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Types of Rehab Facilities

"Rehab," short for "rehabilitation," is a way to restore the abilities of a person who suffers, or has suffered, an illness, injury or substance abuse problem. There are many different types of rehab facilities to help people make the journey back to sobriety, good health and self-sufficiency.

  1. Drug and Alcohol

    • Drug and alcohol rehab facilities offer help to people addicted to or dependent on drugs, alcohol or both. This is known as a chemical dependency, and rehab facilities provide detoxification assistance. People usually enter these facilities through self-admission, family intervention or court order. Programs involve a team of psychologists, physicians and therapists to aid in restoring the patient to health through psychological evaluation, counseling and peer-to-peer discussion.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy rehab is an out-patient program that helps people regain function of a recently injured body part. A licensed physical therapist outlines a customized plan for each patient that includes vigorous exercise routines, massage treatments, and nerve stimulation therapy. The amount of time a person spends in a physical therapy rehab program depends on the severity of her injury and how her treatment is progressing.

    Vision Therapy

    • After a person has suffered a stroke, he may experience vision trouble along with other health and mental problems. This occurs because part of the brain is damaged, and the eyes need the brain to work properly. The degree of severity may range from blurred vision to complete loss of sight.

      Directly after having a stroke, a patient usually sees an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam and vision therapy. These doctors work with the patient so he can begin to strengthen his eyes or regain normal vision.

      NovaVision VRT is a treatment option used in most rehabilitation facilities. It employs a mechanical device that aids the patient in improving his eyesight after a stroke.

    Juvenile Rehabilitation

    • Some adolescents need to be admitted to juvenile rehabilitation facilities to deter behaviors that have caused them or others serious trouble, such as crime or drug abuse. These facilities require parental permission or a criminal record for admission. Their goal is to correct the child's negative tendencies and give her a fresh start.

      Parents are often called to the facility to participate in therapy sessions, and the adolescents who are admitted also get a taste of what life in prison would be like. After treatment is complete, some organizations offer vocational training. The Home Builders Institute, for example, trains juveniles to develop skills in the building trades, according to Get Legal.

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