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Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center

3701 Loop Road East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
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Top 10 Rehab In Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center AL 35404

About Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center

The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center (TVMC) is a full service medical facility that also provides behavioral health care to veterans, active military and their relatives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is the main center of care for the Greater Tuscaloosa region with a satellite clinic in Selma. Overall, the VA offers an expansive range of substance use disorder (SUD) treatments however individual locations do not list specific details.

While the general TVMC requires an appointment or a referral, this location also offers a Sick Call Clinic which is designed as a stop gap measure since TVMC does not have an emergency room. If you need immediate assistance whether for a medical or mental health emergency, the Sick Call Clinic will accept walk ins weekdays from 8AM to 3PM.

Safe Detox Solutions

The VA has a robust detox program which includes medication assisted treatment (MAT). This is designed to slowly wean you off of harsher substances while also reducing withdrawal symptoms and physical health complications that can sometimes occur. MAT can be used forΩ opioid and alcohol detox.

Robust Counseling and Therapy Solutions

For most people, getting sober is just the first step in a long journey towards recovery. To help you and ensure you’re not walking alone, the VA provides a variety of counseling methods to meet your needs.

This can include self-help groups along with individual, family, and group sessions. You can also take advantage of demographic specific programs such as those designed for women, individuals facing homelessness, and veterans returning to combat. If needed, the VA supports dual diagnosis care, especially for conditions such as depression or PTSD which can trigger SUD.

Customized Care

Most people recovering from SUD will continue to need support even once an addiction program is completed. TVMC provides residential and continuing care if you need it. The VA accepts TRICARE, Medicare and Medicaid, and private insurance.

Latest Reviews

Surnell Latham
2 months ago on Google
1
I m a veteran 100% disabled . I was 40 when I became unemployable. I noticed my treatment at some clinics wasn t fair. I asked my primary physician about a handicap placard. I was meet with do you have a assistive device. My reply wheelchair walker cane and crutches. She was too lazy to look at my record my legs and ankles were crushed in a motor vehicle accident. I m full of hardware. She relented and did the form for a placard. Not only did she need to read my records just simple observation would have made it obvious. My gait is unstable. Next event I was having an ankle replacement surgery starting messaging her in September about a wheelchair. My surgery was in January my messages and calls were ignored. I don t want to talk about that the primary I was given after I complained. I only want what I m entitled nothing more. I served proudly and completed my tour of duty. Just because I don t fit the typical mold of a totally disabled veteran. I m black and young and female. It s not fair that people are in positions treating certain veterans differently than others is beyond ridiculous. I had to drill in her head I was 100% She had the audacity to question that. Also I felt she would not have asked a caucasian the same question. Once again I don t want special treatment I want the treatment that is entitled to me under our constitution. No one should feel looked over especially when they are providing you medical treatment. I have been treated so poorly and no repercussions were ever given. It makes me feel like I don t matter. I have worked since the age of 16 to the age of 39. I was unable to work after my legs were crushed. I m blessed to be able to walk. I told her about my constant pain and it never was addressed. On both legs I have metal rods from the knee down wouldn t it be obvious that I would be in pain. Nobody cares they insinuate that I am drug seeking. I can t be drug seeking I don t want narcotics I want naproxen metoprolol. But they are so dismissive about it. I don t want to ever go to Tuscaloosa VA for primary care ever. I rather find a medical professional that is caring,compassion competent and professional!
Chadwick Willingham
7 months ago on Google
1
They have a nurse named Rochelle c Riddle that works on the 4th floor, I have asked her for Tylenol she would shut the med room door and walk away, I had a med review, she told me I had to come back when a different nurse was there bc she didn't feel like doing it, I went today to get my meds , we can go a hour early or hour late I was 30 min early, she got mad bc I came early, either she is racist or lazy , could be a combination of both , how do you get paid for doing nothing? They have a case manager named Cassandra Williams, I have seen her twice I've been here over a month , if you care about your health or sobriety then don't come here, there is some more staff there that gets rude and disrespectful, nurse Abernathy told me she wasn't going to give me my meds I had to wait on the next nurse because she didn't want to do anything. I thought it was what she got paid for? If they can't do their jobs why are taxpayers money paying them , now that president trump has been elected maybe he will fire them , last time he was in office he was firing va staff like them , not all the staff are bad , but the bad one's are making it hard on the patients and actions need to be done, they won't tell the patients their name's so they won't get in trouble, the good staff needs to start banning together and help get rid of the lazy , disrespectful and bully one's, id never go back to the program there....
Rocky Redding
7 months ago on Google
1
They are no help in giving you information on a contact for disability and I drove a hour yesterday to pickup a prescription and they mailed it after calling me to come pick it up. I feel they just don't care.I like my primary doctor and mental health teem but that's it. They are rude at the front desk and don't seem to care about anything you say to them. Red tape!! They have lost my disability paperwork twice and all my current records over the past TWO YEARS!!!! THIS IS REDICULAS!!! SAD SERVICE. I have also been out of my blood pressure medicine for 6 days and can't get a call back from anyone!! October 8th 2024..also i was told to pick up another RX on the 24th at the VA and instead they mailed it again, so I will be out tomorrow and wait 10 days to get it in the mail.. this is a mental health medication and the withdrawal should be a lot of fun!!
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8.1 / 10

Location

Other Forms of Payment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
24-hour icon24-Hour Clinical Care
At certain points in the recovery process, it's important to have medical support available around the clock, and 24-hour clinical care in Alabama offers a safe environment in which you can begin your recovery journey. This feature offers constant supervision in situations like medical detox, where a team of professionals are on hand to ensure the withdrawal processs is performed safely and comfortably.

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 Alabama provides medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for drug dependency. Methods of treatment often include a combination of medication, counseling, and recreational therapies.

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.
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.

Clinical Services

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.

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.

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.

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

  • car iconPrivate Transportation
  • spa2 iconYoga Studio
  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private iconPrivate Setting

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Jaime Areizaga-Soto

Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Richard J. Hipolit, JD

Acting General Counsel

Margaret “Meg” Kabat

VA Chief of Staff

Michael D. Parrish, PhD

Chief Acquisition Officer and Principal Executive Director

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: 227466

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: 1676

Contact Information

Phone icon (205) 554-2000
Building icon

3701 Loop Road East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS

Rehab in Cities Near Tuscaloosa

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Reviews of Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center

3.91/5 (70 reviews)
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Reviews

4.5

Professional and respectful staff, They made me feel comfortable with every process; the counselors were nice and understanding! Good place!

Reviewed on 2/28/2019
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.9 (69 reviews)
JoeZapMB
1 week ago
5

I was there at the inpatient PTSD program from March until May. I had a very positive experience while there. The medical staff was always polite to me as well as any of the other staff members I met. I never felt like I was a problem or a burden or causing them an inconvenience when I asked for something. This VA helped save my life and give me the foundation to lay my new mental health journey upon. My case worker Robin S. was aces! Helped me selected a class schedule-work load that was focused on PTSD. The only issue I had was the food. The food was horrible but the dietician’s did work with me to change up my personal menu. There are rules in place for the resident and the rules will not be violated without repercussions. I kept my head down, minded my own business and walked so much around the campus in my down time. Those 7 weeks flew by. You can have Amazon prime deliver things to you for your stay and your allowed door dash. There are random drug screenings and breathalyzers as part of the stay. These are mandatory not suggested. Be involved in your care and you will have a great experience. Be a problem and you’re gonna get treated as such. Thank you to everyone who helped me to get there, while I was there and the after discharge phone calls to check up on me. I am one appreciative veteran.

Arnold Garrett
2 weeks ago
5

Great job. Love the folks. They try to be as accommodating as possible. Shout out to Tony in mental health

Rocky Redding
1 month ago
1

Too many problems to list!! I'm changing my care to Birmingham! My primary and mental health doctors can't seen to return calls and refill my prescription on time after 6 calls. I'm done with these people.

Surnell Latham
2 months ago
1

I’m a veteran 100% disabled . I was 40 when I became unemployable. I noticed my treatment at some clinics wasn’t fair. I asked my primary physician about a handicap placard. I was meet with do you have a assistive device. My reply wheelchair walker cane and crutches. She was too lazy to look at my record my legs and ankles were crushed in a motor vehicle accident. I’m full of hardware. She relented and did the form for a placard. Not only did she need to read my records just simple observation would have made it obvious. My gait is unstable. Next event I was having an ankle replacement surgery starting messaging her in September about a wheelchair. My surgery was in January my messages and calls were ignored. I don’t want to talk about that the primary I was given after I complained. I only want what I’m entitled nothing more. I served proudly and completed my tour of duty. Just because I don’t fit the typical mold of a totally disabled veteran. I’m black and young and female. It’s not fair that people are in positions treating certain veterans differently than others is beyond ridiculous. I had to drill in her head I was 100% She had the audacity to question that. Also I felt she would not have asked a caucasian the same question. Once again I don’t want special treatment I want the treatment that is entitled to me under our constitution. No one should feel looked over especially when they are providing you medical treatment. I have been treated so poorly and no repercussions were ever given. It makes me feel like I don’t matter. I have worked since the age of 16 to the age of 39. I was unable to work after my legs were crushed. I’m blessed to be able to walk. I told her about my constant pain and it never was addressed. On both legs I have metal rods from the knee down wouldn’t it be obvious that I would be in pain. Nobody cares they insinuate that I am drug seeking. I can’t be drug seeking I don’t want narcotics I want naproxen metoprolol. But they are so dismissive about it. I don’t want to ever go to Tuscaloosa VA for primary care ever. I rather find a medical professional that is caring,compassion competent and professional!

Randy Hudgins
4 months ago
4

Chadwick Willingham
7 months ago
1

They have a nurse named Rochelle c Riddle that works on the 4th floor, I have asked her for Tylenol she would shut the med room door and walk away, I had a med review, she told me I had to come back when a different nurse was there bc she didn't feel like doing it, I went today to get my meds , we can go a hour early or hour late I was 30 min early, she got mad bc I came early, either she is racist or lazy , could be a combination of both , how do you get paid for doing nothing? They have a case manager named Cassandra Williams, I have seen her twice I've been here over a month , if you care about your health or sobriety then don't come here, there is some more staff there that gets rude and disrespectful, nurse Abernathy told me she wasn't going to give me my meds I had to wait on the next nurse because she didn't want to do anything. I thought it was what she got paid for? If they can't do their jobs why are taxpayers money paying them , now that president trump has been elected maybe he will fire them , last time he was in office he was firing va staff like them , not all the staff are bad , but the bad one's are making it hard on the patients and actions need to be done, they won't tell the patients their name's so they won't get in trouble, the good staff needs to start banning together and help get rid of the lazy , disrespectful and bully one's, id never go back to the program there....

Jeffrey Crowe
8 months ago
5

Jesse Cordell
8 months ago
1

By far the worst experience of my life every time I visit here. This place is a Joke and no department is worse than the lab. 20 people in the waiting room and they're back there cracking up taking 1 person at a time. It's truly pathetic how this place operates! I'd be ashamed to have my business operate like this!

Dewey Wallace
8 months ago
5

It is a great place and it saved my life. Mental health has the best Doctors and Nurses I've ever felt with. They will help you in any way they can

Dale Carper
9 months ago
1

I applied for health care. It was denied reason being I get 32,000 a year. They make to hard and to much red tape to get care anyway. Plus I was exposed to agent orange. I'm having issues that my be from that. Not like I'm asking for anything I did'nt deserve. No wonder so many private agencies are taking care of veterans. With out the help of government money.

T Mack
9 months ago
5

Murray C Colvin (Mur Dawg)
10 months ago
5

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