How Does the Rehab Intake Process Work?

staff member starting the rehab intake process

How Does the Rehab Intake Process Work?

The rehab intake process is the first set of steps you will take when you arrive at our addiction treatment center in Delray Beach. As soon as you arrive at treatment, intake begins – involving the completion of administrative functions, medical examinations, and psychiatric evaluations. The purpose of these thorough assessments is to make sure the patient is safe and set up for success with an individualized treatment plan that meets their needs.

Going to an addiction treatment program for drug or alcohol addiction can be scary and intimidating. Not only are you leaving behind the substances you have become dependent on, but you are about to start an entirely new and unfamiliar journey. However, by being as prepared and as familiar with the rehab and intake process as possible, you can set some of your nerves aside.

The addiction treatment intake process begins as soon as you are admitted to the rehab facility. This is a fundamental part of any treatment program as it allows staff members to gain a better understanding of your unique needs and situation. Here’s what you can expect upon being admitted to an addiction treatment facility in Delray Beach.

Step One: Begin the Process by Completing the Rehab Intake Paperwork

In most cases, you will complete most of the required paperwork during admissions before you arrive at the treatment facility. However, some patients may have to sign some intake paperwork or complete any forms that were not filled out during admissions. For example, you may be required to provide your health insurance information and photo identification to make sure your payments are cleared. You will also be asked to provide emergency contact information and to sign any applicable HIPAA forms.

You may also fill out financial paperwork, billing information, and other administrative forms. In addition, patients who are in the midst of a legal battle will meet with a case manager to go over all of their legal paperwork and get ready for the case manager to take charge.

Depending on the treatment facility, they may have you sign off on a rules and regulations agreement to ensure that you understand the guidelines upon which the rehab center operates. This step of intake is usually very quick and pain-free.

Step Two: A Personal Belongings Search

After you have completed the administrative paperwork, the next step of the rehab intake process is a personal belongings search. Hopefully, you have carefully considered the list of prohibited items and have packed for rehab accordingly, however, mistakes happen. A staff member will obtain your suitcase and personal belongings to conduct a thorough search. This is important for your safety and the safety of the other individuals at the treatment center. Many addiction treatment programs in Delray beach ban items pertaining to drugs, alcohol, and paraphernalia.

Some examples of prohibited items that may be confiscated during the personal belongings search are:

  • Illegal substances
  • Alcohol
  • Medications without a prescription
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Offensive or provocative clothing
  • Weapons
  • Video games
  • Pornography
  • Gambling or gaming devices
  • Candles
  • Electronics

Depending on the nature of the item, staff may throw it away (if it is drugs or alcohol) or keep it in a safe place to return to you upon your treatment completion.

Step Three: Complete a Psychological Evaluation

After completing administrative intake paperwork and having your belongings searched, you will meet with your primary clinician who will complete a thorough psychological evaluation. Typically, your initial evaluation will come in the form of a questionnaire or brief discussion pertaining to your needs and current health status. This information will help your therapist better understand and target your specific needs.

Examples of topics you will discuss during your psychological evaluation are as follows.

  • Your medical history
  • Your family’s medical history
  • Information about your substance abuse history
  • Any mental health conditions you have been diagnosed with
  • Any psychological symptoms you are experiencing
  • What your family life is like
  • What your treatment goals are
  • Whether or not you have had past experience with addiction treatment
  • What you plan to do after completing rehab
  • Any worries or concerns you may have about the rehab process

During this process, your therapist will become familiar with your emotional and mental state as well as any underlying issues that need to be addressed during treatment. Oftentimes, this is the most time-consuming but vital step of the rehab intake process.

Step Four: Undergo a Medical Examination and Lab Testing

Depending on whether or not you have already completed detox, this step may or may not apply to you. If you haven’t completed detox, you will undergo a medical evaluation that includes laboratory tests, physical exams, and toxicology results. You will also meet with a doctor to discuss you and your family’s medical history as well as any symptoms you are experiencing.

The medical evaluation is performed by a licensed medical professional who may order TB tests, HIV screening, hepatitis tests, and more to determine the status of your health. Physicians will also determine what medications, if any, need to be prescribed to help you through the withdrawal process. This step is crucial as it makes sure you are healthy and ready to continue with the recovery process.

Step Five: Get Answers to Your Questions and Complete The Rehab Intake Process

Even after the first four steps of intake, you may still have some questions about the rehab center. Now is the time to ask treatment providers any questions you may have. Once all of your questions are answered and you have been set up with an individualized treatment plan, you will start the healing process.

Get Started With Addiction Treatment in Delray Beach Today

Every person is unique, which means everyone has different treatment and recovery needs. The rehab intake process helps clinical and medical staff identify the most important details of a person’s condition so they can be set up for success.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Addiction treatment providers in Delray Beach, FL are willing and eager to help you attain the high-quality care you deserve. Contact a dedicated substance abuse treatment provider today to find the right rehab for you and get started on a healthier, happier life.