Admissions Process

How to begin treatment

The admissions process is designed to be clear and straightforward. No pressure. No tricks. Just honest information about what happens next.

The process, step by step

Here is exactly what happens from first contact to admission.

1

Initial Contact

The first step is reaching out. You can call our 24 x 7 helpline, send an email, or visit the facility. This initial conversation is about understanding your situation and answering your questions.

What we discuss:

  • Current situation and concerns
  • Type of substance use and duration
  • Previous treatment attempts if any
  • Medical history and current health
  • Family support and living situation
2

Clinical Assessment

If you decide to proceed, we schedule a clinical assessment. This can be done at the facility or, in some cases, remotely. The assessment is conducted by our medical team to determine the appropriate level of care.

Assessment includes:

  • Medical evaluation and health screening
  • Psychiatric assessment if needed
  • Addiction severity evaluation
  • Risk assessment and safety planning
  • Recommendation for in-patient or out-patient care
3

Treatment Plan Discussion

After the assessment, our clinical team explains the recommended treatment plan. This includes the type of care, expected duration, what will happen during treatment, and what families should expect.

We explain:

  • Why this level of care is recommended
  • What treatment will involve
  • Expected timeline and milestones
  • Family involvement and communication
  • Cost and payment arrangements
4

Admission

Once you decide to proceed, we schedule the admission date. For in-patient care, we can arrange pickup service if needed. On admission day, we complete necessary paperwork and help the individual settle in.

On admission day:

  • Complete admission paperwork and consent forms
  • Medical check and vital signs monitoring
  • Orientation to facility and daily schedule
  • Introduction to staff and other residents
  • Begin initial stabilization and support

What to bring

For in-patient admission, here is what individuals should bring with them.

Essential Items

  • Government-issued identification
  • Medical records and prescriptions
  • Current medications in original containers
  • Insurance information if applicable
  • Emergency contact information

Personal Items

  • Comfortable clothing for one week
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Comfortable shoes for indoor and outdoor use
  • Books or journals if desired
  • Family photos if comforting

Items Not Allowed

  • Alcohol or drugs of any kind
  • Sharp objects or weapons
  • Electronic devices with internet access
  • Excessive cash or valuables
  • Inappropriate clothing or materials

Optional Items

  • Yoga mat or exercise clothes
  • Art supplies for therapy activities
  • Musical instruments if approved
  • Religious or spiritual items
  • Stamps and envelopes for letters

Note: All items brought to the facility will be checked by staff for safety reasons. Medications will be stored securely and administered by medical staff. If you have questions about what to bring, please ask during the admission planning conversation.

Common concerns about admission

These are questions we hear frequently from families and individuals considering treatment.

What if they refuse to go?

Resistance is common. Many individuals do not want treatment initially. We can provide guidance on how to have this conversation and what options exist. In some cases, families may need to consider intervention or other approaches. Our team can advise on appropriate next steps.

Can they leave if they want to?

For voluntary admissions, individuals can choose to leave. However, we strongly encourage completing the recommended treatment duration. Leaving early significantly reduces the chance of successful recovery. Our staff works with individuals who want to leave to understand their concerns and address them appropriately.

How quickly can admission happen?

In urgent situations, admission can happen within 24 to 48 hours. For planned admissions, we typically schedule within a few days to a week. The timeline depends on bed availability and completion of the assessment process.

What about work or school?

Recovery requires time away from normal responsibilities. We can provide documentation for medical leave if needed. Many individuals find that taking time for treatment now prevents much larger disruptions later. This is a conversation to have with our admissions team.

Is detox painful or dangerous?

Detox can be uncomfortable, but it is medically supervised to ensure safety. Our medical team monitors vital signs, manages withdrawal symptoms with appropriate medication, and provides 24 x 7 support. The goal is to make the process as safe and comfortable as possible.

What if they have other medical conditions?

We treat individuals with co-occurring medical conditions. Our medical team coordinates care and ensures all health needs are addressed. If specialized medical care is needed beyond our capacity, we work with appropriate medical facilities.

Ready to take the first step?

The hardest part is making the decision to seek help. Once you do, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. Call us to begin the conversation.

24 x 7 Helpline Support Available