AAC: A Community Care Provider for Veteran Care

Quality addiction care is a right in the U.S., but sometimes figuring out how to pick the right treatment can be difficult. This can be especially true for military Veterans, who may find that Veterans Affairs (VA) doesn’t have the resources or isn’t close enough to help.

In these instances, community care providers can make sure these Veterans don’t fall through the gaps and get the help and treatment they need. To best serve the Veteran community in need of substance use treatment, AAC’s facilities became community care providers (CCP).

Why We Became a Community Care Provider

All of the American Addiction Centers facilities are CCPs. What does this mean for Veterans looking for addiction treatment? It means if you cannot get adequate substance use treatment for your condition at a local VA hospital or clinic—or if there is not a local VA hospital or clinic—the VA can recommend you for treatment at River Oaks or another one of our facilities.

It also means the VA would cover some of the cost. You can even request treatment at a CCP, and the VA may allow and pay for treatment at your choice, depending on its resources.

There are a few steps to getting addiction treatment with a CCP, which we discuss on a dedicated community care provider page, including some factors related to eligibility of using a CCP. However, that’s a small price to pay for accessing quality addiction treatment with the help and blessing of the VA.

Who We Are

River Oaks Treatment Center is a part of American Addiction Centers (AAC), one of the largest networks of drug and alcohol treatment facilities in the nation. Central to our approach are evidence-based treatments and therapies for substance use disorders like drug and alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorders like PTSD and other mental and behavioral health issues.

At each AAC facility you’ll find dedicated and passionate addiction professionals—from physicians and registered nurses to licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Our high ratio of staff to patients allows us to spend more time with you to make sure you’re receiving the treatment you need to reach recovery.

And just like you, many AAC staff are also in recovery. They know where you’ve been—where you are in your journey—because they’ve been there too. At our facilities that offer specialized care for Veterans, many staff members are Veterans themselves.

What We Stand For

Our mission, as found on the American Addiction Centers’ website, is:

“To provide quality, compassionate, and innovative care to adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Through comprehensive and customized treatment plans, we instill hope that long-term recovery is possible. Our purpose and passion is to empower you, your family, and your community by helping you achieve recovery and optimal wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.”

With this mission in mind, AAC endeavors to offer the best care to everyone that comes through their facilities’ doors, including Veterans.

If you are a Veteran and interested in our treatment options for Veterans—either at River Oaks or at our other AAC facilities that serve as CCPs—give us a call at to learn how to navigate the community care provider steps necessary to get to treatment with us.

Florida VA Community Care Providers

What is a VA Community Care Provider?

A VA Community Care Provider encompasses a network of healthcare professionals and facilities that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized to deliver essential medical services to veterans outside the traditional VA hospitals and clinics. This arrangement not only facilitates access to care closer to the veteran’s residence but also provides opportunities for specialized treatment from healthcare providers who might not be accessible within the VA system. This ensures that veterans receive customized healthcare solutions that are responsive to their unique medical requirements and circumstances.

What is the Importance of River Oaks Being a Community Care Provider?

River Oaks in Florida takes on a pivotal role as a VA Community Care Provider, particularly by offering targeted treatment programs for veterans experiencing substance use disorders and various behavioral health challenges. Being integrated into the VA Community Care network empowers River Oaks to adopt a more comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. This means veterans can access a range of evidence-based therapies, personalized counseling, and support services in an environment that understands and respects the complex experiences that veterans face. This collaboration not only enhances the availability of superior addiction care but also plays a significant role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health and substance use issues, motivating veterans to seek the help they need without fear or hesitation.

What Are the Benefits of a VA Community Care Provider?  

The advantages of engaging with a VA Community Care Provider are extensive and multifaceted. Primarily, it drastically improves accessibility, allowing veterans to receive medical attention in their local communities rather than enduring lengthy travel to VA facilities often located far from their homes. Furthermore, these providers frequently offer a wider spectrum of services and specialties, enabling veterans to choose healthcare professionals who best align with their specific health needs and preferences. A notable benefit is the typically shorter wait times for appointments, which can lead to quicker interventions and enhanced overall health outcomes, ensuring that veterans receive timely and effective care.

What is the Difference Between a Community Care Provider and a VA Treatment Center?

The key difference between a Community Care Provider and a VA Treatment Center lies in their operational frameworks and settings of care delivery. VA Treatment Centers are facilities that operate directly under the oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs, adhering strictly to VA policies and guidelines. Conversely, Community Care Providers function independently but collaborate closely with the VA to offer services to veterans. While VA Treatment Centers may provide specialized programs that are exclusively designed for veterans, Community Care Providers are often equipped to deliver a broader array of services, offering a more personalized approach to care that may better cater to veterans seeking options outside of the VA system.

What If I Don’t Want to Go Through the VA For Treatment?  

For veterans who prefer to sidestep the VA system in pursuit of healthcare, there are numerous alternative avenues available. Veterans have the option to seek treatment from private healthcare providers who may accept various forms of insurance or offer sliding scale fees based on income levels. Additionally, a range of nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups focused on veteran services can assist individuals in navigating the healthcare landscape to find suitable care options tailored to their needs. It is vital for veterans to be well-informed about their rights and the resources at their disposal, as they have the autonomy to choose healthcare pathways that align with their personal preferences, while still receiving vital support for their specific health challenges.