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West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073
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VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System West Los Angeles VAMC CA 90073

About West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

If you’re seeking veterans services that can help you get your life back on track, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center may be just the thing you need. This Los Angeles, California, clinic offers both inpatient and outpatient levels of care. I was absolutely impressed with their wide range of services spanning mental health treatment, including addiction care, and plenty of other medical services and holistic therapies.

They have an adaptive sports program that lets you play seasonal sports in order to improve your independence and give you a better quality of life. They have inclusive sporting competitions, such as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the National Veterans Golden Age Games, and winter and summer sports clinics. They even have summer surf camps. This is such a great way to keep active and rehabilitate your body and your overall health while having fun and socializing with others.

They have an asthma and immunology unit that can administer skin tests and blood work in order to help identify allergies or help with immune system conditions. Their chiropractic care can help with spinal manipulative surgery and other problems involving the neck, back, muscles and joints. They even offer meditation and mindfulness classes. They can also provide amputation care for those veterans who require it, which includes recreational services to help you adapt to your fitness level, as well as nutrition and wellness counseling.

Facility Overview

Bed icon 716
Number of Available Beds

Latest Reviews

alan khedari
3 weeks ago on Google
1
Worse X-ray department ever experienced I’m not well , I’m 86 , I was a Captain in the Air Force .. I can’t obtain a diagnosis for over a week now .. I’m bedridden ! It’s terrible service , unconscionable.. I call and call and no response ! Alan Khedari
E
3 weeks ago on Google
1
As a 100% Disabled Female Veteran I am entitled to actual Healthcare following service to my country however at this VA that doesn't seem to register with the "clerks" who need to never work in healthcare let alone with Disabled Veterans. The absolute lack of basic decorum, respect and inconsiderate behavior here is appalling. I was shocked that the ER was the only dept that was efficient and professional however the women's clinic is a sad joke that needs to find better clerks and "Drs" although I doubt the majority of them are actual MDs and more than likely are either residents or residents in training or NPs because somehow my sacrifice for my country only warrants this and not actual medical professionals. Spoiler alert just getting care here is a joke. I ended up going through telehealth from other options and paying out of pocket locally to get the care, empathy, dignity abd respect all Disabled Veterans deserve.
Daniel Quiroz
1 month ago on Google
1
I was at my scheduled appointment yesterday, mind you I took off from work early to make the appointment and also had to deal with the late afternoon traffic. I waited and waited. I saw patients and staff leaving for the day, and I waited. I waited patiently for 45mns and then approached the clerks to ask them what was the hold up. The clerk appeared to be bothered by my presence/question. The clerk then went to 'go check". The clerk came back a few minutes later and told me the chief was working on my case/records. I told the clerk I was leaving. The clerk with attitude then stated 'OK, I will tell the Dr.' (as if I am supposed to be intimidated or scared for leaving) Once in my car, the VA called me four times, which I refused to answer. A waste of time and money dealing with the VA, not to mention their staff with attitude, no professionalism, no customer-service, just pathetic. I would have given no STARS but had to in order to submit this review.
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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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7.6 / 10

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.

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.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

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 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.

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.

12-step icon12-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).

aftercare iconAftercare 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).

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.

sober-living iconSober Living Homes

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.

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 California teaches participants constructive ways to stay clean and sober. Treatment revolves around helping individuals stop using the substance they are addicted to and learn healthy habits to avoid relapse.

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.
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).
young-adult-program thumbnail image

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.

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.

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

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

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Jaime Areizaga-Soto

Chairman of the Board

Margaret Kabat

VA Chief of Staff

Michael D Parrish, PhD

Chief Acquisition Officer & Principal Executive Director

Tanya Bradsher

VA Deputy Secretary

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: 289345

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: 328001

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

Building icon

11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90073

Fact checked and written by:
Benjamin Cardenas
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Rehab in Cities Near Los Angeles

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Reviews of West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

3.8/5 (479 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.8 (479 reviews)
alan khedari
3 weeks ago
1

Worse X-ray department ever experienced I’m not well , I’m 86 , I was a Captain in the Air Force .. I can’t obtain a diagnosis for over a week now .. I’m bedridden ! It’s terrible service , unconscionable.. I call and call and no response ! Alan Khedari

E
3 weeks ago
1

As a 100% Disabled Female Veteran I am entitled to actual Healthcare following service to my country however at this VA that doesn't seem to register with the "clerks" who need to never work in healthcare let alone with Disabled Veterans. The absolute lack of basic decorum, respect and inconsiderate behavior here is appalling. I was shocked that the ER was the only dept that was efficient and professional however the women's clinic is a sad joke that needs to find better clerks and "Drs" although I doubt the majority of them are actual MDs and more than likely are either residents or residents in training or NPs because somehow my sacrifice for my country only warrants this and not actual medical professionals. Spoiler alert just getting care here is a joke. I ended up going through telehealth from other options and paying out of pocket locally to get the care, empathy, dignity abd respect all Disabled Veterans deserve.

JUAN MACK
3 weeks ago
5

Daniel Quiroz
1 month ago
1

I was at my scheduled appointment yesterday, mind you I took off from work early to make the appointment and also had to deal with the late afternoon traffic. I waited and waited. I saw patients and staff leaving for the day, and I waited. I waited patiently for 45mns and then approached the clerks to ask them what was the hold up. The clerk appeared to be bothered by my presence/question. The clerk then went to 'go check". The clerk came back a few minutes later and told me the chief was working on my case/records. I told the clerk I was leaving. The clerk with attitude then stated 'OK, I will tell the Dr.' (as if I am supposed to be intimidated or scared for leaving) Once in my car, the VA called me four times, which I refused to answer. A waste of time and money dealing with the VA, not to mention their staff with attitude, no professionalism, no customer-service, just pathetic. I would have given no STARS but had to in order to submit this review.

Neo Poe
1 month ago
4

Mar Merritt
1 month ago
1

brought my husband here who is an Army veteran and it is sad how veterans are treated. The facility is dirty, outdated. No one is willing to help. My husband had some xrays and other tests done at the VA hospital. Since they can't help at all with his back pain, he got insurance elsewhere. We went to the VA hospital today to request the xrays, instead of calling from one office to the xray department, they told us to go and ask ourselves if they would release the xray disc to us. I can't believe they could not just call instead of having us in the wheelchair all over the place. As a daughter of a WWII veteran, I understand my father now when he said they did not care about him at the VA hospital. I can't believe the way the people that defend our country is treated.

David Bermudez
1 month ago
5

This place is like a paradise away from home. Very respectful and caring staff in the recreational facilities. Bernardo chief of security gave me one of the most insightful tours. Alma at the aquatics center educated me on the proper steps on getting certified lifeguard, cpr and AED in the state of California. Very hospital and patient. This veterans hospital has to be either 1st place or in close competition with other locations.

Jerry Barnes
1 month ago
5

Bryan Szocinski
1 month ago
1

I love that employees get premium parking and disabled vets get to walk from the back parking lot through construction. No sidewalk or crosswalk, bus service is barely operational and valet takes forever. Way to prioritize care and put patients first.

Danny
1 month ago
1

This is a new Review. I tried to Edit the review I wrote in June, essentially adding new complaints about treatment at the V.A. But Google rejected it so I DELETED the entire thing. Now I have dropped the rating from 3 stars to 1 star. Two months in L.A. trying to get the medical treatment required by federal law, being a Vietnam veteran with 100 disability rating for PTSD. Two months of appt notices sent to me from the V.A. to me at the V.A. and mis-placed between Bldg. 297 and the CPRS. So I have missed appts. and had appts cancelled b/c I did not receive the notice. Neuro-surgery - initially refusing my endarterectomy operation - has postponed me until November now. Urology had already examined my jewelry in June and I was hoping for my operation in August, but all the doctor did on re-examining me two days ago was to tell me someone would call me next week to schedule another examination and maybe the operation, probably in November for one issue; and to call another number for the Interstim thing. Two months I waited for nothing. I still live in a cock-roach motel that costs as much per week as a nice apt in Thailand per month and I still have not gotten anywhere with any subsidized housing or a place to stay on the hospital grounds, though there are numerous patient dwellings vacant, abandoned, being refurbished or demolished. I have got my eye glasses and hearing aids on order, after very painful, deep examinations at both clinics. The doctors were very courteous and helpful and patient, the staff not so much. It is clear to me that I made a mistake coming to L.A. for the V.A. hospital. I could have stayed in Thailand and paid for my carotid artery surgery over in India, for a couple grande; cut rate. With my disability allowance. The urological treatments I cannot afford over there. But I am wasting my money and time here, waiting for the VA to decide when or whether to schedule or delete me. Losing more brain cells every day from lack of blood to the frontal lobes and to the high cost to live and for parking. There are better V.A. hospitals. The VA in Boston - despite all its faults and criticisms - took care of urological procedures okay and the VA in Little Rock did my heart surgery okay, with lousy follow-up care.

Alan G. Burch
1 month ago
5

Excellent care at WLA V.A., proud to say that!.. The nurses are 5 Star too... Alan G. Burch USMC Proud Veteran...🇺🇸💪🏽

Simeon Taylor
1 month ago
5

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