{"id":30055,"date":"2016-02-01T06:00:05","date_gmt":"2016-02-01T14:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=30055"},"modified":"2018-04-03T13:01:50","modified_gmt":"2018-04-03T20:01:50","slug":"how-do-i-choose-a-residential-treatment-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/how-do-i-choose-a-residential-treatment-center-0201167","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Choose a Residential Treatment Center?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WaitingThere are many different types of residential treatment centers (RTCs)<\/a> that offer therapeutic care for a wide variety of behavioral and mental health issues<\/a>. Choosing a center that is suited to your personal needs is important; however, with many options available, making a decision may be difficult. How can you decide which RTC is right for you? Consider these answers to ten frequently asked questions about RTCs, as well as insight from Darren Haber, MA, MFT<\/a>, an expert on addictions and compulsions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. What is a residential treatment center?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A residential treatment center is a health care facility that helps people experiencing various substance dependency<\/a> and behavioral issues. For some inpatient treatments, residents may be required to live at the facility for a period of time. Some facilities also offer outpatient treatment to help former residents avoid relapse<\/a> and to provide options for people who cannot commit to living at the facility temporarily. In most cases, treatment lasts for one to three months.<\/p>\n

\u201c[The] average stays tend to be 30 days, but some stay longer, and some shorter. Thirty days seems to be the industry norm,\u201d Haber said.<\/p>\n

2. What are the most important things to look for in an RTC?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Check and confirm that the RTC and any programs you wish to attend are accredited and the treatment programs are being administered by licensed, qualified mental health professionals. Ask if the program has a clinical director and about his or her credentials. Learn as much as you can about the treatment center you\u2019re considering through third parties such as the Better Business Bureau, online reviews, and any local consumer protection agencies. If you need it, ensure that an active aftercare program is in place to help prevent relapse.<\/p>\n

3. What type of issues do residential treatment centers treat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Because different RTCs specialize in treating different health issues, the structure, routines, and therapeutic methods used will vary from facility to facility. Some centers take a \u201clock-down\u201d approach where residents are secured within the facility\u2019s premises and their movements inside the center are restricted. Other RTCs may take an unlocked approach and allow residents to traverse the premises with some degree of freedom; however, residents may only be permitted to leave the center if certain conditions are met.<\/p>\n

In recent years, the residential treatment field has expanded. At some centers, everything from substance abuse to sex addiction<\/a> to codependence<\/a> may be treated. There are also centers that focus solely on substance abuse or eating disorders<\/a>, for example.<\/p>\n

Issues treated at an RTC may include:<\/p>\n