Addiction Treatment Admissions & What to Expect in Rehab

Thinking about getting help for substance use takes a lot of courage. The admissions process can feel overwhelming at first, but it is more straightforward than most people expect.

From your first phone call to your first day, someone will be there to guide you. Many people in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have taken this step before you. Addiction is treatable, and evidence-based care can lead to lasting recovery.

If you are looking into treatment for yourself or for someone you care about, this page explains what to expect during admissions, how payment works, and what happens when you arrive. If you need to start quickly, same-day admissions are available. You do not have to wait another day.

Call us at to start over at AdCare – it’s free and confidential.

Our admissions process is designed to be as simple and supportive as possible. Here is what you can expect at each stage.

Step 1: Your Confidential Phone Call

It all starts with a phone call to . You will talk with someone who gets it. Many of our team members have been through recovery themselves.

During the call, the navigator will ask some questions to get a sense of your situation. They might ask about your substance use, mental health, medical history, and insurance. The call is free and confidential.

Step 2: Insurance Verification and Payment Planning

Your admissions navigator will verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage options. AdCare accepts most types of private insurance.

If you do not have insurance or need help with costs, there are payment plans and sliding scale options. Cost should not keep you from getting help.

Step 3: Your Personalized Treatment Plan

After you share your story, the clinical team will build a plan around what you need. This could include medical detox, inpatient care, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, or a mix of these.

If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, our dual diagnosis treatment program addresses both your addiction and mental health needs together, which research shows leads to better outcomes.

Step 4: Travel and Arrival Arrangements

Once your treatment plan is set, your admissions navigator helps coordinate your arrival. If you are traveling to one of our inpatient facilities, we can help arrange transportation. If you are joining an outpatient program, we will provide you with the address, schedule, and everything you need.

If you need help with transportation, let your admissions navigator know during your call.

Step 5: Your First Day at AdCare

When you arrive, a welcoming team of clinicians and caregivers will greet you. Your first day includes an onsite medical assessment, a review of your treatment plan, and an orientation to the facility. You will meet your care team and begin to settle in.

You will also meet other people who have made the same brave decision. At AdCare, you are never alone. Our aftercare and alumni programs provide ongoing support well beyond your initial treatment.

Addiction treatment is an investment in your – or loved one’s – health and happiness. We believe everyone who needs it should be able to access treatment. We will help verify your insurance coverage for benefits and determine the best way to pay for care.

In-Network Insurances at AdCare’s Massachusetts Outpatient Rehab

In-Network Insurances at AdCare Hospital in Massachusetts

In-Network Insurances at AdCare Rhode Island

Ways to Pay for Addiction Treatment

• Health Insurance: Verify your insurance coverage and get started online.
• Pricing & Costs: Your unique plan, including the levels of care in your treatment plan, will determine your exact costs.
• Payment Plans: Based on your situation, financing or other flexible payment options may be available.
• Major Credit and Debit Cards: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover to help you pay for your care.

The intake assessment is a critical part of the admissions process. It helps our clinical team understand your medical history, substance use patterns, mental health status, and personal circumstances so we can provide the safest, most effective care. 

What the Assessment Covers

• A complete medical screening, including vital signs and a review of current medications
• Your substance use history: which substances, how long, how much, and how often
• Mental health screening for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
• Past treatment experiences and what worked or what did not
• Family history of addiction or mental health conditions
• Your personal goals for treatment and recovery

This assessment is done with care. The team is here to listen, not judge. What you share helps build a plan that fits you.

Not knowing what to bring can make arrival feel stressful. Here is a general packing guide for inpatient programs. Your admissions navigator will give you a full list for your location.

Recommended Items

• Comfortable clothing for 7 to 10 days (nothing with drawstrings)
• Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste (no mouthwash with alcohol)
• Prescription medications in their original bottles
• Insurance card and a valid photo ID
• A journal, book, or other comfort items
• Phone numbers for family and friends you want to stay in contact with

Items to Leave at Home

• Alcohol-based products (mouthwash, hand sanitizer, perfume with alcohol)
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Drugs, supplements, or over-the-counter medications (these will be managed by medical staff)
• Large amounts of cash or valuables

There are AdCare treatment centers in several parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

AdCare Hospital (Worcester, Massachusetts)

Our flagship facility offers inpatient care, medical detox, and a full range of treatment programs. AdCare Hospital is licensed and accredited, and accepts most private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. Learn more about AdCare Hospital.

AdCare Rhode Island

Our Rhode Island facility provides residential treatment and outpatient programs. Medicaid is accepted. Learn more about AdCare Rhode Island.

Worcester Outpatient

Our outpatient location in Worcester offers PHP, IOP, and standard outpatient services for people who need flexibility while receiving quality care. Learn more about Worcester Outpatient.

For Massachusetts residents looking for additional state-funded resources, visit the Massachusetts Substance Use Services page for a directory of state-supported treatment options.

If you are calling for a family member or friend, your call matters. Many people start treatment because someone who cares reached out first.

Our admissions navigators are experienced in helping families navigate this difficult process. They can guide you through how to talk to your loved one about treatment, what options are available, and how to start the admissions process on their behalf. Our family services program also provides support and counseling for the people who love someone struggling with addiction.

For veterans and first responders, AdCare offers specialized treatment programs that address the unique challenges they face.

When you – or your loved one – arrives, you’ll find a team of compassionate caregivers who will offer an onsite assessment before starting treatment. You’ll also find camaraderie with other people at AdCare who have committed to changing their lives too.

We believe in you and are here to help you and your family.

Take the next step. Here are ways to get started:

• Call us
• Get started online using the guided intake form below:

Frequently Asked Questions