How to Open a Drug Treatment Residential Center

Opening a residential drug treatment center is a long, complex and commonly overwhelming process. Acquiring funding, obtaining approval from the state health department, locating proper facilities and hiring supportive staff are essential yet challenging aspects of opening a residential drug treatment center.

Instructions

• 1

  Develop a treatment model that will serve as the backbone for the treatment program. Though the program will need to be tailored to each patient, it is important to have a treatment model in place to serve as a framework for developing personalized treatment plans.

• 2

  Design a business model that will serve as the framework for the administrative and financial guidelines for the treatment center. Though the treatment center's primary objective is to assist drug addicts in obtaining and maintaining sobriety, the treatment center must be a successful business to function.

• 3

  Acquire funding to open the treatment center. Loans and grants are commonly utilized to fund drug treatment centers. Solid business and treatment models will serve as evidence to lenders and those approving grants that the treatment center has a high likelihood of being successful.

• 4

  Obtain a suitable facility to house the treatment center. The best facility for the treatment center will vary based upon the goals of the treatment center. A single building to keep all of the staff and patients together may be the best option, or a series of smaller buildings to allow patients some independence may be better, based upon the type of patients that the treatment center will be working with.

• 5

  Obtain approval to operate from the state in which the treatment center is located. The Department of Health handles approval of residential treatment centers in most states.

• 6

  Acquire contacts with as many health insurance companies as possible. Many people are unable to pay for residential drug treatment on their own and rely on funding from insurance companies.

• 7

  Hire staff for the treatment center. Administrators, doctors, nurses, therapists and behavioral health technicians are integral members to the success of the treatment center.

• 8

  Advertise the treatment center on the Internet, in community newsletters, churches and in the offices of outpatient doctors and therapists. Include the type of facility, cost of treatment, addictions treated, insurance carriers accepted and contact information with all advertisements.