Thinking about a "Luxury Treatment" Center? - Is it worth the high price tag?

The decision to seek residential treatment can be difficult. Leaving behind one's home, family and daily life can seem like a vacation, but it can also be impractical for some adults and psychologically unsettling for many (e.g., feeling demoralized from living with others in criss, losing certain freedoms while inpatient...etc). When you consider the cost of most residential and inpatient centers, it becomes readily apparent that residential programs are intended for short-term treatment (i.e., stabilization). A patient may connect really well with a therapist while in a residential center and begin exploring several relevant issues, but the bulk of therapeutic work will always take place in outpatient settings. Residential programs simply aren't designed to provide the ideal setting for longer-term psychotherapeutic work.

The role of a residential treatment center is largely to provide patients/clients with a safe environment where they can be monitored and stabilized via medications and added structure to their daily lives. Additional medical monitoring is especially important for individuals who are admitted for detox and initial stages of substance abuse treatment. If a residential center promises to offer more than stabilization and momentum for outpatient care, turn around and run. Seriously, run - do not pass go - do not even stop to collect $200. At the very least, seek out real reviews from clients who were previously admitted into the facility. Assuming that a person is not at imminent risk of harming him/herself or others, it may be better to invest several thousands of dollars in intensive outpatient care for 6 months or more than to lose a large sum of money in a 2-4 week program with the hope that it will deliver more than what is possible for residential treatment.

The rise in "luxury treatment" centers is particularly known for targetting vulnerable families of means with the baits such as "private," "individualized" and "exclusive." In an online article published by the Daily Finance in 2011 (see link at end), medical officer Dr. Marvin Seppala advises people to select a treatment center that markets itself on the quality of care provided versus the luxurious setting. Dr. Seppala stated: "Programs that promise 'remarkable outcomes' and 90% sobriety success rate after a year or a cure are exaggerated results that people should not believe...If the emphasis is on amenities of [the] program or thread-count, get out quick."

If residential treatment is indeed indicated as necessary, do your due diligence:

1. Read through the official website for the center. Are there clear descriptions for the treatment approach?" Is there a sample daily schedule you can view? Do the primary staff have adequate credentials?

2. Ensure that they offer treatment for your specific situation (e.g., anxiety, mood disorder, substance use)

3. Verify the accredidation status of the facility. Check if any complaints have been lodged against the business.

2. Consult with professionals who have referred clients to the center. If your therapist or psychiatrist has recommended a center to you, it is still okay to ask them questions behind their recommendations.

3. Find reviews from past clients. Due to confidentiality laws, treatment centers can not provide you with a list of past clients; however, there are several review sites online. If using YELP, do not forget to read the reviews that have been filtered out by the website.

4. If at all possible, visit the premises in advance.

We wish you all good health,

MalibuVistaEXP

New, C. (2011, June 3). The Real Tab for Rehab: Inside the Addiction Treatment Biz - DailyFinance. Retrieved July 29, 2015, from http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/06/03/the-real-tab-for-rehab-inside-the-addiction-treatment-biz/