Veterans and First Responders Treatment

Providing Hope and Purpose for Warriors Seeking Substance Use Treatment

St. Joseph’s Col. C. David Merkel, MD Veterans and First Responders Residential Program is licensed by New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Within our trauma informed environment we focus on serving Veterans, First Responders, and their families, and offer the full complement of residential services - stabilization, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Transportation may be available for admission and departure. Please contact us to make arrangements in advance.

Our admissions process is confidential.
Prospective Veterans and First Responders from across New York State, and beyond, may apply regardless of their branch of service, length of service, or their discharge status. We are currently accepting third-party insurance for the payment of services.

Please call toll-free to begin a conversation (844) 891-8387.



 

 

St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers
Veterans & First Responders Treatment

444 Kiwassa Lake Rd.
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Admissions (518) 891-4135
General inquiries (518) 891-8387
Fax (518) 891-3986
vetshealing@stjoestreatment.org
Business Hours: 24/7

We are here for you 24-hours. Speak to a peer (518) 354-5390.

A view from the parking lot of our veterans center. We have a flag pole out front at the entrance.

Front view of our Veterans Addiction Treatment Center

 

Our Goal:

Treatment is not complete until the Veteran is reintegrated into society. This task may take many forms. Some Veterans choose to begin attending college while at our treatment facility, engage in employment, or perform volunteer tasks.

Upon graduation, many of our Veterans have chosen to remain in the beauty and natural setting of the area. Regardless of the Veteran’s choice, the goal is to restore all who come to us for healing to the honor and dignity they rightfully deserve in sustained addiction recovery.

Picture of nubuck boots, and an army helmet with digital camo, on a locking case.

Veterans Addiction Treatment & Recovery Plan Features:

  • Experiential activities and programming

  • Evidence-based mental health approaches

  • 24/7 Medical Care Team and Support

  • Telehealth services are available

  • Treatment lengths can vary, with the average being between 6 and 9 months

A collage of patriotic images, including a dog with a soldiers vest, an American flag, and people putting their hand together.
A view of Owens pond in the Adirondacks.

What to Bring

Taking the first step to enter a Veterans program can feel overwhelming. We have compiled an easy-to-follow list of what to bring (and what NOT to bring) to ease your transition into substance use disorder treatment.

What to Bring

Testimonials

  • "Rehabilitation at St. Joseph's Veterans Program has been the best and safest environment I have been in. I am able to focus 100% on my recovery and am learning how to apply what I learn in groups in everyday life. I am able to go into town with a friend to do things that everyday people do. I attend multiple groups during the day and each group has a different focus such as relapse prevention, PTSD, mindfulness, and spirituality. I enjoy the living environment and the extremely dedicated staff."

    -Patrick M.

  • "I think that the Veteran's Program is amazing and I love that it is located in the wilderness. The staff here is amazing and without them I would have left the program before I was ready. I enjoyed being outdoors while at St. Joseph's and being able to participate in activities like hiking. The family weekend was major for me and my recovery. I can now talk to my dad about how I am feeling and what I struggle with. The environment, staff, and peers at St. Joseph's really feels like a family and allowed me to develop good relationships. "

    -Brian B.

  • "Being a Veteran in the US Army and having difficulties with PTSD and substance abuse I found a center that is a good fit for me. The 820 program at St. Joseph's Veterans Program has offered me life changing, structured support and education. The staff is a caring and professional model of dedication and understanding. I am forever grateful and hopeful that all whom are struggling with addiction and sorrow find their peace and purpose here. "

    - Kenneth C.

Personalized Substance Use Disorder Treatments

  • Our 28 acre Saranac Lake facility, known as Rumsey Cottage.

    Outpatient Treatment

    Outpatient addiction treatment program in Franklin, Essex, & St. Lawrence Counties. All offer intensive case management, assessment, and individual and group counseling for addiction.

    Outpatient Treatment
  • Two adolescents sitting outside

    Teens & Youth Treatment

    Rose Hill youth facility is licensed by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports and has the highest ranking with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

    Youth Treatment
  • Gambling casino chips

    Gambling Treatment

    Gambling is addictive because it stimulates the brain’s reward system. If you find that you or a loved one’s gambling is affecting other areas of your life, finding help may be a great start.

    Gambling Treatment

Trusted Addiction Treatment Since 1971

Certified by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

Certified by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

We are a 10-year recipient of this distinctive program that evaluates and ranks the best places of employment throughout NYS.

We are a 10-year recipient of this distinctive program that evaluates and ranks the best places of employment throughout NYS.

Ranked #12 in Newsweek's 300 best U.S. treatment facilities that focus on addiction in 2021.

Ranked #12 in Newsweek's 300 best U.S. treatment facilities that focus on addiction in 2021.