How to enroll in rehab in Orange County

Your enrollment checklist

1. Pick the level of care. Detox, residential, PHP, IOP or outpatient. If you are unsure, ask the program to assess you, or read levels of care.
2. Check the license. Every program in our directory is DHCS licensed or certified. Confirm the number with the program.
3. Confirm cost in writing. See how to verify your insurance.
4. Set an intake date. Ask what time to arrive, where to park and how long intake takes.
5. Handle work. You may be eligible for job-protected leave under FMLA or the California Family Rights Act. You only need to tell your employer you have a serious health condition.
6. Plan for family, pets and bills. Arrange childcare, pet care, and automatic payments for rent and utilities.
7. Pack. See the list below.
8. Plan the ride. Ask a trusted person to drive you, or ask if the program provides transport.

What to pack for residential treatment

• Photo ID, insurance card, and a payment card for co-pays
• Prescription medications in original bottles, with a list
• About a week of comfortable clothes, layers for cool coastal mornings, sneakers
• Toiletries without alcohol (many programs ban alcohol-based products)
• Phone numbers written on paper, in case phone use is limited
• A notebook, a book, and photos of people who matter to you

Most programs have their own list of items that are not allowed, often including aerosols, mouthwash with alcohol, weapons and outside food. Ask for it before you pack.

Your first day

Expect paperwork, a health check, a conversation with a counselor, and a tour. In detox, staff will check vital signs often and may start medication to ease withdrawal. It is normal to feel nervous, tired or unsure. That does not mean you made the wrong choice.