What to look for in a treatment center

Choosing to enter treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is one of the most important decisions you can make. Before you or a loved one begin a treatment program, you’ll want to find the therapy that’s right for you.

This list of questions will help you get started.

“Are you an accredited treatment center?”

To receive accreditation, a treatment facility must meet a set of standards for its staff and care. Accreditations often involve rigorous on-site reviews to prove the level of care the facility provides is of the highest quality.

“Although accreditation doesn’t guarantee success in a treatment program, it can make a difference in the quality of care offered,” explains Dr. Kimberly Kabernagel, an addiction medicine physician at Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center.

When you’re considering treatment for substance misuse, look for a licensed facility, such as Geisinger Marworth, with accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or others.

“What treatment options are available?"

Many centers offer various alcohol and drug treatment programs and services to meet an individual’s unique, specialized needs.

“Your sobriety journey is personal. Your treatment program should be, too,” Dr. Kabernagel says.

When you come to a treatment facility like Geisinger Marworth, medical staff will help you find the program that’s right for you.

Types of treatment can include:

• Inpatient: Inpatient treatment programs provide 24-hour support. If you enter an inpatient program, you’ll live at the facility full time for the duration of your stay. This type of treatment provides a controlled environment that offers more regimented treatment. Some centers, including Geisinger Marworth, offer what’s known as medical detoxification (also called withdrawal management) to help you safely detox from alcohol or drugs with supervision from a medical team.
  During an inpatient program, each day is carefully scheduled. You’ll take part in personalized individual and group therapy sessions daily. A typical short-term inpatient program may last anywhere from 1 to 28 days.
• Partial Hospitalization or Intensive Outpatient: These programs fall between the full inpatient setting and traditional outpatient programs. Attendance can include anywhere between 3 to 5 days a week and sessions can last several hours to all day. Both of these options can include group and individual sessions and programming.
• Outpatient: Outpatient treatment programs are less regimented than traditional inpatient programs. If you choose this program, you can attend school or work or maintain your regular routine while you visit the treatment center daily. Some programs offer evening and weekend appointments to work around your schedule.

“Do you offer mental health treatment?"

Many treatment centers, including Geisinger Marworth, provide mental health services. This means they offer support and care for mental health conditions commonly linked to substance use, including depression or anxiety.

Look for a facility that offers enhanced services like:

• Group therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Trauma & PTSD support groups
• Specialized education programs
  
  

“By addressing any mental health concerns, we can offer the support you need to help you live a sober life,” Dr. Kabernagel says. “It’s important to know you are not alone. We’re here to help you build a framework together.”

“Do you accept health insurance?”

Before choosing a treatment facility, talk to its admissions staff to determine if they accept your health insurance. If you don’t have insurance, many facilities can help you enroll in a state Medicaid program or another medical assistance program to help cover costs. Admissions counselors can help determine if you qualify, as well as discuss other payment options.

“How long is your program?”

Every program and facility is different. Programs can range from 30, 60 or 90 days, or longer, with traditional programs lasting 28 days or less. When you arrive at a treatment center like Geisinger

Marworth, medical staff will perform a thorough assessment of your condition to help identify the ideal amount of time for your treatment. The length of your stay will depend on the type of program you enroll in, as well as the severity and type of your substance use.

“Each program length has its own benefits and challenges. That’s why it’s important to find the one that suits your particular needs,” says Dr. Kabernagel. “There’s no one program that’s right for everyone.”

What happens after treatment ends?

Many treatment centers, including Geisinger Marworth, offer continuing recovery support. These can include:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Individual or group therapy
• Recovery support groups
• Meetings

An admissions counselor can discuss the appropriate levels of care with you or a loved one to help as you continue on your sobriety journey.

“It’s important to know that your care doesn’t end when you leave treatment,” Dr. Kabernagel notes. “Aftercare planning is essential to continue your journey to recovery.”

Comprehensive substance abuse treatment at Geisinger Marworth

If you or a loved one are dealing with substance use or addiction, the experienced team of addiction medicine specialists, doctors, nurses, counselors and support staff at Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center can help. We're here to help you find the right treatment to put you on the path to a healthier life without alcohol or drugs.

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