The following are important question to ask when looking for a prospective substance abuse treatment facility or service.
- Why do you believe this treatment in this program is indicated for my child? How does it compare to other programs or services which are available?
- What are the credentials and experience of the members of the treatment team, and will the team include a child and adolescent psychiatrist with knowledge and skills in substance abuse treatment?
- What treatment approaches does this program use regarding chemical dependency; detoxification; abstinence; individual, family, and group therapy; use of medications; a twelve-step program; mutual-help groups; relapse prevention; and a continuing recovery process?
- Based on your evaluation, does my child have other psychiatric problems in addition to the substance abuse problem? If so, will these be addressed in the treatment process?
- How will our family be involved in our child’s substance abuse treatment — including the decision for discharge and the after-care?
- What will treatment cost? Are the costs covered by my insurance or health plan?
- How will my child continue education while in treatment?
- If this treatment is provided in a hospital or residential program, is it approved by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)? Is this substance abuse treatment program a separate unit accredited for youngsters of our child’s age?
- How will the issue of confidentiality be handled during and after treatment?
- How long will this phase of the treatment process continue? Will we reach our insurance limit before treatment in this phase is completed?
- When my child is discharged from this phase of treatment, how will it be decided what types of ongoing treatment will be necessary, how often, and for how long?
- As my child’s problem improves, does this program provide less intensive/step-down treatment services?
