What to Look for in an Addiction Treatment Provider

Your patients have many options when it comes to addiction and behavioral health treatment. Help them make the best choice by knowing what to look for when referring to a provider.

As a doctor, clinician, counselor or other professional, one of your top priorities is to ensure that your clients receive the best care possible. When you refer a client to a rehab program or other provider, you’re providing a personal recommendation for exceptional care. Knowing that you’re referring to a reputable, evidence-based program can put your clients at ease ⁠— even as they face difficult life situations.

For professionals looking to refer clients, The Recovery Village offers many resources and treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions.

Things to Look for in an Addiction Treatment Provider

Once you’ve decided to refer a patient to an addiction treatment center, finding one that will best fit their needs is the next step. At first glance, this can seem somewhat overwhelming. There are thousands of rehabilitation facilities across the United States. Researching and choosing the best center for your client’s specific needs can help them find lasting healing.

There are a few important factors that go into choosing an addiction treatment provider. Some key aspects to consider include:

• Accreditations and licenses
• Staff credentials
• Evidence-based programs
• Services offered
• Facility reviews
• Accepted insurance

Other considerations may include:

• Location: Some patients may wish to travel far away for treatment, while others may wish to stay nearby. Some may wish to travel for residential care and transition to local outpatient services for aftercare programming.
• Staff-to-patient ratio: A center with a low staff-to-patient ratio can provide patients with more one-on-one attention, which can help bolster recovery.
• Specialized programs: Some centers offer rehab programs for professionals, teens, veterans or other clients with unique needs. A program designed specifically for your client can help them find long-term recovery.
• Levels of care: Facilities that offer a continuum of care, ranging from inpatient services to outpatient programming, can provide a seamless experience for clients who need multiple levels of care.
• Recreational activities: In addition to evidence-based individual and group therapy, some facilities offer recreational options like art, music and yoga therapy.
• Amenities: Many inpatient treatment centers have a range of amenities in addition to accommodations. These may include exercise facilities, basketball courts, outdoor activities and more.

These considerations can help ensure your patients attend a secure center, receive effective treatment and learn skills for long-term recovery. Before referring to a treatment provider, find the necessary information that ensures your chosen facility offers what your patient requires.

Accreditations and Licenses

Accredited, licensed facilities typically offer the gold standard for patient care. These treatment providers have been vetted by third-party organizations that evaluate health care organizations to ensure a high level of quality service. At a minimum, the accreditation body will conduct a thorough examination of staff, safety programs, patient care, operations and policies. Typically, a facility will need a license from the state to begin the accreditation process.

The most common accreditation agencies include:

• Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF)
• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
• National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
• Council on Accreditation (COA)

The Recovery Village holds a JCAHO accreditation and licenses from the state of Florida. The center is also a member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

Staff Credentials

Facilities should be staffed by medical professionals who are experts in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. The Recovery Village has a multidisciplinary team of nurses, clinicians, psychiatrists and physicians who care for patients around the clock. These staff members help ensure each patient receives individualized treatment that suits their unique situation and needs.

Evidence-Based Programs

The treatment programs offered by an addiction recovery facility should be medically accurate and based on proven research. Evidence-based treatment typically includes medicinal approaches, behavioral therapy and counseling throughout each step of a patient’s recovery. However, many find that holistic therapies like yoga can be beneficial in supplementing treatment.

The Recovery Village offers multiple levels of care, including medically assisted detox, inpatient programming, outpatient treatment, and teletherapy. Each level of care offers evidence-based treatment that includes medical care and therapy.

Services Offered

As each patient has different needs, a capable rehab facility should be equipped to handle a wide range of situations in regard to addiction. Not everyone will need intensive addiction treatment or even detox, but facilities should still offer these services in order to provide continuous recovery support. Treatment does not often follow one direct course, and facilities should be able to account for changes that arise in a patient’s needs.

To learn whether a facility will suit your patient’s situation, find out if it offers:

• Medical detoxification
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders
• Aftercare planning
• Inpatient services, outpatient services, partial hospitalization or all three
• Amenities to help with patient comfort
• Services for nutrition and physical well-being
• Activities such as creative programs or recreation areas

Facility Reviews

You can learn about the experiences of other patients by reading reviews and testimonials about a facility. These can provide further insight into the services that clients receive, helping inform your referral. Finding a facility with real, varied reviews can provide insight into the staff, processes and amenities that make up the location.

Accepted Insurance

Another important factor to consider is your patient’s insurance provider and what facilities may be covered. Though treatment may be an expense, it comes at a much lower cost than a lifelong addiction.

Most facilities accept insurance or work with patients on private pay rates. However, it’s important to understand that private insurance covers different types of treatment. As a result, some aspects of a patient’s treatment may not be entirely covered. In addition, it’s also important to weigh the benefits of in-network and out-of-network providers. In-network facilities may have more services covered by insurance, but this does not negate the importance of finding a facility that also offers quality care.

The Recovery Village is in network with many insurance providers. If you are thinking of referring your patient to an addiction treatment facility, contact us today to learn more about comprehensive options. A helpful representative can walk you through the services provided, verify that your patient’s insurance is accepted and empower you to make a well-informed referral.

How to Refer Patients to Treatment

If you have a client in need of care, the patient referral process at The Recovery Village is made simple by a dedicated team of representatives and admissions professionals. If you’ve completed a brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) and need to find comprehensive care, call The Recovery Village to learn more about treatment options or become a referral partner.

Why Choose The Recovery Village?

There is an overwhelming number of treatment options for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Finding the right care for your client or patient can make a difference in their long-term health and recovery. Clients receive quality care at The Recovery Village, and referral partners gain a trusted resource bolstered by transparent communication.

Whether you’re a counselor who wants to follow up with a client after treatment or a hospital staff member looking to reduce relapse rates, The Recovery Village can help meet your needs while providing quality care for your clients. Contact us today to speak with a representative and help your clients begin their journey toward lasting recovery.