What to Expect

Our outpatient therapy program is available to anyone facing a substance use disorder. To keep everyone safe and accountable. Here's what we ask of our patients during outpatient treatment:

• Treat others with respect
• Avoid taking any drugs not prescribed to you
• Arrive at all appointments and counseling sessions on time
• Refrain from selling or trading your medications
• Submit payment for treatment promptly

For treatment of opioid use disorder, please arrive in a semi-withdrawn state to receive medications promptly. That means:

In a semi-withdrawn state, the medication we prescribe will help ease your withdrawal symptoms. If you haven’t started withdrawal, it can override the opioids in your system. That could cause "precipitated withdrawal," or more severe withdrawal symptoms.

If you are not in a semi-withdrawn state, we’re still happy to meet with you. We’ll start wherever you are and create an appropriate substance use treatment plan.

Making the decision to start SUD treatment is difficult, and we're proud of you for taking the first step. We are committed to meeting each patient where they are.

Your first day usually follows the steps below, but the process may look a little different depending on your needs, your provider, and state regulations and requirements. Every patient’s path is unique. Some parts of starting treatment may also be done through telehealth to make the process easier and more efficient.

• Step 1: Medical assessment
• Step 2: Physician follow-up
• Step 3: Medication dosing and labs
• Step 4: Counseling and case management
• Step 5: Medication dosing

You’ll start by completing a few standard forms. These include agreements related to privacy and confidentiality, consent for treatment, and financial responsibility. Our team will guide you through each step and answer any questions to make the process simple and supportive.

A team member will check your vitals and ask about your current medications, allergies, preferred pharmacy, and any withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing. You’ll also complete a judgment-free urine screen. This helps us understand your current health and how we can best support you.

During this visit, the provider will review your health, answer questions, and talk through any concerns. Together, you’ll decide on the right medication assisted treatment (MAT) options, and the provider may order other medicines to help with withdrawal symptoms.

During your clinical assessment, you’ll meet with a licensed counselor or social worker. They’ll talk with you about what to expect from the program and ask some general questions, such as your family history of substance use, living situation, education, work history, legal history, and any mental health needs.

You’ll also have the chance to ask questions about BrightView, and treatment options. This information helps us understand your needs, so together with our medical team, we can create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Our nursing staff will explain how to take your medication safely. They’ll also ask that you avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for 20 minutes before and after your dose.

In some cases, you may take your first dose on-site and be monitored to lessen withdrawal symptoms.

The next day of induction will involve following up from your first day, as well as starting on a treatment plan. Your second visit will be 1 to 7 days after your first appointment based on individual needs. This process includes:

• Step 1: Registration
• Step 2: Medical induction and vitals
• Step 3: Clinical assessment
• Step 4: Provider visit

Just like your first day, we'll take your vitals to understand your current health. We'll answer any questions about medications, symptoms, timing, and dosages.

You will meet with your provider and discuss how you’re doing so far.

Depending on individual needs, you may be observed taking your medication. Our nursing staff observes patients to ensure they are taking their medication in a safe and appropriate fashion.

The last step of day 2 is meeting with a licensed counselor or certified chemical dependency counselor assistant (CDCA) case manager. They will:

• Create your treatment plan that includes identifying personal goals and therapy goals
• Schedule your appointments for group counseling sessions
• Assign your primary counselor and schedule appointments
• Address your immediate needs like housing, food, clothing, etc.
• Review the behavioral health and medical services available to you
• Schedule two follow-up appointments with the provider
• Answer any questions you have about BrightView outpatient treatment services

After this meeting, you’ll be ready to leave with a list of your scheduled appointments, group therapy sessions, and your group orientation time and date.

Please remember to attend all of these events. If needed, you can reschedule at the front desk or call us anytime.

Your first two days are just the beginning of your recovery journey. You'll attend one-on-one counseling throughout treatment, as well as group therapy. Each group session is an opportunity to find solidarity and strength in each others’ challenges and triumphs.

Our treatment team may refer you to support resources outside of BrightView for further community building. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer additional support for addiction recovery.

Substance use disorder treatment is a long-term process, not a singular event. So, our treatment programs adapt to your changing needs.

At BrightView, we believe everyone deserves a chance to recover from addiction. Same-day appointments help your current momentum to begin recovery. Medication is distributed on-site at most treatment centers for added convenience. You can even fill out several registration forms online to prepare for your arrival.

We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Our treatment team can also help you apply for insurance, and we offer convenient payment plans to make substance use disorder treatment more accessible. If you still cannot afford one of our treatment programs, we'll help you find another provider that may offer additional addiction resources.

Our team at BrightView is here to help you start your successful recovery journey.