The short answer
Yes. Outpatient and inpatient substance use treatment are part of VA's medical benefits package, so Community Care can cover them when you qualify and VA approves the care. That can include outpatient counseling, addiction medicine, intensive outpatient programs, and residential treatment. The usual mental health access standards of 20 days and a 30-minute drive apply.
Does VA Community Care cover substance use treatment?
Yes. VA's medical benefits package includes outpatient and inpatient mental health care, including care for substance use. Community Care covers what's in that package, so the same care can be provided by a community program when you qualify and VA approves it.
If you're in crisis or worried about an overdose, don't wait for a referral. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or call 911.
What kinds of treatment can be covered?
Depending on what you need and what VA approves:
- outpatient counseling and therapy;
- addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry, including medication treatment;
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP);
- partial hospitalization; and
- residential or inpatient treatment, when clinically needed.
VA gives one-year authorizations for Addiction Medicine Outpatient and Addiction Psychiatry Outpatient, according to its August 2025 announcement.
How do I qualify?
The same way as other mental health care. Substance use treatment falls under mental health in VA's access standards, so you qualify if VA can't schedule the care within 20 days of your request and within a 30-minute average drive, under 38 CFR 17.4040(a)(1). You can also qualify under best medical interest. For example, frequent visits, travel burden, or VA not offering the specific level of care you need.
See Mental Health Access Rules.
How do I get a referral?
- Tell your VA primary care or mental health provider you want substance use treatment. You can also ask about VA's own programs.
- Say you'd like Community Care if VA can't meet the standards, or if you have a reason it's better for you.
- Name a program if you have one. Check that it's in VA's Community Care Network.
- Wait for the referral and authorization before you start, unless it's an emergency.
Residential and other higher levels of care usually need a clinical assessment first, so VA can decide what level of care fits.
What if I need to move to a different level of care?
If you're in outpatient treatment and need IOP or residential care, or the reverse, that's a new service. Your community provider asks VA through a Request for Service before the change. See How Community Providers Request More Care.
What about medications?
Medications for substance use disorders prescribed by a community provider follow VA's pharmacy rules. Routine prescriptions go to a VA pharmacy, and controlled substances have shorter supply limits. See How Prescriptions From Community Care Providers Work.
Visits solely for education about opioid overdose reversal medication have no copay under 38 CFR 17.108(e).
Is my substance use treatment kept private?
VA follows federal privacy rules, and substance use treatment records have extra protections under VA's confidentiality rules. Your Community Care provider and VA share records needed to coordinate your care.