What are the Different Types of Rehab Centers?

Probably the most common types of rehab centers include those for alcohol and substance abuse treatment and those for physical and vocational, or occupational, therapy. Despite focusing on different areas of need, many rehabilitation centers are managed in similar ways. These methods can include admittance procedures, payment options, and treatment options.

Although they’re probably not more prevalent than most other kinds of rehabilitation centers, the problems drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers represent are much more in the public's eye. Therefore, these kinds of treatment centers seem more widespread. These centers are designed to help people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs by helping them stop abusing the substances, learn to manage their addictions, and re-enter society as clean and sober individuals. Alcoholism and substance abuse don’t always go hand-in-hand, but rehab centers often offer services for both problems. Depending on the patient’s personal situation, he might require inpatient treatment or he might need only outpatient services from the center.

Physical and vocational rehab centers are similar to drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers in certain ways. For example, these two kinds of rehab often go hand-in-hand, and so a patient might be able to receive both physical and vocational treatment from the same source. Too, these kinds of centers have both inpatient and outpatient options. For example, a physically injured patient who isn’t ready to be discharged might receive physical and vocational rehab at a rehabilitation center. Once the patient is well enough to go home, he might still receive treatment from in-home visits or by visiting the center himself.

In theory, a person can seek treatment from a rehabilitation center at any point he feels the center’s services are necessary. In reality, the potential patient might need to meet certain criteria before being admitted. For example, some substance abuse and alcohol rehab centers might require a referral from a probation or parole officer or some other officer of the court. Similarly, occupational and physical rehab centers might require a referral from a doctor, along with copies of the patient’s medical files. Note that referrals aren’t always required, but oftentimes a rehab center will place patients without referrals on waiting lists and accept them only once there are no more patients waiting with referrals.

Payment is also a factor to consider when it comes to the different types of rehab centers. Patients almost always have the option to pay out of pocket, but this isn’t affordable for everyone. Some health insurance plans cover certain types of rehab, and those that do typically outline certain terms and conditions such as allowable stay lengths or numbers of visits. Typically, if a court orders an individual to seek treatment at a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center, the court or state will cover the cost. Of course, many areas have rehabilitation centers that offer free or low-cost services to patients who meet certain financial requirements.