The Basics
Covering over 11,000 square miles in Chattanooga and surrounding areas, Volunteer Behavioral Health provides a continuum of services to over one million residents of Tennessee. Clients have access to programs that treat behavioral health issues, including substance abuse and co-occurring disorders in adults and children. Community and peer support, along with crisis intervention, can be accessed at any of the 17 locations. Substance abuse programs include medically monitored detox, residential, outpatient and transitional housing for adolescents and adults.
Treatment and Staff
While substance abuse counseling can be accessed at all of the outpatient clinics, more intensive treatment programs are only offered at select locations. Upon assessment, a clinical team determines which program best suits the client’s needs, and suggests an individualized treatment plan.
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults is available in Athens, Cookeville, Lebanon and Murfreesboro. For women only, an IOP called Choices is offered in Athens, Cookeville, Murfreesboro and Madisonville. All programs utilize evidence-based practices and a structured approach to treatment. Clients completing a residential program through VBH will often move on to one of the IOPs immediately after discharge. Those participating in inpatient services through other organizations are also welcome. Some clients choose the IOP as their initial method of treatment, as it allows them to continue to meet parental, work and schooling responsibilities while receiving treatment.
The programs meet at least three hours a day, from three to five days a week. Treatment length is determined by treatment goals, but averages three to four months. Clients will begin with more frequent visits, gradually stepping down to outpatient programming consisting of weekly meetings. Those with co-occurring disorders are offered comprehensive assessment and treatment that includes individual counseling and medication management. All services are accessed through the VBH network and staff ensures a continuum of information. Group therapy is the primary method of treatment. They may be separated by gender and many have a specific focus. For example, relapse prevention and life skills training will be discussed in an ongoing format. Other sessions may focus on communication skills, making healthy choices and avoiding triggers.
Staff includes nurse practitioners, doctors, psychiatrists, LADCs, as well as medical and clinical directors at each location. The multi-disciplinary teams consist of professional, paraprofessional and support staff from various backgrounds with mental health and substance abuse specialties.
Extras
Ongoing aftercare support for all clients is provided as an essential part of all programs. Clients can continue to attend support groups at their outpatient location, or are referred to 12-step meetings in their area. Staff maintains phone contact with clients, checking in periodically to see how they’re doing.
For clients on probation, dealing with DUI charges or otherwise involved with the criminal justice system, three programs deal specifically with their needs, including substance abuse treatment and legal aid. All clients must be referred to these programs through social workers or the court system.
In Summary
Volunteer Behavioral Health provides a continuum of care for clients with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Serving a large population with varied needs, the multi-disciplinary staff is equipped with resources to meet almost all needs. Outpatient services are provided on a sliding fee scale determined by income, beginning at $35 a session. Grants may be available to cover costs for those unable to pay.
Volunteer Behavioral Health
PO Box 4755
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Volunteer Behavioral Health Cost: Sliding scale. Reach Volunteer Behavioral Health by phone at (877) 567-6051 or by email. Find Volunteer Behavioral Health on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
Do you have a complaint or review of Volunteer Behavioral Health to add? Use the comments area below to add your Volunteer Behavioral Health review.
Photo courtesy of Imilious (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons (resized and cropped).
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
