Toggle Table of Content Overview
VA residential rehabilitation treatment, sometimes referred to as inpatient or domiciliary care, provides comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services to Veterans with mental health conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorder. The programs take a whole health approach to address challenges these Veterans may experience, including medical concerns and social needs such as employment and housing. The programs provide these services 24/7 in a structured, supportive, and comfortable residential environment. Our goal is to empower each Veteran to regain a lifestyle of self-care, independence, and personal responsibility.
How we support each Veteran’s recovery
Every Veteran’s path to recovery is unique. That’s why VA’s mental health residential treatment offers support and services that are:
Veteran centered. Each Veteran helps shape their recovery plan and goals, which are collaboratively created according to the Veteran’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.Individualized. We offer various evidence-based treatments, including therapies and medications , so that Veterans can find what works best for them.Integrated. Recovery plans address co-occurring mental health and medical conditions, because we know addressing them together improves outcomes.Recovery oriented. Our focus is on giving Veterans the ability to build on their strengths, function independently, and participate in their community.Outcome focused. We measure success by a Veteran’s ability to maintain or improve on the gains they make under our care and to productively reintegrate into the community.
Day in the life
A typical day for a Veteran in residential rehab includes classes, counseling, activities and outings, interacting with peers, and structure and support. The daily schedule is tailored to meet individual treatment needs. The amount of time a Veteran may stay in the residential program varies and is based on their individual need. Typically, Veterans stay around 6 weeks, but stays can be as short as just a few weeks and as long as a few months.
Types of services and programs
Women Veterans
Services tailored for women Veterans include treatment for sexual trauma, intimate partner violence, eating disorders, and mental and reproductive health needs; guaranteed access to women clinicians; locking bedrooms and bathrooms; and women-only spaces for leisure time. Many programs provide a separate and secured unit for women.
Serious mental illness
The programs provide evidence-based treatments for many types of serious mental illness (SMI) diagnoses, including anxiety, mood, posttraumatic stress, psychotic, and substance use disorders. Veterans with SMI who are receiving services at Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers can simultaneously enroll in residential rehabilitation.
Substance use disorder (drugs, alcohol, and tobacco)
The programs give Veterans access to multiple evidence-based treatments for substance use disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and prescribe medications for alcohol, opioid, and tobacco use disorders as appropriate. They also provide access to mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery, that meet on- or off-site.
PTSD
Treatment for PTSD is provided through evidence-based therapies, medications, and support that fosters independence, self-determination, and coping skills. The programs also provide treatment for conditions that often co-occur with PTSD, such as symptoms related to military sexual trauma, chronic pain, substance use disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
Homelessness
This program is for Veterans with mental health concerns who are homeless, at risk for homelessness, or otherwise lacking a stable lifestyle or living arrangement that is conducive to their goal of recovery. Care is provided for multiple challenges, illnesses, or rehabilitative needs. When Veterans finish the residential program, they are discharged to appropriate safe housing.
Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence
Designed for Veterans who face employment barriers due to mental health conditions or physical disabilities, Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence (CWT/TR) provides Veterans with assistance and coaching to find and retain jobs as they continue treatment, empowering their transition to independent living. CWT/TR homes are often located in the community, providing a transitional home for Veterans as they work toward successful integration into the community. Veterans pay a program fee—derived from their CWT-related earnings—to help cover residential costs.
Apply for admission
VA operates about 250 programs at around 120 residential rehab sites across the country, including in Alaska and Hawaii, with enough beds to accommodate more than 6,500 Veterans. Here’s how to be considered for admission:
