800-784-1361
Professional and respectful staff, They made me feel comfortable with every process; the counselors were nice and understanding! Good place!
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.
Fact checked and written by:
Dorian Smith-Garcia
Edited by:
Courtney Myers, MS
Latest Reviews
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. Also try and get a refill on COPD medicine and others. I call today and they said to go to sick call. Yeah that worked , not. DR. Smith my primary won't call me back as well.
Google the top VA hospital and see where Tuscaloosa ranks! I just got switched to the Birmingham location. I spoke to many others that also switched to Birmingham. Don't go the VA in Tuscaloosa. It's December 1st 2025! The VA Tuscaloosa took my entire disability check for past due co-pays on my prescriptions!!!! No notice at all!! It's Christmas almost and we're broke. Thank you jerks!!
I’m am very pleased with all care I receive from the VA hospital in Tuscaloosa everyone I have seen has been absolutely wonderful.
I have been going to the Tuscaloosa V.A. For some time now and irks me , when I try to call they never answer the phones at the information desk!!🤦🏽♀️ half the time there is barely anyone at the front desk.
I’m sure they not that busy!! When I walk past the desk they look like they are on their cell phones!!
Please do better for your vets start answering the phones!!
Rehab Score
Our Methodology
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 Methodology
7.4 / 10
Gallery
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 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.
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 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.
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
-
Private Transportation -
Yoga Studio -
Residential Setting -
Private 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
3701 Loop Road East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
Get Help Now - 334-316-9774
Sponsored Helpline
Sponsored Helpline
