CARF Accredited Rehab Facilities Near Me (Benefits & Guidelines)

3 min read · 7 sections

Deciding to get help for addiction and recovery support is a difficult first step. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which one is best suited for you and your current situation. Of course, aspects such as location, treatment options, and accepted insurance play important parts in the decision, but rehab accreditations is something to consider as well. Accreditation means that the program has met a set standard provided by an overseeing entity.

Accreditation is an important quality to consider when researching a rehabilitation facility because it means there are set policies, guidelines, and standards of practice and care. For you, this means that you are receiving quality services. Several accreditation bodies help govern rehabilitation facilities. One of the many accreditations that American Addiction Centers has is from The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF has been around since 19661 and offers guidelines for rehabilitation facilities to follow to ensure the best care. As of 2020, 4,763 substance use facilities in the United States received CARF accreditation.2

What is CARF Accreditation?

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities or CARF is an international nonprofit organization accrediting more than 60,000 programs at over 28,000 locations in aging services, behavioral health, child and youth services, employment and community service, medical rehabilitation, and inpatient rehab programs.3 Elected board members, who all have expertise and experience in related programs, oversee policies and standards as well as provide ongoing consultation to members.3

CARF Accreditation Standards and Regulations

Becoming accredited shows a provider’s ability to meet international standards of quality that have been fine-tuned for more than 50 years.4 When providers decide to pursue accreditation, they go through the application and review process, which can involve a year or more of preparation before the site survey even happens.5

Why is CARF Accreditation Important?

The weight that CARF accreditation carries is recognized internationally in health and human services fields. During the thorough review and application process, the surveyors are looking for consistency in procedures and policies. Insurance companies require CARF accreditation for rehabilitation services.7 Even if you’re receiving free drug rehab, you may want to seek treatment in a CARF accredited facility because beyond the insurance logistics, the providers are committing to continued learning and growth within their field, which is reviewed annually.

Addressed in their mission statement, CARF aims to “promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served.”8 Facilities and providers are abiding by CARF’s core values that all people deserve to be treated with respect, have access to high-quality services, and utilize informed choice.8

When choosing a facility, accreditation should be researched and taken into consideration. As someone considering a CARF accredited program, you can rest assured that the providers have been reviewed, interviewed, and strive to give quality and consistent care. CARF also addresses diversity and cultural competency within their standards,8 which can have monumental benefits as a client seeking treatment.

Ways to Get in Contact With Us

If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction, let us hear your story and help you determine a path to treatment.

There are a variety of confidential, free, and no obligation ways to get in contact with us to learn more about treatment.

How to Find a CARF Rehab Near Me

Finding a CARF accredited rehab facility is simple. On the CARF international site, there is a tool to help you find a provider based on your location and program type. Looking independently on the CARF site, you can review rehab facilities’ accreditations and standards of care.

Our accreditations at American Addiction Centers’ include CARF, among others. Explore our facilities and their various certifications, accreditations, and amenities below.

Explore AAC’s CARF Accredited Rehab Facilities Near Me

We’re currently available to talk to you in private about finding addiction treatment near you. Give us a call at

Take Our Substance Abuse Self-Assessment

Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.

Other CARF FAQs

Need more info?
American Addiction Centers Photo
Take the first step towards recovery.
American Addiction Centers Photo
Make the process simple. Ensure your benefits cover treatment.
American Addiction Centers Photo
Explore American Addiction Centers locations nationwide.
View Our Treatment Centers