHP, IOP programs helped me to regain tools and skills to support my mental & physical health. I have been struggling very much and when I arrived, I was met with the upmost respect, care, support and kindness. It is a comfortable & safe environment for those struggling with mental health issues, substance addictions, etc. and it is all owed to the loving staff. In their own respective manners, the amazingly sweet receptionist LeaAnn made the environment feel warm and friendly from the very beginning, she always said good morning and how is your day, truly caring about how you felt and being honest, it was hard for her not to make your day better. The technician and maintenance team involving the hilarious and comforting Joe & Rob would always find a solution to any of our needs and make us priority #1, yet would always have some time to talk and joke around with us during our groups in between groups. They are tremendous and I thank them for making rough days better. Words cannot describe the level of care and effort put by the clinical team, but Chelsea, Gracie, Henry, Monika, Josh, Julie & Victoria (Both case managers who helped individual clients with housing, financial, income, etc.) were monumental in my recovery and ability to cope with my issues in life. I am grateful for the work they do and their passion behind every intent. I felt validated everyday and I cannot thank them enough. The medical team including Dr. Paul Gazzara, nurse practitioner Latifah Oparison & Nurse Patty were incredibly helpful and understanding in the medications that were necessary for me in my beginning stages of recovery. Everyone in the admissions team including John, Gina, Dan & Tabitha made the initial steps very easy to grasp and helped throughout the way. They helped majorly ease any financial burden. Clinical directors Jess & Melanie deal with a lot of work and not often did I see them, yet they always made time for anyone to come and talk about any issues or just to have a conversation with them. They are incredibly kind and amazing at their field of work, they care and I am very grateful. Would definitely recommend for those who have or are currently with mental health/substance abuse. In my experience of rehab centers, detox, sober living, this has been one of the greatest.
vedant
1 month ago
Despite after reading some negative reviews, both my daughter, Elizabeth, and I cannot say enough about Relavance !
From the first phone call I received from Gina, & completing my intake with Leah Ryan, on 2/10/25, both my daughter, and I knew, this was the solution for me to get better.❤️🩹
From day one, everyone in this facility made me feel welcomed, important, and not to mention , safe enough to open up, share my heartaches, without being judge or embarrassed.
I have learned so much about myself, and for the first time, in a very long time, not only am I “Worthy,” but I am “Important,” and I don’t need a supplement of any kind to achieve this.
When people say, “First impressions mean the most,” what I experienced on my first day. It made all the difference to my world.
I have, and will continue to recommend Relevance House in Freehold New Jersey, to anyone who is seeking help.
“I’m not just a spokesperson, I am a client 😜” Did I mention most of the staff got my sense of humor.
Thanking you from the bottom of both my daughter, Elizabeth, and my heart ♥️
Annette Thornton
Annette Thornton
1 month ago
I'm writing this review to express my sincere appreciation for Chris Vallecillo, a clinician who truly made a difference in my treatment at Relevance. I worked with Chris for a significant period, and his approach to therapy was incredibly effective for me.
Chris has a unique ability to connect with you on a personal level while maintaining a professional and insightful demeanor. He created a comfortable and trusting environment where I felt safe to openly discuss my challenges. His guidance was always practical and actionable, helping me develop coping mechanisms and strategies that genuinely improved my well-being. I particularly valued his ability to listen intently and offer perspectives that I hadn't considered, which was crucial for my progress.
I was genuinely disappointed to learn that Chris is no longer working at Relevance. His departure is a significant loss for the facility, as his expertise and compassionate approach are truly exceptional. For anyone seeking a clinician who is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to their patients' success, Chris Vallecillo is, in my experience, outstanding. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and hope that others will have the opportunity to benefit from his incredible support as I did.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When Would I Use VA Community Care Instead of the VA Hospital?
There are several circumstances under which you would use the VA Community Care services instead of a VA facility. Typically it involves the availability of service, timeliness of care, and geographic convenience.
You might receive care from a CCN provider if services are not available at your local VA facility or if you live in a location far from a VA facility. When the wait time to receive care is beyond 20 days for mental health services and when you and your health care clinician agree that care from community providers is in your best interest you might be eligible for CCN treatment.
Veterans in a U.S. state or territory without a full service VA medical facility are also eligible for care from local community providers. When the wait time for a service is longer than the standard wait time you’re eligible to seek care from a community provider. Another reason you and your VA clinician may agree that getting care from a community provider is in your best medical interest might be that the nature of the treatment or the expertise available in the community that differs greatly from the expertise available in the VA facility.
Community Care Networks are split across five regions in the U.S. You can receive rehabilitation and behavioral health therapy from community providers. They also cover complementary and integrative health services from in network community providers when the treatment is approved by your VA health team. Some of these integrative services may also be used in substance use disorder treatment such as relaxation techniques and biofeedback or even hypnotherapy.
You are advised to consult with your VA primary care provider so you better understand your eligibility under the Community Care program. Your VA provider can initiate the referral process when you meet eligibility requirements.
What Type of Inpatient Rehab Does VA Community Care Cover?
VA Community Care can cover inpatient substance use disorder treatment when it’s medically appropriate for you.
One criterion that may be used for inpatient or residential care is the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) assessment. This is a comprehensive set of guidelines used for assessment and treatment planning as well as identifying the appropriate level of care. These criteria include your current state of intoxication and potential for withdrawal issues as well as physical health issues and mental health conditions. The assessment also looks at your emotional stability and readiness and interest in changing your substance use behavior.
Once you begin treatment inpatient care may first focus on medical detoxification. Detox may use FDA cleared prescription drugs to reduce the effects of withdrawal. After the addictive substance has left your body you are transitioned into evidence based treatments to address your substance use disorder and mental health condition.
Treatment during inpatient or residential rehab can include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy along with motivational interviewing. Treatments are intended to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that support addictive behavior and change those to develop healthier coping strategies.
What Type of Outpatient Addiction Treatment Does VA Community Care Cover?
CCN provides care after it’s approved by your VA healthcare provider and the Community Care Department. A treatment center will perform a comprehensive initial evaluation that helps identify the level of care needed. Your initial treatment may begin in an outpatient addiction program. These programs typically use many of the same therapies offered during an inpatient program but the treatment is less intensive.
Three levels of outpatient care might be covered. The first is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) that provides intensive and highly structured treatment and allows you to go home in the evenings. These programs are sometimes called day programs.
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers greater flexibility while still providing evidence based therapies to address substance use disorders and mental health conditions. You attend fewer hours per week and often have time to meet some of your work and school obligations.
Finally, you may graduate to a general outpatient care program in which you receive outpatient therapy once or twice weekly, including in individual and group therapy settings.
Does VA Community Care Cover Methadone & Suboxone (MAT)?
The VA has been covering some form of medication assisted treatment (MAT) since 2006. MAT can be used during medical detoxification to reduce symptoms of withdrawal and during ongoing treatment for opioid and alcohol use to reduce cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
The type of medication prescribed depends on the addictive substance. For example, opioid use disorder treatment may include methadone or buprenorphine. A program may also use a combination of buprenorphine and Naltrexone called Suboxone. Alcohol use disorder may be treated with disulfiram or naltrexone or topiramate. Each of these drugs helps you stay stable during treatment and reduces the risk of relapse and overdose deaths.
Does Addiction Treatment Need to Be In Network?
To receive addiction treatment using your VA insurance you must use a VA clinic or get approval for treatment from an approved CCN. Although the VA may assist you with reimbursement for emergency urgent care from an out of network provider, addiction treatment does not generally fall under the category of emergency care.
In certain circumstances you may be able to receive non VA care if you are covered by a second non VA insurance plan. At that point you would be using your non VA insurance as primary and would need to follow the requirements and use the network of that plan.
You must work closely with the treatment center and your insurance providers to understand the requirements for coverage and how to submit claims. In some cases your secondary insurance provider may require a rejection from the VA system before they pay for services.
Does VA Community Care Cover Other Mental Healthcare?
The VA takes mental health care seriously and allows you to receive care from CCN approved providers after approval from VA health services. When you’re unable to get to a VA in person to receive mental health care they also offer an online self help portal and smartphone apps along with telemedicine health programs. When this is not enough CCN healthcare providers can offer crisis support and traditional outpatient therapy for mental health conditions and co occurring disorders.
Co occurring mental health conditions are common with substance use disorders and addiction. This is called a dual diagnosis and requires an integrated approach to care in which both disorders are treated simultaneously to achieve greater success and long term recovery. Mental health conditions can range from anxiety to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans may also have issues with military sexual trauma or domestic violence or living with a disability.
What to Do if VA Community Care Won’t Cover the Cost of Rehab
The first step to getting care for substance use disorders and mental health conditions is to work with your VA primary care physician. If the VA is unable to meet your needs you may receive a referral to a CCN network provider. If your addiction or mental health condition does not meet VA criteria you may need to cover the cost of rehab yourself. There are several steps you can take to seek financial assistance.
You may qualify for Medicaid which will help cover the cost of addiction and treatment for mental health conditions. If you or your partner has another health insurance policy you may be able to receive care outside of the CCN and VA network. Many treatment centers have financial counselors who are willing to work with you to find financial assistance to help pay for treatment. Some centers offer sliding scale fees or payment plans when you qualify. Treatment centers that accept federal block grants may have scholarships or grants that do not need to be repaid to cover the cost of treatment.
Crowdfunding or personal loans or friends and family may also help cover costs. You can also consider other low cost rehabilitation facilities such as county or state run programs or nonprofit faith based programs or a program like the Salvation Army that allows you to work instead of paying for treatment.
It’s important to know that not all programs offer the same level of quality care. Check the facility’s accreditation which indicates they met a national standard of care and make sure they are staffed by licensed professionals. You’ll also want to check online reviews. Not all online reviews are entirely accurate so it’s important to look at them as a whole rather than only one or two.
Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by a paid advertiser.
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.
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