Choosing the right treatment center for yourself or a loved one is a difficult process. Our Admissions Team can answer any questions you may have but to help, here are some of our frequently asked questions.
Rehab Admissions FAQ
[accordion class=”green-left” clicktoclose=”true”][accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”How much does rehab cost?”]The cost of treatment ranges depending on each client’s individual needs. Some factors that play a role in the overall cost of treatment at any facility are length of stay, level of care required, and treatments offered. As an out-of-network provider, we are able to work with most PPO insurance plans to help offset the out of pocket costs of our program. However, because of the wide range of services we offer, there will be some out-of-pocket costs to families.
If you think that Sober College may be a good fit for your loved one, and would like to find out more details about our costs we encourage you to complete our free insurance verification form.
Learn more about the complete admissions process or how to cover the costs of rehab.
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[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Does insurance cover drug and alcohol treatment?”] Sober College is an out-of-network provider. We are able to work with most PPO insurance plans to help offset the out of pocket costs to families. If you do not have a PPO plan, no need to worry, our admissions team can discuss your options with you. If you are interested to see if we are able to work with your insurance provider, please complete our free insurance verification form or give our admissions team a call at 424.229.4179 to find out more.
Unfortunately, we do not accept Medicaid, Medicare or Medi-Cal as payment for our services. We are a private facility that is not contracted with any government or state agencies. If you would like to utilize these services please contact your provider directly or give us a call and we can help direct you to a program that accepts these plans.
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[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”What forms of payment do you accept?”] We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover), check, wire transfer, cash, loans, and more. For more information about forms of payment we accept, please do not hesitate to give us a call. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Are there any hidden fees in the cost of treatment?”] There are no hidden fees in the cost of treatment at Sober College. This is an important question to ask any program that you are considering. If your son or daughter needs care from a provider outside of the services we offer at Sober College, this will be discussed and approved by you prior to anything being charged to you. For details about particular services that are and are not covered by the cost of treatment at Sober College, please give our admissions team a call.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”What is your length of stay? “] Length of stay is determined on an individual basis. Our minimum commitment is three months and can include stays of up to one year. We understand that sometimes a young adult is returning to work or university and could benefit from being in a stable sober environment before moving on to the next step. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your particular situation. Learn more about the importance of long-term stay as part of rehab.
Academics at Sober College are provided on an individual basis. In addition to teaching core academic skills, we use a number of content providers in addition to our own curriculum. This combination allows us to accommodate a wide variety of education needs. Students at Sober College are taking accredited, transferable, and rolling admission college classes, including high school completion and G.E.D. completion. Learn more about the importance of combining college and rehab for long-term sobriety.
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[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”What if a person leaves treatment early?”] We find that most of our clients, even if hesitant to come to treatment at first, do stay at Sober College once they arrive. However, if your son or daughter leaves treatment before they complete their first month, the remaining tuition for month one will be held on account as a credit for 12 months from the date of departure. After the first 30 days, if a client leaves treatment, the remaining tuition will be prorated on a weekly basis. Please note, all clinical readmission criterion must be met in order for the credit to be accessed. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Do you offer payment plans?”] Sober College is a minimum commitment of 90 days however most of our clients do stay between six months to one year. The terms of payment for your child’s stay will be determined prior to admission with a member of our treatment team. However, we do require a minimum of the first months’ payment upon admission to our program. There are no hidden fees and a payment schedule is determined prior to admission to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Learn more about loan options, or financing drug rehab.
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[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Who is Eligible? “]
Sober College will consider young adult men and women ages 18-26 that are in need of a supportive sober environment. We offer dual-diagnosis treatment and work with clients struggling with both substance abuse and mental health issues. Length of stay is determined individually. Learn more about the admissions process at Sober College. [/accordion-item][/accordion]
Facilities FAQ
[accordion class=”green-left” clicktoclose=”true”][accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”What are the living arrangements like?”] We have a variety of homes and apartments for clients at levels of care ranging from detox to sober livings. Our homes are all single-sex and offer 24-hour staffing including an awake overnight staff, although, the level of staff involvement varies depending on the level of care. Tour our facilities or give us a call to learn more about the different living arrangements and where your son or daughter would be staying while at Sober College. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Is smoking or tobacco allowed at the facility?”] While it is not encouraged, smoking is allowed in designated areas at designated times. We also offer smoking cessation programs for clients that are enrolled in our program. [/accordion-item][/accordion]
Program FAQs
[accordion class=”green-left” clicktoclose=”true”][accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Is the Family Program an additional expense?”] Family programming is included in the cost of treatment. However, our Family Weekend Workshops do require out of town families to reserve hotels, airfare, and arrange for dinner for themselves. Other than that, all family involvement is included. Your son or daughters counselor will be your point of contact while in the program. All parents have weekly scheduled calls with their child’s counselor to discuss their progress in our program. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Do you accommodate special dietary needs?”] Yes. We can accommodate special dietary needs. Please just be sure to include any dietary restrictions on our application and inform your admissions representative of any dietary accommodations that will be necessary. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Are prescription medications allowed at the facility?”] Yes. Sober College is a dual-diagnosis treatment program and many of our clients come in with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health disorders. Our psychiatrist is trained in addiction medicine and looks to treat any mental health issues with non-narcotic medications when possible. However other than the time that a client is in detox (if need be), habit-forming medications are not allowed while a client is in our treatment process. For more details about medication that are and are not allowed please contact our admissions team. Learn more about the importance of dual diagnosis treatment. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”How does Sober College handle medical emergencies?”] In the event of a medical emergency, our staff will, depending on the urgency, call 911 or transport the client to the emergency room of the local hospital. Once the client is safe, our staff will notify you of the situation. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Does Sober College offer detox?”] Yes. Sober College does offer some detox services on-site for clients that are preparing to transition into our long-term treatment program. If you are looking strictly for detox services and not treatment, our admissions team can refer to detoxes that we work with or you can contact your insurance provider to find a detox covered by your insurance plan. Learn more about our detox process. [/accordion-item][/accordion]
Learn more about what we do at Sober College.
Legal Issues FAQs
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[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Will Sober College supply the courts with the reports that they need?”] Sober College works very closely with probation officers and other court personnel. Should a client under the court’s jurisdiction make a decision that puts them in non-compliance with our program, or the conditions set forth by the court, we will make this information known to the court-appointed professional as required. Clients who are on probation with community service to complete, fines and restitution to be made, are given the opportunity, resources, and encouragement to accomplish these objectives while at Sober College. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”What happens if the client needs to make an appearance in court?”] When possible, deferral of court appearances is advised – the longer the client has been in our program prior to a court appearance the greater the likelihood that their court appearance and their travel will go smoothly. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Can the client earn money to pay court fines and/or make restitution?”] After 90 days at Sober College, yes they can. Clients can earn the privilege to hold a job, when this can happen varies by client and necessity. However, if the amount of the fine and the timeline by which it must to be completed are such that it necessitates they be working relatively full time, this would not be compatible with the Sober College program. This type of work schedule would take them out of the program’s day-to-day, stall their recovery and pull them away from the community. If the time frame and amounts are reasonable, they can earn money and pay off their fines while remaining a client. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Can they complete court-ordered Community Service hours?”] As mentioned previously, provided that the time frame in which they need to complete the hours is such that they can continue to participate in the Sober College program they can work community service hours through several organizations in the Los Angeles Area. We have our Community Outreach (C.O.R.E) volunteer program which will aid students in finding places to complete their hours. [/accordion-item][/accordion]
Visitation FAQs
[accordion class=”green-left” clicktoclose=”true”][accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”When may we visit and what are the guidelines for special holidays, like Christmas?”] Special occasions – Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Hanukkah, birthdays and graduations are times of celebration at Sober College. Clients all participate in the creation and staging of joyous celebration galas. On-campus family visits and home visits for clients are granted subject to the client’s tenure, recovery, and earned privileges. Such visit requests are assessed on an individual basis. Moderate birthday celebrations and presents are allowed if you would like to add something to their special day. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”When may our children come home for a visit?”] As stated prior, requests for home visits are assessed and granted on an individual basis. Home visits do not typically occur before 60 days of residency at Sober College – or until the client is stable in their recovery and has earned the privilege. The longer the client has been in our program before going home the greater the likelihood that the travel will be positive and healthy and that the client will return to Sober College clean and sober. [/accordion-item][/accordion]
Other FAQs
[accordion class=”green-left” clicktoclose=”true”][accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”May I send the client money to buy things that they need?”]Clients have a student account that will take care of their needs and ancillary expenses such as weekly allowance, educational materials, athletic activities, special Sober College events and emergency items. They are typically not permitted to have more than their weekly stipend on them at any one point in time. If they have restitution to make, fines to pay, or need a particular item (i.e. gym gear) they may request that they are permitted to withdraw from their account and attend to that business. We encourage the clients to be responsible for themselves when and where possible financially. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Personal Liability:”] Sober College is not responsible for a client’s personal property. Should a client leave Sober College of their own accord, Sober College will not be responsible for the return of property. If their property is packaged for return, the financial sponsor must pay the costs associated with the transportation. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”How do I reach Sober College?”] Contact Sober College at 424.229.4179 or fill out a contact form. Following admission, you will also be provided with additional contact information, including a contact person. We will inform you of your child’s safe arrival if they are admitting independently. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Who is my contact person?”] Within the first week of the client’s admission to Sober College, your child’s counselor will contact you, and they will be your primary contact person. This person will be in communication with you on a weekly basis and will provide updates on your client’s progress and challenges. If your child attends our Detox facility the Director of the detox will be your point of contact.[/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Who do I call in the case of a family emergency?”] Please call your primary contact person and if they cannot be reached then call the Main office number at (818) 274-0304 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST or at 424.229.4179 after hours. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”How do I reach a specific Sober College faculty member?”] Please see our website, www.sobercollege.com for the current faculty list. Everyone at Sober College can be emailed at firstname.lastname@sobercollege.com. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Are clients permitted to use email and internet while in the program?”] Yes, but access is limited at different phases of the program. Clients are not permitted to contact friends or family via email while they are in the Freshman Phase of our program. If you receive an email from your child, please inform Sober College. As with phone calls, this is a breach of trust and considered relapse-type behavior. They are also limited in their internet usage. Facebook, Twitter, and any other social networking sites are not allowed during their first 30 days and very limited during the rest of their stay. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”When may I speak with my son or daughter?”] If your son or daughter arrives independently, you will be contacted upon their arrival. After admissions, all new clients enter a Freshman Phase orientation and stabilization period for their initial four weeks. During that time they are permitted to call home once a week. Should you receive an unscheduled or unauthorized call from your client, please notify us so that we can handle the situation. Sometimes this is a signal of either flight or relapse. This situation provides an opportunity for the client and family to work together with Sober College and further the client’s recovery.
Following the four-week period, they will be able to call anytime, provided they have not lost the privilege to do so. Throughout their stay, you will continue to receive progress reports from your contact person. However, you should still notify us of any unauthorized calls.
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[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”When may we start writing to our children?”] Both you and your son/daughter may begin corresponding via written mail immediately. Please use the Variel Avenue address on the front of this booklet. [/accordion-item]
[accordion-item tag=”h3″ title=”Who else may write my son or daughter?”] Clients can receive correspondence from immediate family only. We may ask you to provide us with an immediate family list. Early in their stay, clients are encouraged to write letters to girlfriends/boyfriends explaining that their primary focus at Sober College is their recovery and as such, will not be in touch while in residence at Sober College. Their counselor will approve future correspondence to contacts outside family on a case-by-case basis. [/accordion-item][/accordion]
Have Additional Questions About Our Program?
Choosing the right treatment center for your son or daughter is challenging. Our admission team is here to help and answer any and all questions you may have.