800-784-1361
My grandfather received treatment at this center and it was a completely negative experience for him since he felt how little the staff members cared for him, in about 2 months he didn't improve even a little bit.
About Kansas City VA Medical Center
Kansas City VA Medical Center exists to make a positive difference in the lives of the Veterans they serve by providing compassionate, comprehensive, and quality healthcare. Kansas City VA Medical Center promotes a community of integrity, respect, stewardship, and excellence by understanding and respecting the diversity of those whom they serve.
Some of the services offered by Kansas City VA Medical Center include Behavioral Health Care, Addiction Care, Chemical Dependency, Primary Care, Community Integration, Family Support, Inpatient Unit, Occupational Therapy, Outpatient Clinics, Pharmacy, Clinical Consulting Services, Peer Support, Physical Therapy, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Personal Care.
They also provide Veterans with Telehealth, for access to health care that is timely, more convenient and easier to access through the use of new healthcare technology including video conferencing and health monitoring devices that can connect patients to their health care team.
Latest Reviews
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at this hospital. The care they give my husband is excellent, they stay on top of his appointments, the staff is very knowledgeable and compassionate.
As a recently retired Army medic, my experiences at the Kansas City VA Medical Center (KCVA) have been challenging and frustrating.
BLUF: Only communicate with the VA via email to maintain a record of interactions. Customer service or accountability is an outlier here.
Below are the issues I’ve encountered across multiple departments:
1. Bariatric Care
I reported severe nausea and vomiting caused by my medication, which persisted despite significant dietary changes medications. My concerns were minimized, and my request for a medication change was dismissed. When I mentioned cannabis use (legal in my state), the provider instantly attributed my symptoms to Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) without conducting an evaluation or ruling out other possibilities.
Even after discontinuing cannabis, the symptoms persisted. Only when I had to change medications due to shortages did the symptoms stop, confirming the original medication was the cause. Despite this, the provider insisted I continue the same medication. I had to strongly advocate for an alternative, which was eventually approved but only after unnecessary complications.
I a separate occasion, after arriving late to an appointment due to getting lost (partly because appointment details weren’t entered), the dentist focused more on reprimanding me for tardiness than addressing my chipped tooth. When I described the issue, the response was, “What do you want me to do?”
As a patient, I sought professional care, not to have my concerns dismissed. This interaction left me uncertain whether my issue had been properly resolved.
3. Front Desk Issues
At the primary care front desk (far left desk, the only one open), the staff member avoided making eye contact until I raised my voice. When she finally acknowledged me, I was told my appointment was a phone appointment and instructed to leave and call in. I called from the parking lot, only for the doctor to tell me to come in person since I was there.
This Was unnecessary and caused significant frustration. As a result, I now avoid in-person visits whenever possible and request virtual appointments. However, I’ve been told primary care appointments at KCVA are rarely available virtually, further complicating care.
Patient Advocate Issues
The Patient Advocate’s role is to assist veterans, but my experiences have been dismissive and unhelpful. When I inquired about transferring my care to a clinic closer to my location, the response was essentially to research the facilities myself and submit a request. While the advocate was quick to state what wasn’t possible, no actionable guidance or meaningful support was provided.
When I raised concerns about incomplete appointment details in the VA app, which caused confusion and tardiness, the advocate told me to contact My HealtheVet or individual providers, despite my having already done so, and deflected any responsibility of addressing a systemic problem. This created a frustrating loop with no resolution, and the issue remains unresolved. Check your own appointments on the app and see for yourself.
In another instance, after I sent a detailed message outlining my concerns, the advocate’s response was a single dismissive sentence directing me to someone else. Meaningful responses only came when I explicitly requested escalation, and even then, they often avoided addressing specific complaints.
These experiences reveal systemic issues at KCVA, where staff seem more focused on deflecting responsibility than addressing veterans’ needs. The culture of deflection creates barriers to effective care, discouraging veterans from advocating for themselves. Veterans deserve better than being dismissed or left to navigate an unaccountable system alone.
KCVA’s gaps in communication, care coordination, and professionalism undermine trust and make it difficult for veterans to receive the care they deserve. Leadership must address these issues to improve accountability, service quality, and support for those who rely on VA care.
This hospital is mainly for Veterans not so much dependents just know that there are other VA Hospitals all throughout the country but this VA Hospital has been here in the Eastern Kansas City, Missouri area since the 1930’s and it has been renovated multiple times and has been under constructions for years they are willing to make the most of it just know that they give people fair warning when it comes to out patient care they will not always take there time to link your information from one center to another which is why it’s always worth getting more than one opinion to make sure that the person knew what they were talking about other times you would call ahead to keep people posted or to tell them to mail you anything to keep u aware of your appointments or other non-medical needs that needed to be met and it’s not too much to ask for if somebody file the paperwork just know that it depends on the person and if they really don’t care you shouldn’t care either just know that you can report or file a complaint against some of the employees that work there saying that they are not doing there job and some people don’t make there job easy it’s just letting you know there is a lack of evidence on why they won’t serve you or why they won’t treat you or why it seems unnecessary for all these other employees who work for the U.S. Federal Government to make it seem like this is a joke but in reality the joke is on them because they are so wrong for going against there creed or there motto that doesn’t fit the description of helping all these men and women who served and protected this country and yet they're suffering doesn’t go unrewarded I mean you cannot satisfy everyone and some people can’t get that through they’re heads they are just in it for a paycheck and if you have to check someone than check them I know my boundaries that I shouldn’t cross which is why I’ve got pretty high standards that have to be met so I wouldn’t lower myself messing around with a place who doesn’t want to make any mistakes or regrets on helping someone and you sure as hell don’t believe in taking something that somebody else needs more than you do it’s just the privilege if it’s not the privilege it’s the principal of why people make rules and if you don’t like them then you must leave and if you work some place and they don’t like there policies than you can quite and if you get fired that’s on you but that’s just my experience other’s may differ with this place other then that you will have to make the most of it 😎
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7.5 / 10
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rehab aftercare programs offer continuing care for clients in the maintenance phase of recovery and are designed to evolve over time. Outpatient treatment is generally categorized as drug rehab aftercare, but many clients continue to receive services after being discharged from formal care. These services are customized to clients' unique recovery goals, but typically include medical, mental health, and social services. Clients' case manager and recovery team play a key role in developing the client's care plan.
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.
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.
Drug rehab in Missouri usually involves several phases: detox, rehab, and aftercare. The rehab phase may include a combination of inpatient and outpatient treatments, as the individual moves through a continuum of care on their recovery journey.
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.
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.
Peer support within a group therapy session in Missouri allows you to interact with your peers who are also struggling with drug addiction. You can share your stories and learn how to express your emotions openly in a non judgmental setting. These strategies help to reduce your feelings of isolation which are often associated with addiction.
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.
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.
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.
Recreational therapy (aka therapeutic recreation) uses creative and fun activities to help with addiction recovery. Recreational therapists lead patients in entertaining and engaging activities like sports or games; art (drawing, painting, sculpture); drama, music, and dance; and/or community outings (field trips) to improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Amenities
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Residential Setting
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Paul Hopkins
Medical Center Director
Ryan Locascio
Interim Associate Director
Randall Livengood
Interim Assistant Director
Kimberly Johnson, MD
Chief of Staff
Kathleen Horne
Executive of High Reliability
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: 227482
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: 8354
Contact Information
4801 Linwood Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64128
Get Help Now - 816-892-9904
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