Key Takeaways
- The intake process typically takes two to four hours and includes paperwork, medical screening, and a clinical interview.
- A thorough biopsychosocial assessment helps clinicians build a personalized treatment plan from day one.
- Insurance verification usually happens before or during intake so you understand your financial responsibility upfront.
- Knowing what to bring and what to leave behind reduces stress and helps you settle in faster.
- The intake team is trained to make you feel safe, respected, and supported throughout the entire process.
The Pre-Admission Phone Call
Before you ever set foot in a treatment facility, the intake process begins with a phone call. When you contact Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360, a trained admissions coordinator will ask you a series of questions designed to understand your situation and determine the most appropriate level of care. These questions cover your substance use history, any previous treatment experiences, current medical conditions, and your insurance information. The conversation is confidential and typically lasts between 20 and 45 minutes.
During this initial call, the admissions team will also begin verifying your insurance benefits. This step is critical because it determines what services are covered, what your out-of-pocket costs may be, and whether prior authorization is needed before admission. At Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley, the admissions team handles the insurance verification process on your behalf so you can focus on preparing for treatment rather than navigating complex insurance bureaucracy.
The pre-admission call is also your opportunity to ask questions. You can inquire about the daily schedule, visitation policies, what personal items are allowed, and any special accommodations you may need. The admissions coordinator will provide clear, honest answers and may also speak with family members if you give permission. By the end of this conversation, you should have a clear timeline for when you can begin treatment.
Have your insurance card, a list of current medications, and your photo ID ready when you make the initial call. This speeds up the verification process significantly.
Arriving at the Facility and Initial Paperwork
When you arrive at the treatment center, a staff member will greet you and escort you to a private intake area. The environment is designed to feel welcoming rather than clinical. At Trust SoCal in Orange County, the admissions area is separate from the main treatment spaces, which helps new clients feel more comfortable during what can be an emotionally charged moment. Staff understand that walking through the door is one of the hardest things you will ever do, and they treat every arrival with compassion and respect.
The paperwork phase of intake involves completing several forms, including consent for treatment, HIPAA privacy acknowledgments, financial agreements, and emergency contact information. You will also be asked to sign releases of information if you want the treatment team to communicate with family members, your primary care doctor, or other providers. While paperwork may feel tedious, each document serves a legal and clinical purpose that protects your rights and ensures continuity of care.
A belongings search is also conducted during this phase. This is not meant to be punitive; it is a safety measure designed to prevent contraband from entering the facility. Staff will inventory your personal items, secure valuables, and let you know which items you can keep with you. Prohibited items typically include drugs, alcohol, weapons, and sometimes electronics during the initial treatment phase.
The Medical Screening and Health Assessment
Once paperwork is complete, a nurse or physician will conduct a comprehensive medical screening. This includes checking your vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. Blood and urine tests are typically ordered to screen for substances currently in your system, check liver and kidney function, and identify any infections or nutritional deficiencies. For women, a pregnancy test is standard procedure.
The medical assessment also reviews your full health history, including chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, surgical history, allergies, and any medications you are currently taking. If you are on prescription medications, the medical team will determine whether to continue, adjust, or taper those medications during treatment. This is especially important for individuals taking psychiatric medications, pain management drugs, or medications that require careful monitoring.
Based on the medical screening results, the physician will determine whether you need medically supervised detox before beginning clinical programming. If detox is required, the medical team will outline the expected timeline and the medications that may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms. At Trust SoCal, medical staff are available around the clock during detox to ensure your safety and comfort.
Never stop taking prescribed medications abruptly before entering rehab. Bring all medications in their original bottles and let the medical team make adjustments safely.
The Biopsychosocial Assessment
The biopsychosocial assessment is one of the most important components of the intake process. Conducted by a licensed clinician, this in-depth interview explores the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to your addiction. The clinician will ask about your family history of addiction and mental illness, your personal trauma history, relationship dynamics, employment status, legal issues, and your overall emotional wellbeing.
This assessment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and requires honest, detailed answers. The information you provide directly shapes your individualized treatment plan, including which therapies will be most effective, whether you need dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, and what your discharge and aftercare plans should look like. The more transparent you are during this interview, the more targeted and effective your treatment will be.
Clinicians at Trust SoCal use validated assessment tools such as the ASAM Criteria to determine the appropriate level of care. Whether you need residential treatment, a partial hospitalization program, or intensive outpatient care, the biopsychosocial assessment provides the clinical justification for that recommendation. This evidence-based approach ensures you receive the right intensity of treatment from the start.
What the ASAM Criteria Evaluates
The ASAM Criteria examines six dimensions: acute intoxication and withdrawal potential, biomedical conditions, emotional and behavioral conditions, readiness to change, relapse and continued use potential, and recovery environment. Each dimension receives a severity rating that helps clinicians match you with the appropriate level of care. This standardized framework is used by treatment centers across the country and is considered the gold standard for placement decisions.
Understanding how these dimensions apply to your situation can help you see why a particular level of care is recommended. For example, someone with a supportive home environment and mild withdrawal risk may be appropriate for outpatient care, while someone with severe withdrawal potential and an unstable living situation would benefit from residential treatment at a facility like Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley.
Meeting Your Treatment Team
After the assessments are complete, you will be introduced to key members of your treatment team. This typically includes your primary therapist, a case manager, and the nursing staff who will be overseeing your care. At Trust SoCal, each client is assigned a dedicated treatment team that collaborates to ensure all aspects of recovery are addressed, from medical needs to emotional support to discharge planning.
Your primary therapist will review the preliminary treatment plan with you and explain the types of therapy you will be participating in. This is also the time to discuss any preferences or concerns you have about treatment. If you have had negative experiences in therapy before, sharing that information helps your therapist adjust their approach to better meet your needs.
Your treatment plan is a living document that evolves as you progress. It is reviewed and updated regularly based on your response to therapy, feedback from your treatment team, and any new concerns that arise during your stay.
Settling In: Your First Night
By the time you settle into your room, you will have completed the most intensive part of the intake process. Staff will show you around the facility, introduce you to your roommate if applicable, and review the daily schedule and community guidelines. Many treatment centers in Orange County, including Trust SoCal, provide a welcome packet that includes the schedule, a list of recovery resources, and information about recreational activities available during downtime.
Your first night may feel strange and uncomfortable, and that is perfectly normal. You are in an unfamiliar environment, away from the routines and substances that your brain has come to depend on. Nursing staff check on new clients frequently during the first night to ensure you are safe and to address any withdrawal symptoms or anxiety that may arise. Remember that discomfort is temporary and that each hour you spend in treatment is an investment in your future.
Many clients later describe the first night as a turning point. Despite the difficulty, there is often a sense of relief that comes from finally being in a safe place where help is available. Surrendering to the process, even when it feels overwhelming, is the first act of courage in your recovery journey.
How to Make the Most of Your Intake Experience
The intake process goes more smoothly when you arrive prepared. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of all medications with dosages, and comfortable clothing for several days. Leave valuables, large amounts of cash, and any items that could be considered contraband at home. If you are unsure about what to bring, call the admissions team ahead of time for a detailed packing list.
Most importantly, try to approach intake with an open mind. It is natural to feel defensive, skeptical, or even angry during the process. These emotions do not disqualify you from treatment; they are part of what brought you here. The intake team has seen it all and is trained to meet you exactly where you are without judgment. Your willingness to show up, even reluctantly, is the foundation on which recovery is built.
- Bring your insurance card and photo ID
- List all current medications including dosages and prescribing doctors
- Pack comfortable clothing and basic toiletries
- Leave electronics, valuables, and prohibited items at home
- Prepare a list of questions for the admissions and clinical team
- Let a trusted family member know your arrival time and facility contact info
Madeline Villarreal, Counselor
Counselor
