Admissions Process

Starting Treatment at Centered Recovery Programs

Taking the first step toward treatment can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to make the admissions process as simple, supportive, and stress-free as possible. Whether you are seeking treatment for substance use, mental health concerns, or co-occurring disorders, our team will guide you through every step of the process with compassion, transparency, and individualized care.

Many clients tell us that they were nervous before reaching out. By the end of the admissions process, they often describe feeling relieved, informed, and hopeful about the next chapter of their recovery journey.

Step 1: Contact Our Team

Your journey begins with a simple phone call. When you contact Centered Recovery Programs, you will speak directly with a member of our admissions team, typically Reed Smith, Director of Client Services, or Renee McMahon, Business Development Specialist.

During this initial conversation, we will gather basic demographic information, discuss your current concerns, complete a brief clinical screening, and determine whether our programs may be an appropriate fit for your needs.

There is no pressure and no commitment required. This conversation is simply an opportunity for us to learn more about your situation and help guide you toward the appropriate next steps. Most initial calls take approximately 10–15 minutes, though we will take as much time as needed to ensure your questions are answered. So what happens after you call Centered? 

Step 2: Insurance Verification & Financial Review

Following your initial call, our team will verify your insurance benefits as quickly as possible. You can jumpstart that process by completing this form, which allows us to connect with your insurance provider as quickly as possible. Once verification is complete, we will review your individual coverage with you, including:

• Covered services
• Deductibles
• Copays
• Coinsurance
• Out-of-pocket responsibilities
• Any financial obligations associated with treatment

We believe financial transparency is essential. Before admission, every client receives a clear understanding of their insurance benefits and any potential costs associated with treatment.

We are currently in network with most BCBS plans, UHC/Optum, and Cigna. Also, we are a preferred provider for Aetna and other insurance providers. We can accept most major insurance policies except Medicare/Medicaid, but we can easily connect you to trusted sources who do accept these policies if you need. 

Step 3: Schedule Your Clinical Assessment

All admissions are scheduled in advance and can be completed either virtually or in person.Your assessment will be conducted by an admissions counselor or master’s-level clinician and typically takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. 

What do I need to bring? 

To make your admission process run smoothly, we ask that you bring a photo ID, your insurance card for verification purposes (if using insurance), a list of any current medications with dosages and directions, a credit card to put on file for our missed session fee policy, and contact information for your emergency contact (usually a spouse, parent, or close friend/relative) and any medical professionals who may need to give or receive any information about your treatment at Centered.

We understand that every client arrives from a different situation. Some individuals complete their assessment prior to beginning treatment, while others may complete portions of the assessment closer to their admission date due to scheduling needs or transitions from residential or inpatient programs. Our team works to accommodate each client’s circumstances whenever possible.

During the assessment, we may complete:

• Comprehensive Biopsychosocial Assessment
• ASAM Evaluation
• PHQ-9 Depression Screening
• GAD-7 Anxiety Screening
• DASS-21 Assessment
• BAM-R Assessment
• Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale
• Medical and treatment history review

The purpose of these assessments is not simply to assign a diagnosis, but to gain a comprehensive understanding of your strengths, challenges, goals, and support needs, and help our Medical and Clinical Team understand exactly what you may need as you move through your journey to health. 

Step 4: Medical Screening & Clinical Review

During the admission appointment, all clients complete:

• Urine Drug Screen (UDS)
• Breathalyzer Screening
• Comprehensive Medical History Review

Our Medical Director reviews each admission to ensure that outpatient treatment is clinically appropriate and that clients can safely participate in services. Treatment recommendations are developed collaboratively between the client and our clinical team and are reviewed by both our Clinical Director and Medical Director.

What level of care do I need? 

You may be wondering what level of care is actually the best for your needs. Especially if you have never participated in outpatient treatment before, terms like PHP, IOP, and OP may be unfamiliar to you. One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, “How long is your program?” The answer is that it is entirely dependent on you! 

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria is the most widely used framework for determining the appropriate level of care for individuals seeking substance use and co-occurring mental health treatment. Rather than basing treatment recommendations solely on a diagnosis, ASAM evaluates a person’s unique clinical needs across six dimensions, including withdrawal potential, medical conditions, emotional and behavioral health, readiness for change, relapse risk, and recovery environment. This comprehensive assessment helps ensure that individuals receive the least restrictive level of care that can safely and effectively meet their treatment needs.

Based on the assessment findings, clients may be recommended for various levels of care ranging from (OP) outpatient services to intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), residential treatment, or medically managed inpatient care. ASAM Criteria supports individualized treatment planning by matching each person’s strengths, challenges, and recovery goals with the level of support most likely to promote lasting recovery and overall well-being.

While the ASAM Criteria provides an evidence-based framework for determining the appropriate level of care, treatment recommendations are also informed by individual factors such as treatment history, recovery supports, living environment, work and family obligations, financial considerations, personal preferences, and readiness for change. Decisions regarding both level of care and length of treatment are made collaboratively, balancing clinical recommendations with each individual’s unique circumstances, strengths, and recovery goals to support the greatest opportunity for long-term success.

The length of time required based on all of these factors could vary from just 4 weeks of care to a more robust 4-6 weeks of PHP, 12 weeks of IOP, and then ongoing OP for maintenance and support. However, most people find they get what they need in an average of 12 weeks of care, especially if they are motivated and play an active role in their health and recovery. The team at Centered knows that regardless of the time commitment someone is able to make, that time is precious. This is why our program is focused on providing insightful education and skills-building groups–no silly worksheets or boring meetings are included. Each hour spent with Centered is intensive, useful, and supportive of physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Step 5: Complete Admission Paperwork

To make the process as convenient as possible, all clients receive access to a secure client portal. Through the portal, clients can complete admission documents electronically before their scheduled admission appointment.

Documentation may include:

• HIPAA forms
• Treatment consents
• Financial agreements
• Release of information for emergency contacts and other medical/mental health providers
• Program expectations
• Additional clinical documentation

All clients can complete the required patient forms prior to admission through the patient portal and this will help make the admission appointment quicker and run more smoothly. Virtual clients must complete required paperwork prior to admission through our patient portal in order to receive Lab Requests and be scheduled with our Medical Director. 

Step 6: Orientation & Program Preparation

Once admitted, our team will prepare you for your first day of treatment at Centered. 

Both In-Person and Virtual clients receive:

• HIPAA-compliant meeting links
• Program schedules
• Technology guidance
• Orientation information
• Welcome Guide with FAQ and introduction to your individual therapist

In-person clients may also choose to tour our offices and classroom space, allowing them to become familiar with the environment and members of the treatment team before beginning services. Our goal is to ensure that every client feels comfortable, informed, and supported before treatment begins.

Step 7: Begin Treatment

After completing the admissions process, clients can often begin treatment as soon as the next business day. Whether you begin with Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), or Outpatient Services (OP), your treatment plan will be individualized to your specific needs and goals.

At Centered Recovery Programs, we believe healing happens through connection, self-awareness, mindfulness, and compassionate support. From your very first phone call, our team is committed to helping you feel seen, respected, and empowered throughout your recovery journey.

Why Clients Choose Centered

Clients frequently tell us they appreciate:

• A friendly and welcoming admissions experience
• Clear communication throughout the process
• Supportive staff who ease anxiety about treatment
• A non-judgmental atmosphere
• Flexible virtual and in-person options
• A mindfulness-based approach to recovery
• Individualized recommendations based on clinical need

Our admissions process is designed to remove barriers, answer questions, and help you feel confident in taking the next step toward recovery. If you’re ready to learn more about Centered’s 12 step alternative treatment program for addiction or mental health issues, please feel free to give us a call at 800.556.2966 today!