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To learn more about our privacy policy Click hereYou are sick and tired of being sick and tired! Perhaps your family or the court has decided that you need treatment. Regardless of your decision, choosing the right treatment center is probably one of the most important decisions you are ever going to make.
So now you are on the internet. You have done a search and literally hundreds of treatment centers have popped up. Amazing, each and every one of them purports to be the very best program for you. Everybody has a great website. How do you know what program is really right for you?
The first step is facing reality vivitrol sandy springs georgia. Treatment can be very expensive. One of the things we have to face in recovery is accepting the fact that we sometimes have to make choices based on the resources that are available to us. Sad, but true, you are going to have to eliminate those programs you cannot afford.
vivitrol sandy springs georgia: Insurance is always a good beginning. Do you have any?
What portion of your treatment will they cover? What specific programs will they cover? (If your policy is an HMO save yourself time and effort and call them first.) If you don't have insurance, and/or don't like what they have to offer you can always take the next step. Remember also that just because your policy covers treatment, it does not necessarily mean that they will approve treatment once you arrive. Always ask the treatment center to guarantee in writing your maximum out of pocket expenses. (Be sure to ask about hidden costs. Are MD visits, medications, field trips, medications etc. extra?) Many programs offer discounted or scholarship rates to those that pay for themselves. Don't be embarrassed to ask. Finally, how much of a commitment must I make? If the program is not for me how much, if any, of my tuition will be refunded?
Next step is to decide what you can afford for treatment. Remember depending on your situation your other expenses may be continuing while you are in treatment. Once you have determined what you can afford to pay for treatment, you can eliminate all those wonderful places that you may not be able to afford.
Equally important is deciding what it is that you are looking for in a treatment facility. Remember this is not a vacation, so make your decisions based on the quality of care, not on your ability to Parasail or play golf. Here are some important things to look for:
What is the size of the program? Some people like small intimate programs. Others prefer large name brand centers. The choice is really yours.
I have found over the years that most people do much better at places where they will receive lots of individual attention. Smaller programs generally do this. Good questions to ask are:
What is the size of the group?
What is the client to counselor ratio?
What is the staff to client ratio?
How many groups will I have a week?
How many individual sessions will I have a week?
Another issue is the quality of the program. Who is the staff? What are their credentials? Are they certified, licensed etc. How often will I see these people? Who runs the groups? (Some programs have great consulting staff, but unfortunately the patient's spend their entire time in a group with mental health technicians whose only qualification is a two or less years of personal sobriety.) If you feel you have a dual diagnosis, ask about a psychiatrist, mental health counselors or clinical social workers. Is the program properly licensed? How long has the program been in operation? Can I come and look at the program before I make a commitment? (Even if you can't, ask anyway, because that is a good way to find out if what is being told to you is true, or if the program is hiding something.)
What about accommodations? Ask about the facility's physical plant. How many people will be in my room? How many people will share a bathroom? What amenities are in the apartment? (Cable TV, Washer Dryer etc.)
How is the program supervised? What staff is available if I have a problem in the middle of the night?
What about food? How is it prepared? Will I be able to select my own menu, or must I eat what I am served.
If I require detoxification, how will that work? Is it done at the facility or somewhere else? How much will that cost? (Detoxification is generally a separate cost)
Ask about any special needs you may have? Dual diagnosis, Court Involvement and help, nutrition, personal needs such as physical assistance. Check on phone policies, internet etc. Many programs for therapeutic reasons limit access to the outside world. You must ask yourself if you can live with this.