Young Adult Track

Admissions Questions

Do I need a physician referral?
No, a physician referral is not required for admission.

Which is better for me, Inpatient treatment or Intensive Outpatient treatment?
To participate in the outpatient program, patients must have a stable non addictive environment to live in within 50 miles of the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. Additionally patients need to be detoxed from addictive substances prior to entering the outpatient program. The admissions counselor will discuss additional factors that are important to this decision.

What do I tell my employer?
Each patient needs to evaluate what, if any, information they will share with their employer. Federal law does not require you to provide details to your employer; however, state laws vary. Some employers offer a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can be extremely helpful in this regard. You should know there may be automatic employer notification for things such as filing a claim for state or private disability insurance. For example, if you reside in California and file for state disability (EDD), EDD will automatically notify your employer you have filed a claim in order to verify employment, wages, etc. Employers can require a note from your physician indicating your need to be off work and length of time, documentation you are fit for duty prior to returning to work, and/or you may want to apply for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Everybody's situation is different. Please feel free to contact our Admission or Health Information Management Departments if you have any questions at 800-434-7365.

What do I bring with me on my admission day?  Bring payment, a photo ID, and names and addresses of family members, friends, physicians, therapist and/or attorneys.

How long is the admission process?  The signing of the admissions paperwork takes approximately 45 minutes.

What happens on the first day?  You will come to the Admissions Department and sign paperwork.   You will meet with the nurse to have vital signs checked and to fill out a health assessment.  You will then go over to the Outpatient Program, which is in the Cork Building for an orientation with a technician.   Depending on your admission appointment you may have time to have dinner in the dining room at 5:00 PM.  The treatment program starts at 5:30 each evening.  Dinner tickets can be purchased through the Outpatient technician on duty.

What can I do to help?
If you are a family member or loved one of an addicted person, you can contact our knowledgeable staff to assist you in determining the next step. Options will be presented based on the needs of your loved one. (877) 872-7538

Financial Questions

What is included in the cost of treatment?
A popular myth is that the Betty Ford Center is too expensive and only for the rich. The fact is our treatment costs are comparable, if not more affordable, than many other like facilities. The non-profit Betty Ford Center offers an all-inclusive approach to pricing. For your convenience we provide a comparison worksheet that outlines what is included and not included in the cost of our treatment. We encourage you to use this worksheet when comparing our services to other facilities. If you have further questions or need clarification of charges, please contact our Admission Department at 800-434-7365.

Will Betty Ford Center bill my insurance?
Yes, Betty Ford Center will bill your insurance. With your written authorization, we will submit the billing documents to your insurance provider after completion of treatment for a retrospective review. Additionally, Betty Ford Center is not a participating provider with Medicare.

What is the Betty Ford Center refund policy?
$5,000 of the required program cost is non-refundable. Our charges are based on a set per-diem rate and all unused monies are refunded.

Treatment Questions

What is dual diagnosis?
Describes the co-morbid condition of a person considered to be suffering from a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. Determining a dual diagnosis in substance abusers is difficult as drug abuse itself often induces psychiatric symptoms; therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between substance-induced and pre-existing mental illness. Drug abuse, including alcohol and prescription drugs, can induce symptomatology that resembles mental illness. Frequently, anxiety and depression are induced by continuous alcohol/drug abuse which - in most cases - subsides with prolonged abstinence. The Betty Ford Center staff includes psychiatrist, physicians, psychologists, and mental health professionals who are dedicated to helping individuals with substance abuse and co-morbid conditions.

Is Betty Ford Center a dual diagnosis facility?
Betty Ford Center is dual diagnosis capable. It is common for patients to present with a diagnosis in addition to chemical dependency. If the secondary diagnosis cannot be stabilized and interferes with, or blocks the ability for a patient to benefit from treatment the patient may be discharged to a treatment center that specializes in the identified dual diagnosis.

Can I use my cell phone while in treatment?
Cell phones are not permitted during the treatment stay. Most cell phones have a camera that may compromise a patient's privacy and confidentiality. While in Inpatient, landlines are available for use during designated time on weekends. In our Residential Day Treatment level of care, cell phones are permitted during scheduled leaves of absence.

What is the length of the Intensive Outpatient Program?  Treatment is eight consecutive weeks, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Monday through Friday.

Do I need to eat dinner before I come?  You may wish to eat dinner before treatment either at home or in the BFC dining room.  Patients are encouraged to eat dinner in the dining room with their peers. Dinner is $4.00 and is served at 5:00 PM.  Outpatient starts at 5:30 PM sharp.

What can I expect from my counselor?  Your counselor will help you create a treatment plan, provide education on chemical dependency and facilitate didactic groups.

Will I get one-on-onr sessions with my Counselor?  A majority of the counseling is done in a group setting.  However the counselors do meet with you on an individual basis as needed to monitor your progress in treatment.

What do I wear?  You can wear comfortable clothing, but nothing with a drug or alcohol logo, and nothing too revealing.  You might need to wear a light sweater for air conditioning.

Can I smoke?  You can smoke during breaks in outside designated areas only.

Are there expectations for weekend recovery?  You will work with your counselor on a treatment plan for your eight weeks in treatment.  This includes a requirement of a minimum of three AA/NA/CODA meetings per week.   Plans are created with your counselor to prevent relapse and avoid situations which put your sobriety in jeopardy.

How many treatment days can I miss?   You are expected to be present for all treatment days.  If you are sick and unable to attend you must call in to your counselor or technician.  If you do not call this is considered an unexcused absence. If you have more than two unexcused absences you will be discharged from treatment.   You will sign an expectation list with this information.

Will I have to participate in random drug screens?  Yes.  If you are unable to remain abstinent during Outpatient and have two positive Urine Drug Screens you will be referred to a higher level of care to assure your safety and for you to have the optimal treatment experience to maintain ongoing recovery. 

Is there a Family program or a Children’s Program?  Yes, family members 13 and older are invited and encouraged to participate in the Family Program usually during your third week in treatment.   Two family members attend under the patient billing.  We do offer a Children’s Program for children ages 7-12.  A family counselor will meet with you to discuss the different options.

Is there a babysitting/childcare service?  No, there is no babysitting/childcare service.

Am I required to go to outside AA meetings?  Yes, the expectation is for you to attend at least three AA meetings per week. 

Do you provide transportation?  No, you are required to provide your own transportation to and from the Center.