Residential Treatment Center FAQs

If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health illness or addiction, contact Lindner
Center of HOPE for information about our licensed residential treatment programs for adults
ages 18 and older. If you are in a dangerous situation, facing an emergency or need help
immediately, call 911.

Many children, adolescents and adults experience mental health issues and addictive disorders.
Residential treatment centers help those struggling with mental illness reach recovery by
providing 24-hour care and support alongside therapeutic services. They create a safe
environment where patients can focus fully on achieving their health and wellness goals,
including long-term recovery.

Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about residential treatment centers.

Knowing When to Seek Help

What is residential treatment?
Residential treatment, also known as rehab, helps individuals struggling with mental health
issues and addiction resolve serious and life-threatening symptoms through therapy and
treatment in a live-in setting. The goal of residential treatment is to release a patient to a
step-down level of care.

What is a residential treatment center?
Residential treatment centers are live-in facilities that provide therapy and treatment for
individuals with mental and substance abuse problems. Residential treatment centers come in
many forms — some are smaller home-like facilities, some are large apartment-like facilities,
some are located in urban settings, some are located in wilderness settings, some treat many
disorders while others treat specific disorders and illnesses.

Most residential mental health treatment centers offer:

-Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations.
-A safe and secure live-in environment where individuals can focus entirely on their recovery.
-An on-site, multidisciplinary team offering highly individualized services and treatment
programs.
-Evidence-based treatment focused on integrated and interdisciplinary care.
-A therapeutic community providing the emotional support needed to get well.
-The ability to build or rebuild life skills.

When is residential treatment necessary?
Many adults, teens and children experience mental illness and/or addictive disorders at some
point or throughout their life. Some require hospitalization or residential treatment while others
do not.

Residential treatment can offer help to individuals who:
-Are exiting inpatient hospital treatment for mental health or addiction issues.
-Are experiencing their first behavioral crisis.
-Have recently been diagnosed with a mental disorder.
-Have struggled with long-standing mental illness and/or multiple diagnoses.
-Experience intermittent or escalating behavioral crises.
-Have reached an impasse with their current treatment plan.
-Are facing difficulties at work school or home caused by substance or behavioral addictions.
-Feel other levels of care have not been effective.

Who can refer me to a residential treatment center?
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to enter a residential treatment program, however your
primary doctor or medical professional may be able to help you find options that will work best
for your unique situation. If you are in a dangerous situation, facing an emergency or need help
immediately, call 911.

How do I find a residential treatment center near me?
Finding the right residential treatment center is crucial to helping you or your loved one achieve
recovery. The best approach is to comprise a list of potential residential treatment centers that
match your needs. Recommendations via word-of-mouth, primary physician, mental health and
addiction specialists, other families who have used residential mental health treatment centers,
advocacy organizations and online research are all good sources when comprising a list.

Other considerations are the type and focus of the treatment facility. For example, while
numerous inpatient facilities treat all types of mental health disorders and addiction problems,
some may specialize solely in treating drug abuse or alcohol addiction, while others may focus
only on mental health disorders.

Likewise, residential treatment centers may cater to different ages (i.e., youth, teenagers, or
adults), or be gender-specific.

Here are some specific tips for finding the right residential treatment center for you or your loved
one:

-Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional about the best treatment programs, facilities
and options for you or your loved one. They will be able to help refer you to a licensed facility
that closely matches your needs.
-Research treatment facilities that specialize in treating patients with your specific needs. Many
residential mental health and addiction facilities have more success in treating some addictions
and illnesses than others. Speak with a facility representative and ask about their success rates,
program options and specialties.
-Speak with someone you know who has been through treatment for mental health illness or
drug or alcohol addiction. They may be able to help navigate your choices and offer advice.

How do I get my child or teen into a residential treatment center?
It’s important to carefully consider all options before deciding on the right residential treatment
option for your child or teen. Your primary doctor or medical professional will be able to help find
options that will work best for your teen’s unique situation. If you are in a dangerous situation,
facing an emergency or need help immediately, call 911.

Lindner Center of HOPE does not offer residential treatment services for individuals under the
age of 18. However, an outpatient comprehensive diagnostic is available for ages 6 to 17.
Speak with your doctor or medical professional about their recommended residential treatment
centers for teens and children.

Treatment and Recovery

How long is residential treatment?
Length of stays in residential treatment centers vary by facility and program. Many facilities offer
multiple residential programs that are based on length of stay. Lengths of stays vary from less
than a week to longer than 60 days.

Lindner Center of HOPE provides two residential program options for adults. The first is a
10-day diagnostic assessment held at our Sibcy House
(https://lindnercenterofhope.org/residential-treatment-programs/sibcy-house-adult/) or Williams
House (which provides a 10-day program for stabilizing evaluation/detoxification)
(https://lindnercenterofhope.org/residential-treatment-programs/williams-house/). The second is a
12-day skills building intensive program
(https://lindnercenterofhope.org/residential-treatment-programs/sibcy-house-skills-building-intensiv
e-programs/) that offers individuals structured time with a psychologist, coaching sessions and
individual goal setting work. The third is a 28-day program (which includes the 10-day diagnostic
assessment or 10-day stabilizing evaluation/detox) that provides intensive therapy treatments,
exercise and individual counseling.

What types of illnesses do residential treatment centers treat?
Residential treatment centers generally offer treatment for multiple mental health and addiction
illnesses, including:

-Depression and Bipolar Disorders
https://lindnercenterofhope.org/what-we-treat/depression-bipolar-disorder/
-Eating Disorders https://lindnercenterofhope.org/what-we-treat/eating-disorders/
-Drug and Alcohol Addiction https://lindnercenterofhope.org/what-we-treat/addictive-disorders/
-Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorders
https://lindnercenterofhope.org/what-we-treat/co-occurring-disorders/
-Anxiety https://lindnercenterofhope.org/what-we-treat/anxiety-disorders/
-Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
https://lindnercenterofhope.org/what-we-treat/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/
-Schizophrenia and related disorders
-Psychotic Disorders
-Trauma disorders
-Personality disorders

What is the difference between inpatient and residential treatment?
Inpatient treatment is a term used to describe medical care that requires an individual to reside
or live in a facility or hospital while undergoing treatment.

Residential treatment, also known as rehab, is a type of inpatient treatment which usually
occurs outside of a hospital setting within facilities that provide comfortable, home-like settings.
Residential treatment programs have longer lengths of stays, ranging anywhere from 10 days to
2 years.

What is it like to be in a residential treatment center?
Structure is key to recovery, so a weekly schedule in a residential mental health treatment
center focuses on providing a holistic approach that is organized through blocks of activities.
Each day follows a scheduled routine, with activities provided in hour-based blocks following
breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Although an individual’s daily schedule will vary based on the focus of treatment being provided,
the following outline depicts a typical day’s activities:

-Individual and group therapy sessions, such as cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies,
proper nutrition advice, anxiety and trauma coping methods, relapse prevention skills, and living
skills.
-Individual appointments with specialists, as needed.
-Fitness and recreational activities
-Spiritual enrichment
-Personal time for meditation, reflection, or individual treatment assignments

What kind of services do residential treatment centers provide?
Expertly trained staff, social workers and addiction specialists are typically onsite to provide
support, aid and intervention for individuals during their stay in residential treatment.
Therapeutic services and treatments offered in residential mental health and addiction programs
may include:

-Detoxification
-Medication Assisted Treatment
-Family Therapy
-Group Therapy
-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
-Individual Psychotherapy
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
-Motivational Enhancement Therapy
-Medication Therapy
-Exposure and Response Prevention
-Holistic Therapy (acupuncture, massage, meditation)

What should I pack for my stay at a residential treatment center?
Permissible and prohibited items will vary from facility to facility. Centers will provide incoming
patients with a recommended packing checklist alongside a list of prohibited items. Most centers
recommend packing the following items:

-Current prescription medication or medication cards
-Any personal medical equipment (cane, CPAP, dentures, etc.)
-Insurance cards and I.D.
-Advance care directive or living will
-Credit card or checkbook
-Small amount of cash ($10-$50)
-Basic unopened toiletry and hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, shampoo,
etc.)
-A journal or notebook
-Photos of your loved ones
-Comfortable clothing and gym clothing
-Pajamas, slippers and a robe
-Athletic shoes

What not to bring:
-Drugs or alcohol
-Weapons
-Any drugs or products containing alcohol
-Large amounts of cash
-Any valuables
-Perfumes, candles, essential oils or scented lotions

Items that may or may not be prohibited:
-Cell phones
-Tobacco use
-Restrictions on books and magazines

How effective is residential treatment?
While there is no cure for addiction, it can be managed successfully. Residential treatment gives
individuals coping techniques to get through cravings, and teaches them how to manage the
day-to-day struggles of recovering from addiction. It also gives individuals to a controlled
environment where they can focus fully on recovery without the lure of drugs or alcohol.

After completing a residential treatment program, individuals focus on long-term recovery.
Long-term recovery is oftentimes a lifelong process that involves therapy and support group
meetings after completing residential treatment. Many residential treatment centers help
individuals develop a plan for successful long-term recovery prior to leaving.

Most facilities define ‘success rate’ as the number of individuals who complete their program
compared to the total number of people who started a program. Success rates for individuals
who enter residential treatment vary by facility and illness or addiction being treated. Some
facilities may even have percentages for the number of individuals who have completed the
program and have remained drug free. Because success rates vary from facility to facility and
from illness to illness, it’s difficult to assign a number or percentage to the overall effectiveness
of residential treatment programs.

What are the most important things to look for in a residential treatment facility?
Choosing the right residential treatment center for you or your loved one can be a challenge.
Residential treatment centers range widely in their approach to treatment, success rates,
locations, amenities, cost and length of stay. When evaluating residential programs there are
many things that are important to consider:

-Make sure the facility has been evaluated and licensed by a state or national accrediting body.
-Make sure the facility offers programs that treat your illness or illnesses. Your doctor or
healthcare professional can help recommend and refer you to facilities that will best fit your
needs.
-Look for facilities that specialize in treating your illness and have a proven high success rate.
Success rates for illness treatment vary by facility.
-Speak with an admission representative or financial counselor to get specific information
regarding payment and insurance. Many facilities accept insurance and may offer financial aid
or payment plan options.
-Find a residential facility that makes you feel comfortable. Some residential mental health and
addiction programs are located in small facilities with just a few residents. Other programs are
located in facilities that operate more like campuses with cafeterias, workout rooms, service and
worship spaces that accommodate many residents.

What are the benefits of residential treatment over other types of treatment?
According to the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, residential mental health
treatment centers are most helpful for people who:

-Were unsuccessful with outpatient treatments.
-Need intensive treatment after receiving inpatient psychiatric care.
-Have education needs that a less restrictive setting cannot meet.

Some of the benefits of residential treatment centers include:

Other types of treatment (like outpatient) offer similar benefits, but the main difference is the
setting in which the patient recovers. In residential treatment, individuals live in a facility to fully
focus on their recovery. In outpatient treatment, individuals come to regularly scheduled
appointments for a set duration of time for treatment.

Can families visit?
Most residential treatment centers allow family members to visit patients during their stay, but
rules will vary by institution. Family visits are typically approved first by a therapist or treatment
specialist. Many centers will not allow family members to visit patients in the early stages of
rehab. These rules are explained to patients before admission.

Cost

How much does residential treatment cost?
The cost for residential care varies by facility and by program. Some residential treatment
centers may offer financial aid or payment options. You can find out information about facility
costs and payment options by speaking with a financial aid counselor or admissions
representative.

Lindner Center of HOPE has Financial Counselors who are available during business hours
Monday through Friday. Please call 513-536-0224 and a financial counselor will answer your
questions regarding the Lindner Center of HOPE Financial Assistance program.

Does insurance pay for residential treatment?
Some residential treatment centers accept private or public insurance, while some are self-pay.
Insurance reimbursement for any treatments at residential care facilities are at the discretion of
the facility and an individual’s insurance provider. Speak with an admissions representative to
get specific information regarding insurance coverage and payment.

Does Medicare cover residential treatment?
Medicare may cover or partially cover the costs of inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction.
Coverage will depend on whether you have Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C
or Medicare Part D. Though Medicare may cover or partially cover your treatment, not all
facilities will accept Medicare as a form of payment. Most residential treatment centers have
financial or admission counselors who can speak with you about accepted forms of payment.

Does Medicaid cover residential treatment?
Medicaid operates at the state level, so each state has different eligibility requirements and
levels of coverage for inpatient addiction and mental health treatment (residential treatment).
Though Medicaid may cover or partially cover treatment, not all facilities will accept it as a form
of payment. Most residential treatment centers have financial or admission counselors who can
speak with you about accepted forms of payment.