Butler VA Medical Center

About Butler VA Medical Center

Butler VA Medical Center mainly offers treatment for substance use disorders at their campus on New Castle Road in Butler, Pennsylvania. This campus is located a few miles outside the heart of downtown Butler. Vets from nearby suburbs such as Mars and Seven Fields can drive to the campus in about 15 minutes. They offer free parking and wheelchair access.

The Butler Transit Authority provides local bus services. Vets coming from farther distances like Pittsburgh can use the Amtrak train services. You may get reimbursed for transportation to and from your appointment, if eligible. Free shuttle services are available on weekdays as well. So, you have a lot of flexibility regarding transportation. Many nearby hotels offer affordable lodging where you could stay if you’re coming from afar or when visiting a loved one receiving residential care.

The campus has two residential facilities. This includes the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick Community Living Center and the Domiciliary and Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence programs with 56 beds. The living center’s mission is to help vets stay independent, prevent decline in health and provide comfort at the end of life. They have 60 beds.

The residence program is a work based transitional living facility for homeless vets and those with substance use or chronic mental health issues. It’s a therapeutic residential setting where you can work on your recovery. They provide 24/7 support, structure and resources to help you rebuild stability and confidence as you reintegrate into everyday life.

They can also help with vocational skills development and work experiences. Equipping you with in-demand skills enables you to reenter the workforce and maintain employment on your own post recovery. They’ll even link you to employees through their connections with businesses, government agencies and industries. This facilitates sustainable healing, recovery and personal growth.

Counseling and Suboxone is available to support vets struggling with opioid use disorder. This medication assisted treatment (MAT) helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while discouraging misuse. Combining counseling and meds this way fosters “whole person” healing. Vets who abuse or are addicted to multiple drugs polysubstance abuse counseling as well.

They offer pre-op evaluations and pain management plans for surgical patients with a history of substance use. Additionally, they provide care management for patients on opioid therapy who need close follow-up and monitoring. You’ll undergo alcohol screening and substance abuse counseling while onsite.

The program emphasizes personal accountability and responsibility as you navigate your personalized treatment plan. You’ll benefit from a community of peers who understand you and can provide encouragement. You’re encouraged to interact and connect with this peer to develop healthy relationships.

You can integrate spiritual healing into your overall treatment thanks to their chaplain service. Their chaplains can offer you spiritual, pastoral and emotional care in accordance with your own beliefs and practices. This can be comforting.