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Atlanta VA Medical Center

1670 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
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Atlanta VA Health Care System - Medical Center GA 30033

About Atlanta VA Medical Center

Their programs offer some very important treatment options in individual counseling and group therapy. In many cases, individual counseling can be a very cathartic way to open up to your therapist about past experiences and learn from them, including identifying triggers and pinpointing the root causes of your issue. Group therapy, as the name suggests, gives you some peer support and helps you learn from the experience of others.

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Fact checked and written by:
Benjamin Cardenas
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Facility Overview

Bed icon 466
Number of Available Beds

Latest Reviews

Ingrid R. Lewis
4 weeks ago on Google
5
Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center I recently visited this center with a family member and was extremely impressed with the professionalism of the staff and the cleanliness of the entire facility. The level of respect and professional care shown was outstanding. I was very happy to see my family member, who has given over 20 years of service, treated so well.
Bret Cassagne
1 month ago on Google
1
Everyone, even the employees were some of the meanest people I’ve ever met at a VA. I was on crutches and they were rushing me, several people almost knocked me down as I made my way down the halls just because they wanted to pass and didn't give a damn about me. Patrons were walking around cursing and making a scene, employees were short, angry, and had the attitude that I was massively inconveniencing them. I was mean mugged, barked at, and spoken down to. This VA is one of those that really put into perspective how little we are cared about.
Harvey Davis
1 month ago on Google
5
That cafeteria is very good with a separate coffee and deli shop all have very reasonable prices 👌🏿
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Rehab Score

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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 MethodologyCaret icon
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7.2 / 10

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.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

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.

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 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 rehabs feature intensive clinical supervision and a highly structured and supportive environment, meaning they are especially well suited for clients in early recovery and those at risk of relapse. Clients reside at the treatment facility and engage in various therapeutic sessions throughout the day, including addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Many programs also offer evidence-based complementary therapies, such as meditation and massage.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

Aftercare, which is sometimes referred to as continuing care or relapse prevention, is a type of structured care meant to help you continue with the progress you've made after completing an addiction treatment program. Most of the time, you'll continue receiving support after a treatment program by partnering with their case managers and staff to identify and access the resources you need to remain sober.

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.

A drug intervention in Georgia is designed to encourage an individual to get the treatment they need. This effort aims to break through resistance and motivate the individual to get help. The process typically involves loved ones sharing their concerns with the individual and how their substance use has affected those who care about them. A professional interventionist can help guide this conversation and explain from the clinical side how treatment can be beneficial.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

24-hour clinical care in Georgia reduces the risks involved in detox and addiction treatment. Without access to professional medical care, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms that become life threatening. For example, alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens, confusion, and cardiac symptoms. Without medical supervision to step in, these symptoms could potentially turn fatal.

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

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.

A quality drug rehab in Georgia can help you overcome addiction. This environment is designed to help you address the complex issues contributing to drug dependence. The goal of treatment is to give you the tools you need to make a full 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 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 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.

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.

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.

While each person is unique, the typical length for dialectical behavior therapy is six months to a year. You'll attend weekly hour long individual sessions with your therapist, as well as weekly group sessions. Homework between sessions often includes keeping a diary to track your emotions and behaviors. Your therapist uses this diary to guide the focus of each session.

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 (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By incorporating recreational therapy into an addiction treatment program in Georgia, you learn to discover new interests and develop health and healthy coping mechanisms. Activities could include painting, group sports, or yoga. These encourage social interaction and support your physical fitness, which are vital factors in a successful recovery journey.

Amenities

  • car iconPrivate Transportation
  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private-room iconPrivate Rooms

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Denis R. McDonough

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Tanya Bradsher

Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Jaime Areizaga-Soto

Chairman of the Board

Kurt DelBene

Assistant Secretary for Information & Technology & CIO

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
Accreditation Number: 288737

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: 4615

Contact Information

Building icon

1670 Clairmont Road
Decatur GA, 30033

Explore Other Centers Near Decatur

Reviews of Atlanta VA Medical Center

2.7/5 (969 reviews)
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Google Reviews

2.7 (969 reviews)
Eugene Mosley
1 week ago
5

John Borg
1 week ago
2

Denise Garrin
1 week ago
5

We have had only good experiences here.

M Blocker
2 weeks ago
1

I moved into a Roach and Mold filled Meadow Crossing Apt. Conyers, Ga. I broke the lease. Went to court Feb 2020 and paid Thirteen Hundred plus Dollar fine. About a week later got email reading fine not paid. I went to Ga. Own credit union got copy of cashed cashiers check. Fast forward Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 2024 my credit score 741. Dec. 2024 credit score 575. Can't get Mortgage or a Safe, Sound, Sanitary Apt. I became Homeless. Mar. 2025 VA appt. Gave blood did all I was supposed to. Nurse Lozano condescending. I asked to be changed. I waited. Lozano called said how she really cared about my health. I replied; then why didn't you order my meds? All the requested tests had been performed therefore you had all the info you needed to order the meds. Went to patient Advocate July 2025. Nothing. Went to emergency room 3 times for meds. Synovus agreed to give me Mortgage Aug 2025. Closed Truist acct. moved VA back pay cash to Synovus. Sept. 18, 2025 I go to Synovus am told note on acct from "back office". I go inside, I am told Synovus no longer wants a relationship with me because I am a Criminal getting my money via criminal activities. Can't have partial withdrawal, take all money today and close acct. or comeback Oct 1, 2025 get money and close acct. I said give me my money and close acct today they say show me ID with address you used to open acct. I explain I am homeless use that address. Back to the VA. My Disability Benefits are on Suspension October 1, 2025 (no VA disability pay). They say they have no proof I am Alive. I call in. Was going to emergency room. But would not go to Lozano appts. That were finally switched to another clinic in Sept. 2025. They know I am homeless. Conyers, Ga main post office returned my mail after I met with Lozano. Then informed me I could no longer receive mail at that post office. Unbelievable isn't it. But all true. Told VA everything as it happened. They never interceded on my behalf for any of these issues. It should make all that read this think. There is nothing I can do but let all know what I and most likely other Disabled Veterans are being subjected to. Police come to where I park at night. I believe they report back to VA. If not there is something seriously wrong with those here if all I have been put through is a coincidence and not coordinated. I am 68 years old. Colored. Disabled. Walk with a limp. Isn't this something?

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