Preparing for Treatment: For You and Your Loved One
Making the decision to attend therapy is a big step toward recovery and mental health improvement. It’s not an easy decision to make, and many never get to it.
The moments after deciding to go to treatment are crucial for getting the help you need. It would be nice to make the decision and immediately be on your way and good to go. The truth is, there are things that need to get done before you get to the center.
When a friend or loved one decides it’s time to go to treatment, it’s usually a great relief, especially if you’ve been watching their struggles for a long time. As a support person, you have a unique opportunity to celebrate and stand behind the decision to go to therapy as well as support after treatment.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about getting ready to go to treatment as well as helping a loved one get ready for treatment.
What to Do Before Going to Treatment
Inpatient or intensive outpatient mental health treatment requires some preparation before you begin. You’re likely travelling to our facility and putting some parts of your life on hold. It can be intimidating, but it’s something you can prepare for.
Sequoia Behavioral Health will help you with any of the things you need to do before coming in. Remember, we want you to get to treatment as soon as possible. So try to work through these things by the time you start treatment, and don’t hesitate to delegate any tasks to loved ones.
Tell Your Employer
You don’t need to go into detail about why you’re going into treatment or even that it’s addiction or mental health related. However, you still need to tell your employer that you’re taking time off for a medical-related treatment..
The US family and medical leave act, or FMLA, dictates that you’re entitled to 12 weeks of time off without losing your job, though there are restrictions. You should still talk to your employer about leaving. Even if you aren’t covered through FMLA, your boss may still be able to work with you about keeping your job once you’re back..
Take Care of Financial Responsibilities
While in treatment, you’ll have limited access to the internet and the outside world. Make sure any monthly bills are set up on auto-pay, or pass that responsibility to someone you trust.
You should also consider canceling any monthly subscriptions like the gym or streaming services. You won’t be using them for 30 days so you might as well save some money.
Get Children and Pets Taken Care of
If you have any dependents, it’s paramount that you find care for them before leaving for treatment. Ask a family member or friend you can trust to take care of them while you’re gone.
It’s hard to leave your kids for that long, but you need the time away to get the treatment you need. If you don’t have anyone in your inner circle who can care for your kids, there are some circumstances where you can find financial assistance from the government for childcare or a temporary foster program.
Before leaving for treatment make sure any pets are left with someone to take care of them. Your next door neighbor, or a loved one who you trust.
Wrap Up Any Legalities
Any fines or tickets should be paid before getting into treatment. If necessary, ensure that any courts or legal representation know you’ll be going to treatment. Make sure you have a written document that states it’s ok to go to treatment or travel, if necessary.
It’s important to wrap up any standing legal considerations before leaving. Getting into contact will be harder while in treatment, and the courts may want to know where you are.
Preparing For Treatment at Sequoia Behavioral Health
Whether you’re coming to Sequoia Behavioral Health for addiction or mental health treatment, we’ll build you a personalized treatment plan that matches your needs.
Before coming in, make sure you complete the recommendations above. However, there are more steps you should take that are specific to our treatment program.
Choose Your Family for Family Therapy
Family therapy is focused on:
- Improving family dynamics
- Resolving childhood trauma
- Discuss enablement and codependency issues
- Teach support people how to help
At Sequoia Behavioral Health we recognize that family is often a challenge. Estranged parents, distanced siblings, and broken relationships mar most people’s families. If you’re estranged from your family we encourage you to invite your found family.
Family therapy is about helping a family better support each other. That family does not need to be by blood or adoption. It doesn’t matter if it’s your grandmother or close friend, what matters is they are within your support system.
Related Resource: Family Therapy
Call Admissions and Check Your Insurance
We do everything that we can to enroll everyone. Give us a call and verify your insurance to make the process as quick as possible. If your insurance is stopping you from receiving treatment, we’ll help you find a place that will.
Related Resources: Verify Your Insurance, Admissions
What do To Before Your Loved One Goes to Treatment
As a person in someone’s support system, you can play a crucial role in their treatment. These are some ways you can help a loved one get ready for treatment.
Help Them Make Calls
When your loved one makes the decision to go to treatment, you need to act quickly. We wish getting into treatment was easier than it is, but due to insurance, stigma, and finances, there are many barriers to entry.
You can help your friend prepare for treatments by making calls and helping them coordinate pet and child care. Coordinate with your loved one about taking over any responsibilities or being the point of contact for anything.
Help Coordinate Rides and Get Them There
Helping someone prepare for treatment is all about getting over barriers. Getting to treatment can be a challenge in itself. Driving them to treatment or the airport will show them you care about their treatment enough to take time out of your day.
Let Them Know You’ll Be There For Them
You may not have much communication with your friends while they’re in treatment. Before they leave make sure they know you’ll be looking forward to their return home. Reassure them that you’re their friend and are going to support them as best as you can.
If you have questions on what it means to support someone in treatment, read our related guides:
Support After Treatment and Beyond
You help someone because you love them, though it can be hard work. The more knowledge you have under your belt, the easier it becomes.
If you have questions about what to expect as the support person for your loved one in treatment, contact us today. Our team is happy to answer your questions about what treatment looks like and how you can be a part of your loved one’s journey.