800-784-1361
I've always received fantastic care here, they have helped me many times. I like how well kept the facility is and how nice is the staff. However, they tend to overbook patients, so the wait to be seen is way too long.
About Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
The Tucson VA Medical Center operates under the greater Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System located in Tucson, Arizona. This is a full service medical center that offers round the clock care to veterans and their families.
If you’re struggling with a substance abuse disorder or have a co-occurring mental health condition, you’ll find comprehensive treatment here. Services include detox, medication assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient treatment, and outpatient services. They accept VA benefits here.
Supportive Care For Your Whole Family
Their services extend beyond just addressing the needs of veterans. Family members are equally valued as well, whether you have a family member who’s receiving care or a loved one who’s there to offer moral support and encouragement. One way they support families is through their lodging options on campus. Family can stay here free of charge while you receive inpatient medical treatment.
Transportation services are also available to help you and your family members get to and from the clinic as well.
Wraparound Addiction Recovery Treatment
As a full scale medical facility, you’ll find that the services here are approached from a clinical perspective. Counseling is coupled with MAT if necessary, and integrative healthcare will be a part of your treatment process too.
There is a primary care department on site and your treatment plan might include guidance from your VA primary health care provider or behavioral health specialists through the mental health department.
This type of collaborative care helps to address your addiction struggles from all facets of your health profile, not just your substance abuse recovery needs.
Specialized Services
As a larger medical campus, you’ll have the benefit of easy access to a variety of specialized services. For example, there are services for homeless vets, vets who’ve endured trauma including sexual abuse, women, and those who are members of the LGBTQ community. There are many other specialized services here and your recovery team can deter
Latest Reviews
I've been coming to this hospital for 10 years. Originally from Philadelphia , I came out here because Philadelphia was busy busy busy. Here was the first time anybody said thank you for your service. They were unbelievably understanding as I muddled through what my problems were. The doctor treated me as an adult and didn't pull any punches. I've been told the truth and treat it with dignity and respect every step of the way. My psychiatrist was so good that they moved her into administration. I've always gotten the help I need and I speak to my psychiatrist regularly every 90 days. They keep track of my medication and upon my scheduled visits I'm told about extra activities or therapies that I could be a part of that would be helpful for my spine injury and my mental health. I don't know where I would be without them today. Thanks SAVACHS, you guys are squared away.
After trying to address grave concerns at lower levels, including the patient advocate, I was left feeling so upset that our local Tucson VA was not treating me appropriately.
Luckily the Tucson VA was slated to hold a virtual town hall a week after I had a traumatic experience at the VA so I thought this would be a great opportunity to address leadership since it wasnt being addressed at the lower levels.
The virtual town hall, headed by interim director Maria Nguyen, was a farce!
Firstly, the preset settings for the online meeting included no camera or microphone options for veterans in attendance. In essence, we are just a faceless box in the Microsoft Teams Meeting. Such a disservice and a slap in the face to US veterans who did show up and wanted to be seen and heard.
I kept writing in the chatbox if there will be an opportunity for veterans to be unmuted so we can address leadership, AKA Maria Nguyen who was hosting this town hall, but the public affairs personnel just kept saying "if you have questions email me at" this email address. Despite me asking numerous times he never answered my question.
At the end there was a question and answer portion where only certain questions were handpicked from the chatbox and answered. Keep in mind there were only like eight veterans in this virtual Town Hall and only three of us were asking questions.
I kept asking Maria Nguyen when she will host an in-person Town Hall. It was the only question in the chat box at the time and it just kept on getting ignored. I rewrote the question and posted it again in the chat box when then I was kicked out of the virtual Town Hall by the host.
As interim director at the Tucson VA, Maria Nguyen had the opportunity to set the tone and take questions from veterans. She failed time and time again as she sat there on camera motionless and speechless (deer in headlights) as I asked questions directed at her.
At this point, I called the main VA phone number and press 0 for the operator. I told the operator that I'm wanting to speak to someone in the leadership office, probably someone's secretary, but someone in the leadership office nonetheless because clearly the town hall did not work out. The operator told me that they have been instructed not to transfer veterans to leadership but instead transfer them to Patient experience, which was not what I was wanting.
Sad to realize Maria Nguyen has set up a system in the hospital where she is untouchable, won't address veteran concerns, and hides from those seeking accountability!
Trying to do too much with insufficient resources to do anything?
I went through a mental health crisis and reached out, sending secure messages, emails, and/or leaving voicemails for:
The Suicide Prevention Coordinator,
The VA Community Mental Health Point of Contact,
Two different patient advocates.
That was on Monday 5/9. As of today 5/12 I have not heard back from any one of them. Not one!
I've got nothing good to say about Tucson's mental health services or their communication skills in general.
Fail.
Shut it down. Put us all in a Veteran's Choice Program. And let us take our chances in the community.
EDIT 05/09/2025: Under the sub-topic of failure to communicate, someone keeps calling me from X-5698. but Verizon fails to ID the source, so I won't answer if I don't recognize it. To their credit, whomever is calling *IS* leaving a message. That's how I know it's from the VA. Now... In their infinite wisdom, Verizon can't and won't call the number back. Not to be easily thwarted, I eventually got through to the number by using the switchboard. The person that answered was surprised to get a call on a "direct line". (BTW, "Hello?" is *not* proper telephone etiquette.) But then, why am I calling a direct line? OTOH, why are you calling me from a direct line and leaving a message if you don't expect me to call back???
Three ring circus. TBH, I feel sorry for the underlings that work there. "Management" seems to be a dismal afterthought at best. Worse case, everyone seems to be running on autopilot. Possibly waiting for the other orange shoe to drop. If you're lucky enough to be exposed to an individual still in possession of some sense of self-worth, it's a refreshing pleasure. If you get one that just stepped out of the shadows from the dark-side, well... please step aside and let me the hell out of here.
EDIT 08/18/2025: A lesson in telephone etiquette. I called to reach the hand surgery clinic. This how it went...
Her: "Hello?"
Me: "Hello?"
Her: "Can you hear me?"
Me: "Yes. Can you hear me?"
Her: "Yes."
......
Me: "Are you at the VA?"
Her: "Yes. This is the VA."
Me: "Thanks for verifying that."
I'd say this individual, though not alone, is in need of telephone etiquette training. This really isn't the place to leave a critique such as this, but the VA has made it damned near impossible to find a better place.
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Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
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.
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.
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.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient
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
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.
Partial 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.
Intervention Services
Intervention services helps family or friends of addicts stage an intervention, which is a meeting in which loved ones share their concerns and attempt to get an addict into treatment. Professional intervention specialists can help loved ones organize, gather, and communicate with an addict. They can guide intervention participants in describing the damage the addict's behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. The ideal outcome of an intervention is for the addict to go to rehab and get the help they need.
Aftercare Support
Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Intensive 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.
Medically 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.
12-Step
12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
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 Arizona is the process of treating individuals who are dependent on a particular addictive drug. Because addiction is complex, this treatment typically includes a variety of interventions that address the many physical and emotional issues involved.
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
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.
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
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
ECT is a form of treatment in which controlled electric currents are passed through the brain, sometimes causing short seizures. Treatments are done under general anesthesia. ECT appears to change brain chemistry for the better, and has been shown to provide fast and sometimes dramatic improvements in severe mental health conditions that can exist alongside addiction, including depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and suicidality. ECT is also often used by those who prefer it to taking medication.
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.
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.
Fitness therapy blends exercise with psychotherapy for a fun, inspiring, and effective way of treating addiction and other issues. By incorporating movement into counseling sessions, clients become more empowered, motivated, and goal-oriented, all while strengthening their bodies and becoming more flexible. Fitness Therapy is usually used to complement a course of treatment (inpatient or outpatient) to make it even more successful. Increasing the connection between a patient’s mind and body helps both with healing as well as in creating new, healthy habits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amenities
-
Residential Setting -
Private Setting -
Private Transportation
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Jennifer S. Gutowski, MHA, FACHE
Director
John B. Kettelle, MD
Chief of Staff
Maria Nguyen, MPH, FACHE
Associate Director
Jennifer K. Wasielewski, RN, BSN, MBA
Assistant Director
Curtis Cornelius, DDS
Deputy Chief of Staff
Cassandra A. Valdez, DNP, MHA, BSN, RN
Associate Director of Patient Care Services
Anna R. Bourguet, DNP, RN
Deputy Associate Director of Patient Care Services
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: 239195
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: 2636
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
3601 South 6th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85723
Get Help Now - 520-428-0475
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Fact checked and written by:
Nadia El-Yaouti, M. Ed.
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS
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