University of Maryland Walter P. Carter Center

Most treatment centers follow a 4-step intake: (1) confidential assessment — substance history, mental health, insurance, preferences (protected by 42 CFR Part 2); (2) insurance verification — facility contacts your plan to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs; (3) level-of-care recommendation — clinical staff match you to detox, residential, PHP, IOP, or outpatient based on severity; (4) admission typically within 24–48 hours. Timing varies by facility and bed availability.