Screening Addiction Treatment Centers for Affordability
I am far from familiar with the vast majority of the 11,000 programs around the country that offer treatment, so I am in no position to make recommendations about any one program, but I do know what I value about their websites and the Betty Ford Center’s is exemplary.Right on their program page you will find costs and what they cover. Never mind that they are too expensive for most of the people I know, the fact is that the cost is out there for all to see and I value that and if you’re looking for treatment you should too. What’s the use in taking the next step of making a phone call if there is now way that you could afford the program.
A second best option is a statement like the one De Paul Treatment Centers in Portland Oregon has that reads:
De Paul is a private non-profit agency governed by a volunteer board of directors. Support comes from Federal, State and county governments, public and private insurance and contributions from foundations, corporations and private individuals. Methods of payment for services include a sliding fee scale for all services, Oregon Health Plan and many private insurance plans, and Multnomah and Washington County-funded residential and outpatient slots.
At least from this I know they don’t have a one size fits all cost structure. I also have a pretty good idea that they are an affordable program for the less than wealthy.
If budget is a consideration in your decision for choosing a treatment program look for such statements on the websites of treatment centers your screening. However, know that most don’t do this and don’t rule them out for it, but do encourage them to add their cost structures to their sites.
