Requirements for a Quality Residential Treatment Facility

Depending on the facility, residential treatment covers a plethora of issues ranging from gambling to drugs to anorexia to mental illness. Some specialize in the treatment of juveniles. Selecting a quality residential treatment facility can be confusing and challenging. Every program is not right for every individual. The suitability of the facility is dependent upon a patient's specific physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.

Cost

• Program costs can be one of the main considerations when choosing a residential treatment facility. These vary depending on what is included, the allied health treatments and diagnostic tools the patient's insurance will cover and the length of stay. As price comparisons can be difficult, it may be best to determine a range of costs. An admissions coordinator can work with people to assist with financial arrangements. The patient should consider quality, services and performance when assessing a final price. Total costs can run upward of $4,000 to $11,000 per month.

Credibility

• A residential treatment facility needs qualified addiction specialists for that issue and possibly, on-site medical professionals for addictions such as eating disorders or substance abuse. National certification standards for substance abuse addiction includes three levels of certification; other addictions maintain similar standards. The facility should also be accredited with current certification, at least to state standards. The National Council on Problem Gambling recommends that treatment facilities staff a minimum of one full-time certified gambling counselor, but the number of certified specialists will vary depending on the size and type of facility.

Family Involvement

• Addiction impacts the entire family. Most facilities offer some type of family addiction recovery. Education and support groups help family members understand the implications of addiction. The level of family services varies from facility to facility.

Program Length

• While most insurance companies pay for 20 days of treatment, some federally funded programs offer three to six months of in-patient services. Some facilities offer up to 18 months of treatment. At least for substance abuse among women, research does indicate that increased stays translate to increased sobriety after release.

Aftercare

• Years of addiction will not be cured by even six months of residential treatment. Forming new habits takes time. Aftercare programs help the patient practice what she learned during treatment. Many facilities offer 12 step programs or support groups on-site for their graduates. Others recommend attendance at outside support groups.

Success Rate

• The facility, or at least the type of program, should have verified statistics on the success rates of graduates. However, success studies can be subjective, difficult to prove and need to be backed up by independent research.