Starting treatment can feel daunting, so it helps to know what to expect when you show up. At Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas, patients begin with a careful intake assessment. This first step helps match you to the right rehab level, so care is safe, personal, and effective. Whether you are a prospective patient or a loved one assisting them, this guide explains what to expect, how intake shapes treatment programs, and what you’ll need to get started with addiction treatment.
What is an intake assessment?
An intake assessment is the first clinical meeting at a treatment facility or rehab center. Clinical staff go over your medical history, substance use, mental health, and goals. The intake process helps the treatment center understand individual patients’ situations in order to ensure safety, guide detox decisions, and build trust with patients and family members.
What is the goal of the rehab intake process?
The goal of intake is to place patients in the right level of care and create a properly customized treatment plan. A strong intake helps determine if patients need medical supervision for withdrawal, and if they will do best in inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. Intake is also a time for you to learn about how a treatment facility works, what its programs include, and how to prepare for daily life in care.
Medical detox
Some patients need medical detox to manage withdrawal safely. During intake, clinicians review substances used, what the past years of use look like, and current symptoms. During detox, the care team oversees medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, monitors vital signs, and protects patient comfort. Detox alone is not treatment, so patients move from detox into rehab programs that include counseling and other supports to avoid relapse. Medical detox can be inpatient or outpatient, depending on individual needs, and can precede either inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment.
Inpatient treatment
Residential or inpatient programs provide 24-hour structure in a hospital or residential treatment setting. In residential treatment, patients live at the facility, practice new skills, and get daily therapy. This level of care is helpful when symptoms are severe, when home triggers are strong, or when patients need a new environment to focus on recovery. Residential treatment supports medical needs, therapy, and recovery activities in one safe place.
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment lets patients live at home while coming to scheduled therapy sessions. Levels of outpatient care include standard outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization. Outpatient treatment programs can help patients step down from inpatient treatment or begin care if symptoms are stable. The right match depends on the intake assessment and the patient’s readiness.
Dual diagnosis mental health treatment
Many people have both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. According to leading experts like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), addiction treatment works best when any co-occurring mental health issues are addressed at the same time. During intake, our team screens for depression, anxiety, trauma, and other concerns. This helps patients receive the right kind of behavioral health care alongside addiction treatment.
What happens during the intake process?
Patients meet with admissions and clinical staff. The team gathers information, answers questions, and explains next steps. Here is what to expect:
- Medical review, including medical history, medications, allergies, and vital signs
- Substance use review, including alcohol, prescription drug, and illicit drug use
- Physical health evaluation, with lab work or tests when clinically needed
- Behavioral health screening, including mood, sleep, stress, and safety
- Discussion of health insurance coverage and financial options
- Level of care decision, which places you in medical detox, residential, or outpatient treatment
- A tour of the treatment facility
- Education on what to bring, what to expect the first day, and how family can support your care
Our intake process at Santé Center helps match you to appropriate services with attention to your safety, privacy, and personal goals. For convenience, we can also verify your insurance ahead of your visit so you know if you’re covered and what to expect in terms of costs.
Customized treatment planning after intake
After intake, the team builds a customized treatment plan with components such as individual therapy, group counseling, family education, and recovery skills training. Strong plans also address sleep, nutrition, fitness, social support, and sober routines. The plan adapts as patients progress.
Start your addiction recovery journey in Texas
Santé Center for Healing in Argyle serves individuals and families from Dallas-Fort Worth, Denton, and the surrounding areas. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs across care levels at our treatment center in the beautiful rolling hills north of Dallas-Forth Worth. If you are ready to start treatment or learn more about what we do, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the rehab intake process so you can find treatment that fits your life and your goals.
FAQs about rehab intake in Texas
What does intake mean for rehab?
Rehab intake is the first clinical step at an addiction treatment facility. You will complete assessments, learn about programs, and receive a placement into the right level of care.
What happens during an intake interview?
Clinicians ask about medical history, substances used, mental health, prior treatment experiences, and treatment goals in order to build a safe treatment plan and place you in the appropriate rehab programs.
What are the requirements to go to rehab?
Most facilities admit adults who meet clinical criteria for a substance use disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5). In addition, treatment centers will review safety needs, medical stability, and insurance to make sure their programs are a good fit for you.
How do insurance and costs work?
Coverage varies by plan and treatment provider. Some facilities may offer payment plans. You can always ask the treatment center to verify your health insurance up front to ensure you are covered before scheduling an intake.
What does a typical day in rehab look like?
In residential programs, patients follow a structured schedule that may include individual therapy, group counseling, skill building, wellness activities, and time for reflection. In outpatient treatment, patients attend sessions on a schedule while living at home.