Questions to ask a rehab provider before admission

Before you call

Write your questions down. Enquiry calls can be emotional, and it is easy to leave without the information you needed. Ask the same questions of every provider on your shortlist so you can compare answers.

Clinical care

• Who carries out the assessment, and what does it cover?
• Which qualified staff deliver the programme, and with which professional registrations?
• Is there medical or nursing cover on site, and at what times?
• Do you provide detox, and is it medically managed?
• How do you manage physical or mental health problems that arise during treatment?
• What is your escalation route to hospital?

Regulation and governance

• Which regulator are you registered with, and what does the registration cover?
• Which location will I actually be treated at?
• When were you last inspected, and can I read the report?
• How do you handle complaints, and what is the timescale?

The programme

• What does a typical week contain?
• How much of the programme is group work and how much is individual?
• How many people are in a group?
• What is the expected programme length, and what if more time is needed?

Cost

• What is the total cost, and exactly what does it include?
• What is charged separately?
• What are the deposit, cancellation and refund terms?
• Is aftercare included, and for how long?

Afterwards

• What aftercare do you provide?
• Will you communicate with my GP or local service, with my consent?
• What is the plan if I return to use after discharge?

Safety and rights

• What is your confidentiality and data protection policy?
• What are the visiting and contact arrangements?
• What are the rules about leaving the programme, and can I discharge myself?

Trust your impression

A provider that answers plainly, sets out limits and puts things in writing is behaving well. Pressure to decide immediately, or reluctance to give specifics, is a reason to slow down.