How to Get Admitted to BetterChoice Treatment Center

Getting admitted to inpatient treatment is simple and can happen quickly. This guide walks you through the entire admission process — from your first call to your first day at BetterChoice Treatment Center.

Timeline: You can go from initial contact to treatment within 24 hours.

Admission Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Initial Contact (5 minutes)

How to reach us:

• Call: (725) 299-477 — available 24/7

What happens: You’ll speak with an admissions counselor who will:

• Ask about your substance use history
• Discuss your medical and psychiatric history
• Explain our treatment programs
• Answer any questions you have
• Discuss logistics (cost, timing, what to bring)

This call is confidential. No judgment. No pressure. We’re here to help you understand your options.

Duration: 15–30 minutes

Step 2: Assessment & Evaluation (30–60 minutes)

When: Usually same day or next morning

What happens: A clinical assessment determines:

• Medical needs: Do you need medical detox? Any medical complications?
• Mental health: Any psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD)?
• Dual diagnosis: Do you have both substance abuse and mental health issues?
• Treatment level: What level of care do you need? (medical detox, residential, intensive outpatient)
• Length of stay: 30, 60, or 90 days?

How it works: Phone interview with a clinical counselor, or in-person if you’re coming to us.

Purpose: Creating your personalized treatment plan.

Step 3: Insurance Verification (24 hours)

What we do: Our insurance team contacts your insurance company to verify:

• Your coverage status
• Deductible & copay amounts
• Prior authorization requirements
• Estimated out-of-pocket costs

What you need to provide:

• Insurance member ID
• Insurance group number
• Subscriber name (may be different from patient)

If you don’t have insurance: We skip this step and move to financing options.

Timeline: Usually 24 hours, sometimes same-day for urgent cases.

Step 4: Pre-Authorization (24–48 hours, if required)

What this is: Some insurance plans require the treatment facility to get approval before admission.

Who handles it: We do. You don’t need to do anything.

Timeline: Usually 24–48 hours. We expedite urgent cases.

What happens: Once approved, you’re cleared for admission.

Step 5: Admission Preparation (24 hours before arrival)

What to do:

• Confirm your admission date & time with our team
• Prepare a list of current medications
• Arrange transportation to BetterChoice
• Gather documents (ID, insurance card, etc.)
• Pack your belongings

Do we need anything from you? We’ll send you a pre-admission packet with a checklist.

Step 6: Arrival & Check-In (1–2 hours)

When you arrive:

• Check in at reception
• Sign admission paperwork
• Meet your treatment team
• Complete a medical history & physical exam
• Get your room assignment
• Orientation to the facility (tour, schedule explanation)

What happens first day: Medical assessment, psychiatric evaluation, initial therapy session, treatment plan creation.

How Quickly Can You Get Admitted?

Fastest admission: 24 hours from initial contact

Here’s the typical timeline:

• Day 1 (morning): Initial call, phone assessment
• Day 1 (afternoon): Insurance verification begins
• Day 2 (morning): Insurance approved, admission scheduled
• Day 2 (afternoon): You arrive at BetterChoice

In urgent cases, we can admit same-day or within a few hours. Call us at [PHONE] if you need immediate help.

What to Bring to Admission

Documents (Required)

• Photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
• Insurance card (front and back)
• List of current medications & dosages
• Any recent medical records (optional but helpful)
• Emergency contact information

Clothing & Toiletries

• 7–10 days of comfortable clothing (no strings, logos, or drug-related imagery)
• Underwear & socks (7 pairs)
• Pajamas
• Comfortable shoes (sneakers or slip-ons)
• Light jacket
• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant)

Personal Items (Optional)

• Photos of loved ones
• Journal & pen (for reflection & processing)
• Non-digital entertainment (books, cards, puzzles)
• Comfortable pillow (in a plain case)

Do NOT Bring

• Alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Electronics (phones, laptops, tablets)
• Perfume or cologne
• Prescription medications (we manage all medications)
• Large amounts of cash (keep wallets minimal)

Don’t worry if you forget something. We have limited supplies available, and family can bring items later if needed.

Your First Day at BetterChoice

What to Expect

Check-in & Orientation (2–3 hours)

• Welcome by staff & treatment team
• Facility tour (rooms, dining, therapy spaces, recreation areas)
• Room assignment & settling in
• Daily schedule explanation
• Community guidelines review

Medical Evaluation (1–2 hours)

• Physical exam by our medical staff
• Vital signs & medical history
• Medication review & management plan
• Detox protocol discussion (if medically necessary)

Psychiatric & Psychological Assessment (1–2 hours)

• Mental health evaluation
• Screening for dual diagnosis
• Substance use history & triggers
• Treatment plan personalization

First Therapy Session (1 hour)

• Meet your primary therapist
• Begin building therapeutic relationship
• Discuss goals & expectations

Evening Activities

• Meet other residents in group setting
• Dinner & community time
• Introduction to evening schedule

Frequently Asked Questions About Admission

Q: Can I be admitted same-day? A: Yes. If you need immediate help and can be ready within a few hours, we can often admit you same-day. Call us immediately.

Q: What if I change my mind before admission? A: That’s okay. We understand recovery is a personal decision. However, we encourage you to talk to our counselors about any concerns.

Q: Can family members stay overnight? A: No. However, family visiting hours are available, and we offer family therapy sessions.

Q: Can I bring my phone? A: Phones are stored during the first few days to help you focus on recovery. Limited phone use is allowed after the adjustment period.

Q: What if I have medical conditions or take medications? A: Tell us about all medical conditions and medications during your assessment. We have medical staff 24/7 to manage your health.

Q: Is admission confidential? A: Yes. All treatment records are confidential under HIPAA law.

Q: How long is the typical stay? A: Most patients stay 30, 60, or 90 days. Your treatment team will recommend a length based on your needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us now at [PHONE] to begin the admission process. Our team is available 24/7.