When Should You Refer a Client to Rehab?

It can be difficult to accurately determine whether one of your clients needs treatment for their substance use disorder. On top of that, it can be challenging to select a facility, assist in the process, and help them navigate their treatment. So, what signs should you look out for, and how do you make the right decision when referring a client to rehab? 

Signs to Look Out For 

We would all love to believe our clients can overcome their problems with our help alone. However, our clients may need other resources and treatment programs to improve their situations and increase their quality of life.  

Being able to easily identify the signs of a client who may need additional care can benefit them tremendously. Some of the signs to be aware of when determining whether or not a client needs inpatient rehab should include: 

• Unwilling or unable to adhere to an outpatient treatment plan 

• Patterns of behavior regarding substance abuse 

• Have experienced relapses after medical detox 

• Previous treatments haven’t been successful 

• Needs additional support for co-occurring mental health conditions 

• Consistently experiencing adverse health effects 

Remember, there is no perfect time to refer your client to an inpatient rehab facility. However, doing so early on can benefit them tremendously and even save their lives. The risk of relapse or overdose will decrease significantly when your client gets the personalized care they need.  

Mistakes to Avoid 

When determining if a client needs additional treatment, there are inevitable mistakes we can avoid. Avoiding these can be an incredible benefit to you and your client. 

#1. Waiting Until “Rock Bottom” 

Waiting until a client hits rock bottom to refer them to a treatment center is doing them an incredible injustice. Individuals need treatment before they hit rock bottom. If your client’s life is starting to fall out of control, then it is time to refer them to rehab. Do not hesitate, as it could very well cost them their lives. 

#2. Waiting for an Opportune Moment 

There is no perfect time to refer a client to a treatment center. Rehab will disrupt your client’s life regardless of the time and circumstances surrounding the time of referral. Determine the time your client will go through treatment with them. Including them in the process can make it that much easier. 

What Should You Search for in a Treatment Center?  

Finding a suitable treatment center is crucial to your client’s success. The right program and facility can make or break a client’s treatment. So, what are the first steps? 

Call Around 

The first step to finding an appropriate rehab center is to call around and ask questions. Alternatively, you can schedule a meeting with the facility to gain even more understanding. Some of the critical topics to discuss include: 

• Admission criteria 

• Insurances the program accepts 

• An example of the patient’s daily schedule 

• Treatment planning 

• Discharge/aftercare planning 

It is essential to check with multiple treatment centers to find the best option for your clients. As the one providing the referral, your client’s trust will be in your hands. Honoring this trust by doing your due diligence will benefit you and your client for the long term. 

The length of the program is significant. Recovery takes time, and so does the treatment. A quick detox program is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Substance use disorder does not simply fade into the background after a few weeks.  

Making sure there are adequate aftercare systems is also crucial to your client’s success. Intensive outpatient programs, 12-Step programs, mental health appointments, and other treatment options should all be discussed and set in place. 

These are just a few of the considerations made when referring a client to a treatment center. As healthcare professionals, we must do our due diligence to ensure our clients have the best experience and probability of success. 

Next Steps 

Now that you have a better picture of what to look for and avoid, you can make better decisions moving forward. Treatment centers can be an integral step in your client’s journey to recovery and success.  

Finding the right treatment center that suits your client’s needs and conditions is vital to their experience and success. We encourage you to call multiple facilities and find out which ones will work for your clients. Keep a list on hand of suitable treatment centers. This will ensure you have the best tools available moving forward into the future. 

If your client struggles with addiction and substance abuse, it can be challenging to determine the next steps. Finding a suitable treatment center and figuring out the logistics can be challenging. At The Edge Treatment Center, we can make the process of identifying quality care facilities and connecting with them simple and straightforward. 

We understand that no two clients are the same, and everyone has a unique set of needs, goals, and values. Our individual and group therapy sessions teach necessary life skills, broaden our clients’ understanding of themselves and their condition, and create lasting, positive bonds. 

If you are interested in referring a client to The Edge Treatment Center or would like more information, please call us today at (800) 778-1772.