Rehab for veterans in Dallas

VA care in Dallas

VA’s list of substance use programs shows the Dallas VA Medical Center, at 4500 S. Lancaster Rd., with standard outpatient care, intensive outpatient care, 24-hour residential care and an opioid treatment program. The listed phone is 800-849-3597. Ask which programs have space, and what you need to do to get in. VA North Texas also has sites beyond Dallas, including Bonham and Garland, so ask which one is close to you.

VA says its care can include medically supervised detox, medication such as methadone and buprenorphine, counseling, residential care, family counseling and treatment for related conditions such as PTSD and depression. It also lists special programs for women veterans, combat veterans and homeless veterans. VA North Texas says its mental health care includes treatment for problems with alcohol and other substances, and sexual trauma care can include substance use treatment.

If you are not enrolled in VA care

First, apply for VA health care. If you have a VA provider, ask them for a screening and a referral. If not, you can contact the Dallas VA or call VA’s general hotline at 800-827-1000.

If you need help right away, VA says you can go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It says your discharge status and enrollment do not matter.

If you served in a combat zone, a Vet Center offers free private counseling and an alcohol and drug assessment. Dallas has one at 8610 Greenville Avenue, Suite 125. You do not need to be enrolled in VA care to use it, and it can connect you with more intensive programs.

If you are homeless or at risk of it, the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is open all day and night at 877-424-3838.

Private programs

The programs below say they serve veterans, but they are not VA programs. Ask if they take your coverage, and ask how they work with VA before you assume anything. Some veterans use VA care for one need and a private program for another, so ask how the two would share records and plans. If you have been told you have PTSD or depression, say so on the first call, and ask how the program treats it. To learn more about care for both at once, read about dual diagnosis.

If you are a spouse, parent or friend, you can make these calls to learn how things work. A veteran will usually need to apply and take part in the screening. See helping a family member.