Your First Visit
Making the first call is usually the hardest part. These are the steps from that call to your first day of care, so nothing catches you off guard.
1. The First Call
Call 513.790.3033. Everything you say is confidential and protected by federal law (HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2). We’ll ask a few questions about what’s going on and what kind of help you’re looking for. Answering doesn’t commit you to anything, and nobody will judge you. You can also call for a family member or friend.
2. The Clinical Assessment
Your first appointment is a full assessment with a clinician, using the ASAM criteria, the standard framework for matching a person to the right level of care. You talk through your history, your health, your goals and your circumstances. There’s nothing to pass. The assessment decides which program fits where you are right now, from ambulatory withdrawal management through outpatient maintenance.
3. Starting Care
Once your level of care is set, your team starts working with you: counselors, nursing, psychiatric support, a case manager and a certified peer recovery supporter with lived experience of recovery. Your case manager also helps with the practical barriers, like transportation, benefits and housing stability.
What to Bring
Helpful for your first appointment. If you don’t have something, start anyway:
- A photo ID, if you have one;
- Your Medicaid card, if you have one (no coverage isn’t a barrier to calling; see how cost and payment work);
- A list of medications you currently take, or the bottles themselves;
- Names of any other providers involved in your care, if you want us to coordinate with them (only with your written consent);
- Any questions you have. Write them down, because first visits are a lot to take in.
Things People Worry About
- “Will anyone find out I’m in treatment?” Your privacy is protected by 42 CFR Part 2, a federal confidentiality law stricter than HIPAA. We cannot even confirm you are a patient without your written consent, with narrow legal exceptions. Details in our Notice of Privacy Practices.
- “What if I’ve tried before?” We meet you where you are. Your history and how many times you’ve tried don’t change how we treat you.
- “What if I’m not sure I’m ready?” The first call doesn’t commit you to anything. Start there.