Rehab Admission in California: Going to Rehab in California

California Rehab Admissions Process

The good news is that treatment can help and recovery from addiction is possible. But entering treatment can feel overwhelming. Understanding the rehab admission process in California can minimize that fear and make taking that first step to getting help easier.

While facilities differ on the specifics of admissions processes, enrolling patients for addiction treatment generally involves similar steps, including:

• Learning about your situation. The first step of the admissions process is speaking with someone at the facility. During this initial conversation, the representative from the facility will get to know you and understand your situation and needs. When you call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at , you speak to a knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigator—many of whom are in recovery themselves. They understand the recovery journey, and they listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options.
• Completing a pre-screening. Pre-screenings may happen on the initial call, or the facility may set up a time to conduct the pre-screening on a secondary call. A pre-screening generally involves discussing your clinical needs and the logistics of attending treatment. At this time, you will likely discuss payment methods and verify your insurance.
• Receiving a personalized treatment plan. After discussing your individual circumstances, you’ll collaborate with the staff to create a customized treatment plan. Addiction care specialists work with you to prepare a plan that meets your needs and to determine the appropriate level of care for you. Your plan may involve one or more levels of care and include medically managed detox, inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), or standard outpatient care.
• Finalizing your admission details. After agreeing on your treatment plan, staff will help you prepare for treatment by providing you with a packing list and helping you make travel plans. Some facilities may also be able to help coordinate transportation to and from the facility.
• Arriving and beginning treatment. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by empathetic caregivers and complete an onsite assessment before starting treatment.

What to Expect During a California Rehab Admissions Process

AAC’s simple admissions process helps us get to know you and figure out how we can help. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7. You’ll begin by providing an admissions navigator with your basic information, such as insurance and contact information, so it’s helpful to have your health insurance card on hand.

The admissions navigator will then ask you about your history. You’ll discuss your mental state, preexisting medical conditions, and physical limitations. To prepare for this conversation, consider your strengths, treatment goals, and challenges. This can help the admissions navigator understand the best options for you and your needs.

After deciding to attend treatment at an AAC facility, an admissions navigator will provide you with a list of things to bring and what to leave at home.

Sometimes, an AAC facility can admit you on the same day; sometimes you may have to travel and it may be a few days before you begin treatment. To prepare, get your finances, home and work responsibilities, travel itinerary, and other details in order.

Deciding to attend treatment is a personal choice. However, friends and family can encourage and support and even reach out and begin the admissions process for you. An AAC admissions navigator can gather information and help guide the next steps about having the honest conversation about substance use. Friends and family can also verify insurance as long as they have the policy information available. Therefore, when you’re ready to start treatment, you’re already a few steps ahead in the process.

Assistance with Travel to Our California Rehab Programs

Many times, traveling for care can be beneficial. It allows you to put some physical distance between yourself and the people, places, and things that may contribute to your substance use. If getting away is the right choice for you, an AAC admissions navigator can help you make travel arrangements, provide you with a packing list, and may be able to assist with transportation to and from the treatment center.

Finding Rehab in California

Recovery looks different for everyone. Finding the best care for you requires putting your needs first. With over 1,135 treatment centers in California, there are options right for every individual in need of addiction treatment.³

AAC’s Laguna Treatment Center, an accredited chemical dependency recovery hospital in Southern California that’s also been recognized by Newsweek as one of the best addiction treatment centers in the United States, provides several levels of evidence-based addiction treatment—including medical detox, inpatient treatment, and addiction aftercare.

In addition to research-based therapeutic approaches—such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and medications for addiction treatment—Laguna Treatment Center utilizes alternative therapies like yoga and mindfulness training and does it all in a safe, supportive environment that features a fitness center, several indoor and outdoor recreational areas, and a pool.

Additionally, Laguna Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment tracks for Veterans, young adults, and individuals who have experienced multiple relapses.

Contacting our admissions navigators can be the first step to a healthier, substance-free life. Reach out to AAC at to learn more about rehab in California and how to start your recovery journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Going to Rehab in California