Questions to Ask a Treatment Center

Questions to Ask a Treatment Center, The Details

Call three centers today and you will hear three different answers to the same question. That is exactly why you need a script before you dial. Write these questions down. Take notes on the responses.

Ask about the basics first:

• Are you licensed and accredited, and by whom?
• Who runs the clinical program, and what are their credentials?
• Is a doctor or nurse on site, and how often?
• What is your staff to patient ratio during the day and overnight?

Then push on the parts most families forget:

• How do you involve family during treatment?
• What does the aftercare plan look like on discharge day?
• How do you handle a relapse after someone leaves?
• How do you measure whether treatment worked, and can you explain what you track?

Watch how they answer. A good program gives you straight replies and specifics. Vague promises and pressure to admit fast are warning signs. You are allowed to ask twice. You are allowed to walk away.