800-784-1361
Tests were performed immediately, you barely had to wait really. Overall, a pleasant experience along with a kind and warm staff.
About VHC Health – Virginia Hospital Center
Virginia Hospital Center, in Arlington, Virginia, is a behavioral and mental health care facility for adults and offers medically supervised detox and inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services. They also provide dedicated programs for young adults, persons with hearing impairments, and persons with co-occurring addiction and mental illness.
Clients undergoing detox at Virginia Hospital Center receive round the clock medical supervision. FDA approved medications may be prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent potentially serious complications.
The inpatient program at Virginia Hospital Center allows clients to focus on their recovery in a highly supportive and structured environment. Clients receive mental health assessments and personalized treatment planning. They also engage in intensive, trauma informed individual, group, and family counseling drawing on a range of proven modalities, including CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. Nicotine replacement programs are also available.
Virginia Hospital Center promotes clients’ long term recovery through a robust continuum of care, including intensive outpatient (IOP) and standard outpatient programs aligned with clients’ evolving needs. Their aftercare services are designed to support clients’ successful reintegration into their homes, communities, and workplaces and may include 12 step program induction assistance and referrals for medical, mental health, and social service programs.
Virginia Hospital Center is state licensed and accredited by SAMHSA and the Joint Commission. They accept private insurance, military insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and self pay. Financial aid is available.
Fact checked and written by:
Terri Beth Miller, PhD
Edited by:
Quentin Blount
Facility Overview
453 Number of Available Beds
Latest Reviews
First, and most importantly, my wedding ring was stolen from my finger overnight between May 15 and 16 at VHC in room 523.
I went to the emergency room on May 15 in what I was told is the coldest room in ER. The "bed" was more like an ironing board and it was impossible to get comfortable. I tried a fetal position. That photo will follow. After some tests, I was admitted to the hospital. I include a picture of myself in the ER.
I was to have an injection of dilaudid ten minutes before an MRI in the middle of the night. The nurse who attended me gave me valium before I went to sleep around 9:30 p.m. I asked her about my medications, as her administration was not consistent with what the emergency room doctor had ordered, and she said that she was an experienced nurse and knew what regimen was right for me. I had been told that I was going to be given valium, dilaudid, and toradol, so I was trying to clarify with her what her plans were. She said that she could have given me a dose of dilaudid an hour after the valium, but she said that I was sleeping so soundly that she waited until around 11:00. I left my necklace, ring, and watch in my drawer when I was taken for an MRI around midnight.
When I returned from the MRI, I put on my necklace, ring, and watch again. I don't usually sleep with my ring, and I didn't realize that I was going to be admitted. Since I didn't want to lose it, I felt certain that it was secure on my finger. The nurse did not return to turn off my light, so after 30 or 40 minutes, I got up and turned it off and slept the best that I could on the saggy bed stuffed with pillows underneath me. But when she woke me four hours later, just after 4:00, she again commented that I had been sleeping very soundly.
I was released in the morning and, when packing my things, I saw that my wedding ring was gone! Since I don't wear it when I sleep at home, I didn't realize that it was missing when I was awakened by someone delivering my breakfast around 7:00 a.m.
I reported that my ring was missing and, not wanting to accuse anyone, I enlisted the help of nearby staff and we searched everywhere. We enlisted Johnny from security. I made a police report. The ring is engraved with my husband's initials, M.R.O, the date, 18-1-2007, and the words, "Eres Tu." This cannot be replaced. I attach a poem that my husband wrote to me in Spanish, translated to English, to share the sentiment.
I had had it on my finger for over 18 years, and it had never fallen off....and, as the nurse (or nursing assistant?) commented twice, I was fast asleep. I wonder why she kept verifying that. My husband had a similar experience at another facility when the same person was on duty who had taken his ring and it "magically" reappeared. Too bad I didn't notice it before 7:00 a.m.!
Finally, the beds at VHC are known to be awful: They dip in the center. I was hospitalized for excruciating sciatic pain and I needed a proper bed. I was told that I would be put on a "list." When our closest friend, Roger Holt, asked for a replacement, this is what they delivered (in pictures). A bed full of mold, blood, and urine, under a blue plastic cover. His friend Rick asked if he was bleeding when he was seated on a green pad (last picture), and found the root of the cause. My husband and I found him seated in a chair, waiting for another bed. Approximately ten hospital employees stopped to gauck at us--perhaps thinking that we were his lawyers.
Roger was so traumatized: He had a series of strokes; was sent to a nursing home that was even worse, he returned to VHC through the ER after a five-hour wait, had another series of strokes, and died on January 21.
VHC sent the former Washington Commanders coach and cheerleaders and offered him football paprephrenalia--supposedly hoping to appease him. He refused the caps, etc. I hope and pray that in an emergency I will not be sent to VHC: Never again. I'd rather die.
On a positive note, ER Dr. James was wonderful and my PT experience in the new building has been very good.
I had to go to this hospital to conduct a notarization for one of their patients. The parking was easy to get in and out and the staff was very courteous and helpful. I observed my client being well taken care of during the notary appointment.
Response from the owner1 week ago
Hello, thank you for your kind words and this wonderful review!
In scheduling an appointment for labs, radiology and any other testing needed has become a nightmare. They won't give you an appointment unless you fax the order. I don't have a fax machine. They requested you send an email however your personal information of the request goes in general web site no protection of technology hackers. They won't take a protect emails. How many people have decided to go without Scheduling a needed scan, testing, MRI. This process doesn't work for elderly people who rely on someone taking them to their doctors appointments.
Please review this process because it doesn't work.
Response from the owner1 week ago
We'd like the opportunity to discuss this with you. Please reach out to us at patientexperience@vhchealth.org at your earliest convenience to discuss how we can provide a positive experience. 
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8 / 10
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Accepted Insurance
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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).
A drug intervention in Virginia requires careful planning and execution. Due to complex family dynamics, intervention services are often necessary to help families successfully navigate the process. An intervention specialist can help family members plan what they will say and then facilitate the conversation. This expert also educates everyone involved about addiction, enabling behaviors, and treatment options.
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a structured environment for intensive treatment of behavioral and substance use disorders. PHP treatment can consist of sessions ranging from 6-8 hours per day for an average of 90 days. You can often expect to engage in behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and receive medication. PHP treatment is often covered either fully or partially by insurance providers.
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.
When you enroll in drug rehab in Virginia, a treatment plan is designed by professional staff in order to help you overcome drug addiction and modify addictive behaviors. This may include evidence-based treatments, group and individual therapy, and relapse prevention.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Christopher T. Lane
President & CEO
Melody F. Dickerson, DNP, RN, CENP, CPHQ, FACHE
Senior VP, Hospital Operations & Chief Nursing Officer
Brian Stone, MD, MBA
Senior VP & Chief Medical Officer
John L. Zabrowski, III, CPA, MBA
Senior VP, CFO & Chief Strategy Officer
Accreditations
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
State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.
State License: Virginia
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: 6323
Contact Information
1701 North George Mason Drive
Arlington VA, 22205
Get Help Now - 703-214-2471
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