When you’ve determined that it’s time to get help for your addiction, you might wonder how to choose a rehab center. This is a legitimate thing to be curious about, as you are putting your recovery in the hands of someone else. But choosing a rehab center doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming if you follow some basic guidelines.

The Basics on How to Choose a Rehab Center

With over 2.5 million people seeking treatment for addiction in a specialty facility, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, options abound. To choose the best center for you, you’ll want to consider the following things. You can work with your therapist or doctor to determine these answers. Be sure you address each of these before you make your decision.

Identify your needs:

Knowing the type of addiction you have and how you might best respond will help you determine what kind of rehab will be the best fit. Usually, the type of rehab you end up in will be determined by the severity of your addiction, what you are addicted to, and your circumstances. How much you can afford, whether you have insurance or not, where you live, your employment status, and your support system may also affect your decision.

Consider your rehab facility options:

Understanding each option will help determine whether you need inpatient, outpatient, long-term, detox-included, or addiction therapy. There are other types of rehab as well. Will you need an alcohol-only treatment center or one that handles co-occurring disorders? You want to make sure the facility you choose can handle the issues you are presenting. Will you be comfortable with or require medication as part of your treatment? If so, you’ll need a center that works with medications and can choose one that’s appropriate for you to help with your recovery.

Determine the cost and your insurance coverage:

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll want to know what you can afford. Obviously, you want to go, so looking into loans and other options is also important. Not all centers will be covered by your insurance, as insurances often have restrictions or put things out-of-network versus in-network. Some facilities may not take your insurance. It’s important to check this beforehand.

Ask the right questions:

Make a list of questions that are deal breakers for you. You’ll want to know whether visitors are allowed, if you can bring things from home, what their amenities are, and more. Making your list before will help you get the most out of your Q&A time. The Cleveland Clinic offers a list of 10 questions that can be helpful to ask.

Check accreditation, licensing, and certifications:

This is important when it comes to how to choose a rehab center because the cheapest is not always best, and neither is the most expensive option. Knowing who will be taking care of is an essential part of your recovery, as you’ll want someone qualified to give the kind of help you’ll need. There are a few reputable accreditation organizations that you should know. The Commission on Accreditation and Rehabilitation Facilities, the Council of Accreditation, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission, and the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

Look into aftercare options:

Check into the kind of aftercare. You can determine if you’ll have help after you leave rehab. If you know you’re the kind of person that relies on that type of support, make sure you have it. It’s also a good idea to check into how the center handles relapses, whether they happen during or after treatment.

Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing a rehab facility is an important decision. An excellent rehab facility won’t leave you wondering how to choose a rehab center. They’ll be upfront and helpful from the very beginning. If you are ready to get help for your addiction, consider Serenity Light Recovery. Call us at 855.658.6109 to get started on your path to recovery.