What Does the Admissions And Intake Process Include?

Every drug and alcohol rehab program includes an admissions and intake process. In addition, mental health and dual diagnosis treatment programs will include this process. This process ensures the treatment center can suit the needs of potential clients. At Enlightened Solutions, our admissions and intake process is quick and simple so that our clients can start treatment right away.

What Is the Admissions and Intake Process?

During admissions and intake, a potential client meets with a professional from a treatment facility. In addition, a client could meet with multiple members of a treatment team for specialized evaluations. Treatment professionals will learn about the client, their presenting concerns, diagnosis, and relevant health information throughout the process.

Why Does It Occur?

The intake and admissions process occurs for a few reasons. First and foremost, treatment professionals want to ensure that they can meet a client’s needs. Some facilities are staffed and equipped to best handle specific needs. For example, a client with severe opioid dependence would likely need inpatient medical detox services.

If a facility only provides outpatient mental health services, it would not be a good fit to address the client’s needs. Alternatively, a client with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders would want to consider a dual diagnosis treatment center, as opposed to substance abuse treatment only. That way, they can address both disorders at the same time.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “[i]ntegrating both screening and treatment for mental and substance use disorders leads to a better quality of care and health outcomes for those living with co-occurring disorders by treating the whole person.” Therefore, the intake and admissions process at Enlightened Solutions includes an assessment by a mental health professional for dual-diagnosis disorders.

Other reasons for admissions and intake include:

Evaluation of medical and physical health needs
Discuss previous or current treatments
Learn more about a person’s living environment and sober housing needs
Identify a client’s support system, such as family members, friends, and professionals
Begin talking about treatment goals, as well as, goals outside of treatment
Get to know the person before they engage in their treatment journey
Building rapport with professionals before starting a treatment program for clients’ comfort

During this process, the treatment team begins developing a plan to help the client overcome their addiction and any co-occurring disorders.

What to Expect During the Admissions And Intake Process

Most facilities complete a phone screening prior to any in-person meeting. The phone screening will determine if the facility is a good fit for the client. If not, the admissions staff can make recommendations for the client to seek treatment in an appropriate setting.

After an initial phone screening, clients can expect to meet with members of the facility. Generally, this process occurs in person, however, out-of-state clients might be able to arrange for a video meeting or other alternative.

Details of the Admissions And Intake Process

Understanding the details of this process is important, especially for those new to recovery or their loved ones. By knowing what to expect at every stage—even the intake process—new clients feel more at ease about contacting a treatment center.

Overall, a client can expect the following to occur during the admissions and intake process:

An overview of the treatment program, fees, and schedule
Completing paperwork with any required information, like emergency contacts, home address, and medical information (including current prescriptions)
Discussion of the payment process and insurance verification
A tour of the treatment facilities
An in-depth discussion about the recovery process, from intake to aftercare

Following these first steps, clients will meet with members of the clinical team for further evaluations. These evaluations can include:

A “bio-psycho-social” questionnaire to gather information about physical health (bio), psychological health (psycho), and social/relationship health (social)
Evaluation of past and current substance abuse behaviors
Mental health screening for any potential dual diagnoses
Medical evaluation to determine any physical health issues that could be underlying factors in addiction and mental health disorders
Interview with treatment team members to discuss preferred treatment methods, current living situation, life goals, and desired outcomes

How to Recognize If Someone is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol

When a person asks themselves if their drinking or drug use is a problem, they are often unsure of how to know. The following questions can help clarify what is problematic substance use (ie, drugs and alcohol):

Does the person spend a lot of their time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of substances?
Do they use or drink for long periods of time than intended? Do they drink or use more than intended?
Does the person feel urges and cravings for substances throughout the day?
Have they attempted to cut back or stop, but are unable to do so?
Is substance use getting in the way of a person’s work, family, school, or home responsibilities?
Does the person have unpleasant mental and physical effects (withdrawal symptoms) when they stop using or drinking?
Do they need more drugs or alcohol for the same effects? Or are they consuming more potent variations of drugs or adding additional substances to get the same effects?
Is substance use consuming most of a person’s time so they cut back on social, professional, and recreational activities?
Does the person engage in risky behaviors under the influence (reckless driving, unprotected sex, etc.)?
Are drugs and alcohol negatively affecting relationships?
Does the person continue to use or drink despite knowing the harmful consequences in their life?

Answering “yes” to some or most of the previous questions could mean a person has a substance use problem. They could be in the early stages of substance misuse or in the later stages of addiction. Regardless of the severity of the addiction, there is hope for a brighter future and a better tomorrow.

Start Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Now

Addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders can be challenging. Many people struggle daily wondering if there is any hope for a better life. The good news, however, is that these conditions are treatable. Enlightened Solutions offers treatment programs in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan for those needing recovery. Our admissions and intake process is simple and leads to same-day admissions when needed.