If you or someone you know is in crisis right now: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). For a possible overdose or any medical emergency, call 911. For help finding treatment, the SAMHSA National Helpline is free and open 24/7 at 1-800-662-4357.
The short answer
Before you enroll, ask about licensing, clinical staff, evidence-based care, medication, costs, insurance, aftercare and any financial relationships with referral sources. A good program welcomes these questions and answers them clearly. If answers are vague or pressure is high, move on.
Before you call
- Have your insurance card and a list of your medications ready.
- Write down your questions and take notes on every answer.
- Know who you are calling. Some websites route calls to a call center that refers you to paying programs. Ask who you are speaking with and who operates the line. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is a neutral government referral service.
- Call more than one program and compare.
The 15 questions
Quality and licensing
1. Is the program licensed by the state, and what is its license number?
Listen for: a clear yes and a number you can verify with the state agency. Warning sign: hesitation or “we don’t need one.”
2. Is it accredited by an organization such as the Joint Commission or CARF?
Listen for: the name of the accrediting body and when it was last reviewed. Warning sign: made-up or unfamiliar credentials.
3. Who is on the clinical team, and what are their credentials?
Listen for: licensed physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, counselors and social workers, plus a medical director. Warning sign: staff described only as “recovery coaches” or “specialists.”
Treatment approach
4. Which evidence-based therapies do you use, and how many hours of individual therapy will I get?
Listen for: CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management and specifics about schedule. Warning sign: mostly recreation with little therapy. (See [Evidence-Based Therapies in Addiction Treatment: CBT, DBT and Contingency Management].)
5. Do you offer or allow medication for opioid, alcohol or tobacco use disorders?
Listen for: a clear yes, with a prescriber and a plan. Warning sign: “medication isn’t real recovery.” (See [Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): How It Works and Who It’s For].)
6. How do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions?
Listen for: an integrated approach, a psychiatrist or prescriber and a crisis plan. Warning sign: “we don’t treat mental illness.” (See [Dual Diagnosis Treatment: When Addiction and Mental Health Overlap].)
7. How do you decide which level of care I need, and would you recommend a different one if it fit me better?
Listen for: an assessment-based answer. Warning sign: the same recommendation for everyone. (See [Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab: Which Level of Care Is Right for You?].)
8. Is the treatment plan individualized, and how is the length of stay decided?
Listen for: a plan based on your needs and progress. Warning sign: “everyone stays 90 days” or guarantees of results. (See [How Long Does Rehab Last? 30, 60 and 90-Day Programs Explained].)
9. What are the group sizes and the staff-to-patient ratio?
Listen for: actual numbers. Warning sign: vague terms like “very low.”
Costs and insurance
10. What is the total cost in writing, and what is included and excluded?
Listen for: an itemized estimate covering deposits, testing, medication and extras. Warning sign: “we’ll figure it out later.” (See [How Much Does Rehab Cost in the U.S.? 2026 Price Guide].)
11. Are you in-network with my exact plan, and what happens if insurance denies a claim or approves fewer days?
Listen for: a clear explanation and help with appeals. Warning sign: offers to waive your copays or deductibles. (See [In-Network vs Out-of-Network Rehab: What It Means for Your Bill] and [Does Insurance Cover Rehab? How to Check Your Benefits Step by Step].)
12. How did I find out about you, and do you pay or receive money for referrals, including from sober living homes or call centers?
Listen for: a direct, transparent answer. Warning sign: evasion. Paying or receiving money per patient referred is illegal or restricted in many circumstances. (See [How to Find Affordable Rehab in Florida and Avoid Patient-Brokering Scams].)
Support and outcomes
13. What is the aftercare plan, and how do you help with the step down to outpatient care and sober living?
Listen for: a written plan before discharge. Warning sign: “alumni events” with no clinical follow-up. (See [What Is Aftercare? How to Build a Relapse-Prevention Plan].)
14. How are families involved, and what are the rules on phones, visits and communication?
Listen for: clear policies and family sessions. Warning sign: complete isolation with no explanation.
15. How do you measure outcomes, and what are my rights, including how to file a complaint or leave?
Listen for: a definition of success, how it is measured and a clear grievance process. Warning sign: high “success rates” with no explanation. (See [Does Rehab Work? What the Research Says About Success Rates].)
How to verify what you hear
- State licensing agency: confirm the license and any complaints.
- Joint Commission and CARF: check accreditation on their websites.
- FindTreatment.gov: confirm that the program is listed.
- Insurer: confirm network status in writing.
- Reviews and complaints: read them with care, since some are written by marketers.
(See [How to Find a Legitimate Rehab Center: Accreditation and Red Flags].)
Warning signs, in short
- Pressure to decide today or to pay a large deposit
- Guarantees of cure or “100% success”
- Refusal to give a license number or costs in writing
- Opposition to prescribed medication
- Offers to waive copays or cover travel in exchange for choosing the program
- A hotline that will not say who owns it
If you are a family member
Ask the same questions, and ask whether the program talks to family and under what conditions. Keep notes and compare at least two options.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask before entering rehab?
Ask about licensing, accreditation, clinical staff, therapies, medication, mental health care, costs, insurance, aftercare and referral relationships.
How do I know if a rehab is legitimate?
Check state licensing, accreditation and the clinical team, and look for clear, written answers about costs and treatment.
Should I trust a rehab hotline?
Be careful. Some hotlines are run by treatment providers. Ask who operates the line. The SAMHSA National Helpline is a neutral government service.
What is a red flag?
Guarantees, pressure, vague costs, refusal to share licensing and offers to waive your copays.
Can I tour the program before I enroll?
Many programs offer tours or virtual visits. Ask.
What if I already enrolled and have doubts?
Talk to your care team. You can ask questions, request a second opinion and call SAMHSA for guidance.
Sources
- SAMHSA. Choosing a Treatment Facility and FindTreatment.gov. samhsa.gov
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. nida.nih.gov
- The Joint Commission and CARF International. Find an accredited organization.
This article is for general information only and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Confirm all details directly with the program and your insurer.