Recognizing you need substance abuse services or mental health support is the first step in your recovery journey. But how do you pick the right service?
As substance abuse and mental health awareness grow, so does the need for the right support services. For example, there are over 14,000 treatment facilities for drug and alcohol abuse in the US, but not all are created equally.
There can be different levels of care, quality, and treatment options at different facilities. It can be overwhelming to know where to begin when looking for treatment, but these five tips will help you find the best service for you.
1. Treatment Plan Options
An excellent place to start is to check what treatment plan options a service offers. For example, not all substance abuse services will also offer specialist mental health services. However, there are over 8 million people with dual diagnoses in the US, which means there are services that cater to this.
Also, consider what level of treatment you need. Mental health and substance abuse services often offer different treatment plans, including:
- Medication-assisted detox treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient programs
- Support groups
Check the service offers medication support for recovery from substance abuse disorders. Or they might specialize in a particular mental health disorder, such as eating disorders. Some people need to go through a detox program when they start recovery.
You also need to consider if an inpatient or outpatient treatment plan is best. Sometimes you will receive a recommendation from your healthcare provider, or you may start with an inpatient program and then transition.
Check what options you have and if there is flexibility with treatment plans. It is often best if the provider personalizes treatment plans. After all, everyone has individual needs, such as the severity of their addiction, cultural heritage, and mental health history.
2. Program Details
Does the program use evidence-based treatment? What is their treatment approach? Check if the service uses effective treatments for substance abuse and mental health.
Look out for treatments such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Group therapy
- Coping skills training
- Motivational interviewing
An integrative program approach can be beneficial as it helps prepare you for long-term recovery. Programs that include a mix of support services are also effective. For example, receiving evidence-based psychotherapy such as CBT alongside group therapy helps with accountability and motivation.
Also, consider the location of the program. Can you easily access the location? Does it offer quality services for inpatient treatment?
It can be impractical to pick a location that is difficult for you to get to each day. It could add more stress, which is not helpful for recovery. Find a program you can access with ease or consider inpatient care.
You also want quality services if you plan to be an inpatient. Look for a program set in a rejuvenating location, where you will feel calm and ready to focus on recovery without distraction.
3. Accreditation and Staffing
Pick a service that has the proper licenses to operate in your state. It demonstrates the service meets a certain level of safety and quality requirements. Some services also have national accreditations.
But do not stop there. As accreditations only give you part of the picture. You also want to feel comfortable with the staff and be in the best hands.
Check that the staff are qualified to work with substance abuse and mental health. It can be helpful to check what specialist staff is on offer, too, such as psychiatrists, physicians, and even yoga teachers or massage therapists.
Enquire about staff to patient ratios for rehab centers and whether the service is clinically owned. It can help you understand whether you will receive the level of care you need to recover.
4. Service Reputation
Mental health services or substance abuse services may look great on paper. But it does not always automatically translate to quality care. Check a program’s reputation matches its treatment promises.
A good place to start is to check testimonials from mental health and substance abuse services. A reputable provider will be happy to provide information such as this. Be wary of any services that have consistently poor reviews or no reviews at all.
You can also check independent reviews to have more peace of mind. Even talking to the service can give you an idea of their support approach. It is usually a good sign if they listen to you, are knowledgeable, and are transparent about services.
5. Aftercare Support
Recovery from mental health difficulties and substance abuse disorders is ongoing. Recovery does not happen overnight. You have the opportunity to gain invaluable coping skills when in a treatment program, but when you leave, you have to maintain recovery.
It can feel overwhelming to leave a treatment program and return to your everyday life. How a service approaches aftercare for this time of your life can make or break your recovery experience.
Check whether a service offers transition programs, such as inpatient to outpatient support. This can help gradually prepare you for discharge, so you have time to make changes and practice your new coping skills.
Also, check what aftercare support is in place. Does the service believe in ongoing relationships post-discharge? You want a service that helps prepare an aftercare treatment and crisis plan.
It is natural to feel nervous approaching discharge. But a quality service should empower you throughout the experience so you have the confidence to take the next step in your recovery journey.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
These tips will help you find the best option for your recovery journey. Taking the time to research facilities will ensure you will get the quality care you deserve.
Are you looking for mental health or substance abuse services in California? Apex Recovery is California’s premium rehab, providing the treatment, location, and staff you need for recovery.
Sometimes entering services is extremely difficult for people. We recognize this and have designed our services to make you as comfortable as possible. Contact us today to learn how we can help you turn the difficulty into long-term recovery.