VA opens gambling addiction center in Las Vegas

VA’s Southern Nevada Healthcare System is proud to announce the grand opening of the Las Vegas VA Residential Recovery and Renewal Center (LVR³). It’s only the second residential gambling addiction recovery center in the nation.

Pictured above: Medical Center Director William Carron (left), Dr. Roxanne Untal and Tim Jobin, Chief of Behavioral Health, cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the center.

LVR³ is a 30- to 45-day substance use and gambling residential treatment program. It is a 20-bed facility, with a separate wing with five rooms for female Veterans. The center provides research-based, high quality interventions to help residents:

• Help learn about addiction and triggers and developing a sustainable relapse-prevention plan.
• Develop individualized and person-centered recovery plans.
• Provide a whole health approach to help improve emotional, physical and mental health.
• Assist residents choose, access and use community and social supports.

VA’s first residential program in Southern Nevada

This is the VA’s first residential program in Southern Nevada. As a result, “there is definitely a great need for this here in Las Vegas,” said LVR³ Program Manager Roxanne Untal.

“Gambling and substance abuse already exist here. It’s important that we are responsive to that when problems arise for our Veterans. The biggest goal is to provide residential care for Veterans when more intensive care is needed than what they would receive in outpatient treatment.”

Dr. Roxanne Untal gives a tour of the LVR3 to airmen from the Michael O’Callaghan Military Medical Center at Nellis Air Force Base.

“This facility fills a gap in our mental health continuum of care,” said Tim Jobin, chief of Behavioral Health. “The staff has dedicated countless hours of planning, mindfulness and reviews to make this happen here today. This is a great day for Veterans.”

Treatment at LVR³ includes daily activities. Recreational therapists provide instruction in exercises like archery, horseback riding and yoga.

LVR³ also provides a staff attendant who is available 24/7.

Veterans interested in a referral for the LVR³ can talk to their primary care provider or can take advantage of the same-day mental health service.

“One of the biggest services we offer is the same-day walk-in service for mental health care,” said Dr. Untal.

“Even if you aren’t an enrolled Veteran yet, if this is something you need to address, come on in. Any licensed provider can put in a consult, and we are doing quick turn-arounds for screening them for admission.”

John Archiquette is a public affairs specialist with the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System.