Determining the correct, appropriate level of care for veterans seeking substance use and mental health disorders is an extremely important early step along the recovery journey. If you or a loved one is a veteran in need of treatment, the first step is to contact your local Veterans Affairs (VA) to discuss your options for getting connected with the right care.

Many veterans are unaware of the resources and benefits they have available through the VA, from assistance with entering a substance use disorder treatment program quickly and easily to aftercare and vocational opportunities in their local communities. 

Multiple levels of care, varying in intensity and support, are available for veterans with substance abuse or mental health conditions. An initial assessment with an experienced behavioral healthcare professional can determine what kind of program the veteran needs in order to pursue sustainable, long-term recovery.

ASAM levels of care for addiction treatment

The term “levels of care” generally refers to the intensity of services required to diagnose and treat a condition. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has defined five levels of care for clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders: 

• Level 0.5: Prevention or early intervention
• Level 1: Outpatient care
• Level 2: Intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP)
• Level 3: Residential or inpatient care
• Level 4: Intensive or medically managed inpatient

The lowest levels of outpatient care are intended to serve as early intervention for individuals whose substance use is not severe yet or as a step down from higher levels of care. From there, the level of care increases depending on how much structure and intensity an individual requires.

Continuum of care at Pyramid

Detox or withdrawal management

Withdrawal management, commonly referred to as detox, is often necessary for anyone who experiences withdrawal symptoms from substances in such a way that makes daily life difficult. Severe withdrawal symptoms can cause medical complications and even death. Medically-monitored withdrawal management is for those who need clinical support 24/7. Outpatient detox is suitable for people who may need support in managing symptoms but can safely continue their daily responsibilities.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment, often called inpatient treatment, makes substances inaccessible when cravings and urges happen. A residential setting also gives the person a chance to relax in a safe and secure environment without having to deal with the stress that daily living can bring. Residential programs can offer around-the-clock monitoring, medication management, social support building, life skills training and group and individual therapies.  

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment consists of three different levels and is appropriate for clients who have completed a detox and residential program or who have milder cases of substance disorder and/or require early intervention. These programs provide varying levels of structure and allow the client to reside in their own home. Pyramid Healthcare offers:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP), a full-day program that usually meets for five days a week
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP), which often meets for up to three hours 2-3 days per week
• Outpatient treatment, the lowest level of treatment usually meets 1-2 days per week and is often support for people in long-term sobriety.

These various forms of outpatient treatment offer plenty of options for those looking to begin or continue their recovery journey. 

Pyramid Military Therapy and Recovery Programs

We are experienced in treating veterans at each of our facilities, though we offer a veteran-focused program located in Dallas, PA. This is a residential facility that treats primary substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our evidence-based treatment addresses root issues of substance use, such as trauma, moral injury and more using the following treatment modalities: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Polyvagal theory

Pyramid Healthcare’s network of treatment centers offers a full continuum of care to meet every client’s needs, and our clients can continue treatment in the Pyramid Healthcare system after completing their residential program. In cases where we don’t have the right program available for an individual’s needs, however, our admissions team can work with the VA to help connect that individual with appropriate treatment. Our admissions specialists have extensive experience in navigating the VA, and we are dedicated to getting veterans the treatment they deserve. 

Veterans Affairs Community Care Network 

Pyramid Healthcare is part of the Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VA-CCN). This means that we are approved to accept VA insurance, giving veterans more convenient access to care. Our admissions specialists can not only help veterans find the right treatment program but also help vets access their benefits and guide them through the VA-CCN process.

For eligible veterans, the VA-CCN covers access to the full continuum of care at Pyramid Healthcare.  

Getting the Help You Need

Pyramid Healthcare’s continuum of care consists of licensed and highly-trained staff at every level of treatment. We use a combination of evidence-based modalities, holistic therapies and medication management tailored to each client’s unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our continuum of care for veterans.