Start with the level of care, then the license, then the money. A good website shows what a program can design; the state license shows what it may legally do, and a written quote shows what you will actually pay. These three questions sort most options quickly.
1. Which level of care does the person need?
If someone is using every day and has had withdrawal before, detox comes first. If they are stable and housed, intensive outpatient keeps them at home at a fraction of the cost. The levels of care explained.
2. Does the license match the promise?
Every listing on this site shows the state record the program holds and when we checked it. A program advertising residential treatment should hold a residential license. Where a website claims a level the license does not show, we leave it off the listing.
3. What will it cost, in writing?
Ask for a written quote for the specific level of care, what it includes, and what it does not. Ask whether the program is in network with your plan, not just whether it accepts your insurance. Paying for treatment.
Then make the calls
The questions to ask on the first call. Call two or three programs, put the same questions to each, and write down the answers.