VA Palo Alto Healthcare System – Menlo Park Division

Menlo Park VA Medical Center in California is a primary care facility that also provides transitional housing for homeless individuals as well as substance abuse and addiction treatment. Care is available to adult veterans aged 18 and older including those with dual diagnosis or concurrent mental health issues. Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other private insurance plans are accepted.

At this location, clients can only get an appointment by referral. They can then access both outpatient and inpatient addiction treatment services to support them on their recovery journey. The center’s residential facility features 24-hour support as well as addiction education and therapy services. These services are available to individuals struggling with their mental health, and unemployment as well as homeless people or those at risk of losing their home.

Treatment is tailored to meet clients’ individual needs and is available either in person or through virtual telehealth appointments for those unable to make regular one to one sessions. Drug rehab, health maintenance and community support services are all available. Therapy options include group or individual therapy using styles like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and contingency management (CM).

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) and medication management services are also availabl, using FDA-approved methadone, buprenorphine, and buprenorphine combination products like Suboxone and injectable extended-release naltrexone. Other medication options are also available to support those with alcoholism or addiction to tobacco. MAT is typically combined with therapy for a holistic treatment approach with medication helping clients manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while also reducing their risk of relapse.