Confidential phone call
One call, usually 5 to 10 minutes. Tell us what's going on in your own words — substance use, mental health symptoms, what's already been tried. No judgment, no pressure, no obligation to enroll.
Same day, most days
Starting treatment should be the easiest part
Admissions and Enrollment Process
One confidential call gets the whole process moving. We verify your insurance, complete a clinical assessment, recommend the right level of care, and get you a start date — usually within a few days. No waitlists, no runaround, no committing to anything before you know what it costs.
Same day
Phone assessment, most days
24 hrs
Typical insurance verification
42 CFR Part 2
Confidential from the first call
The process
Six steps from first call to first day
Every step below is handled by our admissions team — you're not left to chase insurance companies or figure out which program you belong in on your own.
Insurance verification
We contact your plan directly and come back with your in-network status, deductible, copay or coinsurance, and whether prior authorization is required — in plain language, before you commit to anything.
Usually within 24 hours
Clinical assessment
A licensed clinician completes a full biopsychosocial assessment covering substance use history, psychiatric history, medical needs, safety, and support at home. This determines the right level of care.
5–10 minutes
Level-of-care recommendation
You get a specific recommendation — PHP, IOP, outpatient, virtual IOP, medication management, or a higher level of care first — along with the reasoning behind it and the schedule it requires.
Same day as assessment
Intake & first day
We schedule intake paperwork, a psychiatric evaluation if indicated, and your first group. You'll know who your therapist is, what the weekly schedule looks like, and what to bring.
Typically within a few days
Ongoing coordination
From day one we plan for what comes after: step-down levels of care, community supports, FMLA and work documentation, family involvement, and an aftercare plan built around your actual life.
Throughout treatment
Insurance & cost
You'll know what it costs before you start
We work with most major plans, including Anthem, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Sentara, and UMR. Our team calls your plan directly and translates the answer into real numbers instead of insurance jargon.
What we verify for you
- In-network or out-of-network status
- Deductible amount and how much remains
- Copay or coinsurance per outpatient day
- Whether prior authorization is required
- Session or day limits on your plan
- Self-pay and payment-plan options
What to bring to intake
- Photo ID and your insurance card
- A list of current medications and dosages
- Prescribing provider and pharmacy information
- Any recent discharge paperwork from detox, hospital, or residential care
- Contact info for an emergency contact or support person
- Comfortable clothing — programming runs several hours
Not sure where you fit?
We'll help you figure out the level of care
Partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, standard outpatient, virtual IOP, or medication management — the right starting point depends on symptom severity, medical risk, support at home, and how much structure your week can hold. You don't need to decide before you call, but you can get a preview.
When outpatient care is not enough
Detox, residential & inpatient referrals
Sometimes recovery starts with a higher level of care. When detox, residential, or inpatient treatment is the safest first step, we coordinate placement with trusted, vetted providers and take the guesswork out of the handoff.
- Same-day assessment for addiction, mental health, or dual-diagnosis needs
- Matched to a vetted detox, residential, or inpatient provider
- Seamless continuation of care with our outpatient team after discharge
Why families trust our referrals
We only refer to providers we have personally vetted for clinical quality, safety, and clear communication. From the first call to the day you step into treatment, our team walks with you through the process — so you are never left to figure it out alone.
Same day – 24 hrs
placement window
VA, DC, MD
regional partner network
Frequently asked questions
Admissions questions we hear most
How long does admissions take?
Most people complete the phone screen the same day they call, have insurance verified within 24 hours, and start programming within a few days. If you need detox or inpatient care first, we help arrange placement immediately and hold your outpatient spot for the step-down.
Is the first call confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is protected under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, the federal rule that gives substance use treatment records extra protection. We do not contact your employer, your family, or anyone else without your written permission.
What if I don't know which program I need?
That's what the assessment is for. You don't have to diagnose yourself or pick a level of care. You can also take our short Find My Level of Care quiz for an initial sense of where you'd likely land before you call.
What does treatment cost?
It depends on your plan and level of care. We verify your benefits up front and give you an expected out-of-pocket estimate before you start, so there are no surprises. If you're uninsured or out of network, we'll discuss self-pay rates and payment plans.
Can I keep working or going to school?
Usually yes. IOP and outpatient tracks run mornings or evenings specifically so people can keep working, parenting, and studying. PHP requires more hours during the day; if you need leave, we help with FMLA and short-term disability documentation.
Do you admit people who are still using?
Yes. Active substance use is not a disqualifier — it's the reason to call. What we assess is whether it's medically safe to start at the outpatient level or whether you need detox first. If detox is needed, we coordinate it with a vetted partner and take you back afterward.
Can family members call on someone's behalf?
Absolutely. Families and support people call us all the time. We can explain the process, discuss options, and coach you on how to have the conversation — though the person entering treatment will need to complete the assessment themselves.
Do you offer virtual admissions?
Yes. The entire admissions process — screening, assessment, and intake — can be completed by phone and secure video for anyone located in Virginia, including patients enrolling in our Virtual IOP program.
Get help today
Talk to someone who's done this before
Whether you're calling for yourself or for someone you love, the first conversation is free and completely confidential.
- Admissions — 24/7(571) 586-2883
- Location5400 Shawnee Road, Arlington, VA
Insurance accepted
Insurance we verify during admissions
Anthem, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Sentara Health Plans, UMR, and Johns Hopkins Health Plans. Our admissions team confirms your outpatient behavioral health benefits and explains your expected cost before your first day.
Don't see your plan? Call us — we also work with out-of-network benefits and self-pay.