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St. Cloud VA Medical Center

4801 Veterans Dr Saint Cloud, MN 56303
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Top 10 Rehab In Minnesota
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Top 10 Rehab In Saint Cloud
Saint Cloud VA Health Care System - VAMC MN 56303

About St. Cloud VA Medical Center

The St. Cloud VA Medical Center is a VA medical facility in St. Cloud, Minnesota that has a lot of different departments and specialties. One of those specialties is behavioral health care and mental health including addiction recovery. The facility is for military members and veterans and their families and it’s paid for by your VA benefits.

The addiction and mental health treatment here is outpatient therapy. They have group therapy and individual therapy here as well as family counseling to help your family recover from the effects of addiction too. They can also treat any co occurring mental health conditions you might have. As a VA clinic of course they specialize in treating mental health issues that often affect veterans like PTSD.

Through this treatment center, you can also access the other levels of care and treatment options in the VA’s addiction recovery program. That includes residential rehab and medically managed detox. They can also offer intensive outpatient programs with a structured group therapy schedule. If you have an opiate addiction they can also offer medications to help like methadone and buprenorphine.

I think the biggest benefit of this clinic and the VA’s treatment system in general is that your care is customized to you. For example, there are special programs for women veterans and for veterans who are homeless as well as a program for veterans returning from combat. Same-day treatment is available too so you can get help when you need it and they’ll provide ongoing relapse prevention therapy for as long as you need.

Latest Reviews

Jamie Barker
2 months ago on Google
5
What a change from the Hibbing and MPLS VA system. People smile and welcome you. People care here and give you treatment with pride and empathy
Deborah Whit
3 months ago on Google
1
Moved from Michigan to Minnesota.DO NOT GET TO C A DOCTOR only a Nurse practitioners who do not read your recordsI They claim I have no issues with my heart, contrary to what they said in Michigan. I have osteoporosis, my disability parking certificate is only good for one year, plus they didn't fill out the form completely had to be redone.I had an unnecessary procedure done via community care, now I have to have another one done. Incompetent medical staff. This needs to be investigated. Nurse on phone was very RUDE
Paula Flanagan
4 months ago on Google
5
I recently attended an office visit with my husband, the vet, and I noticed how friendly the employees were. Each employee that we passed in the hallway, looked up as we passed and either smiled or said hello. So refreshing to go into a place where staff seem to enjoy their job and work on creating a friendly environment.Well Done St. Cloud VA Employee's!!
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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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8.6 / 10

Location

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.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient
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 iconInpatient
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.
intensive-outpatient iconIntensive Outpatient
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 iconAftercare Support
Rehab aftercare programs provide robust, wraparound care for clients who have completed detox and/or intensive inpatient rehab. Their services may vary widely, but typically include peer coaching, relapse prevention support, 12 step program induction, career counseling, and related community reintegration services. The client's case manager and recovery team coordinates with the client to identify the rehab aftercare services they need to promote their sustained sobriety.
partial-hospitalization iconPartial Hospitalization Program
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.
medically-assisted-detox iconMedically Assisted Detox
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 addiction is defined as an inability to stop using drugs even though it causes negative consequences in your life. Drug rehab in Minnesota provides treatment for drug addiction in a variety of settings including inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment.

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-program thumbnail image
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.
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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.
lgbtq-program thumbnail image
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 thumbnail image
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).

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.

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.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

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.

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.

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.

Amenities

  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • car iconPrivate Transportation

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Jaime Areizaga-Soto

COB

Tanya Bradsher

Deputy Secretary

Richard J. Hipolit, JD

Principal Deputy General Counsel, Performing the Delegable Duties of the General Counsel

Margaret “Meg” Kabat

COS

Accreditations

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: 230508

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: 2382

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

Contact Information

Phone icon (320) 252-1670
Building icon

4801 Veterans Dr
St Cloud, MN 56303

Fact checked and written by:
Nikki Wisher, BA
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS

Rehab in Cities Near Saint Cloud

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Reviews of St. Cloud VA Medical Center

4.15/5 (103 reviews)
1
Staff
1
Amenities
5
Meals
1
Value
3
Cleanliness
5
98
4
18
3
3
2
6
1
22

Reviews

1
Neglected and abandoned

Admitted 19Jan2024 and given a bloody nose to be told I don't have covid. They then admitted me to a dorm with positive cases. When I reported the unsafe practice, I was deleted from the system and my discharge appointment fabricated. My care agent appointed at the time ... Read More

Rian A.
Reviewed on 10/19/2024
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
5
Value
1
Cleanliness
3
5

Beyond what I thought was possible. The staff listened and had solutions. The programs are diverse for any mental health issue. One of the best decisions I made in life.

Reviewed on 8/4/2019
1

They don't take care of the veteran here, that's a complete lie! They treat us as if we were in a retirement house for old useless people!

Reviewed on 2/26/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

4.2 (100 reviews)
Jeff Kloss
3 weeks ago
1

I jabent had too much of an issue with the VA here but just a few minutes ago I just had an appt line gal cut me off mid sentence and hang up on me. Not fricken happy at all!!!! I was giving them a courtesy call of a family emergency and that I was running late and got hung up on. Absolutely unprofessional and unacceptable!!! I'd like this followed up on!

Kari Meek
3 weeks ago
5

I have been so impressed with the level of care for my dad since we started coming here last January. Even though they are big, he ISN’T just a number like he thought. We visited urgent care today (May 2025) and they were spectacular. Thank you for understanding him and myself and being patient and kind. Always feel like they take their time and talk to us. Thanks again!!

Deb Gieseke
4 weeks ago
2

Normally, I would give the VA rave reviews, as my father has been going there for a lot of his medical things for many years. Today, however was a different case. The people at the front desk really didn't go out of their way to help us with a question we had, & the pharmacy check in person was COMPLETELY RUDE snarking comments at my father & I. And a nurse in the podiatry area was also rude. The only good people were the doctor & nurse who helped my dad. I hope these "attitudes" change by the next time we go there. If it weren't for veterans like my father, these people would not have their jobs.

Robert Lake
2 months ago
5

I have had excellent health care at St Cloud VA. I couldn’t remember the Doctor I had in the Optometrist’s dept. when I was asked about my visit in a survey. This is my attempt to answer that survey, It was Dr. David Malchow MD! He was a professional through and through. From his appearance, dress and mannerisms, he educated me, answered my questions and did it all with a smile. I give him my highest endorsement and say, “The Brainerd and St Cloud VA systems are indeed lucky to have him onboard. Thank You Doctor! ***** (5 stars).

Sunlight Bell
2 months ago
1

Today I called to ask a question and not only one but both women I spoke with were rude. 1st lady was laughing and talking to someone else as I was asking a question. The next lady asked me for my last name and Social Security number and I asked why and she blow up with a lot of attitude. I asked her why all the attitude? she got even more upset and hung up on my face. I was calling because I believe a veteran needs help and wanted to ask what steps I should take. But I got nothing. This place needs to find people that care to help.

Jamie Barker
2 months ago
5

What a change from the Hibbing and MPLS VA system. People smile and welcome you. People care here and give you treatment with pride and empathy

Deborah Whit
4 months ago
1

Moved from Michigan to Minnesota. DO NOT GET TO C A DOCTOR only a Nurse practitioners who do not read your recordsI They claim I have no issues with my heart, contrary to what they said in Michigan. I have osteoporosis, my disability parking certificate is only good for one year, plus they didn't fill out the form completely had to be redone.I had an unnecessary procedure done via community care, now I have to have another one done. Incompetent medical staff. This needs to be investigated. Nurse on phone was very RUDE

Paula Flanagan
4 months ago
5

I recently attended an office visit with my husband, the vet, and I noticed how friendly the employees were. Each employee that we passed in the hallway, looked up as we passed and either smiled or said hello. So refreshing to go into a place where staff seem to enjoy their job and work on creating a friendly environment. Well Done St. Cloud VA Employee's!!

Gilbert Garcia
4 months ago
2

It was ok

DANIEL BALL
5 months ago
5

The staff is always cheerful and friendly

nathan g rohlik
6 months ago
1

One a good note, my mental health doctors are very good as of recent, not so much in the past. The worst experience I had was when I had gout that was hard to detect. The general practitioner couldn't find it so I was seen by the podiatrist, he did not detect it either and gave me insoles for my shoes. I had to see a private doctor before it was detected. I would choose a private doctor over a VA doctor.

Robert Adams
7 months ago
5

Great staff. They are committed to help Vets. Very friendly. Love the VA.

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