Real Recovery Starts with Clarity, Compassion & Process you can Trust.
The addiction treatment admissions process can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. At Turning Point Behavioral Health, we guide you from first contact to move-in day with clarity, compassion, and real suppo
Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, substances, or just feel like things are slipping — we’re here to help you slow things down, understand your options, and find a supportive environment where real recovery can begin.
You’re not in this alone — and we’re with you every step of the way.
What Happens During the Admissions Process
Step 1: Connection & Initial Screening
Once you reach out — whether by phone, chat, or email — you’ll talk with someone from our admissions team.
This isn’t a script or an interrogation. It’s a real conversation with someone who understands what you’re going through. We’ll take time to learn why you’re reaching out, answer your questions, and explain what the next steps might look like.
We’ll ask about:
- What’s been going on for you
- Your relationship with substances and how it’s affecting your life
- What kind of support you’re looking for
- Any immediate concerns or needs
We’ll also gather some basic info:
- Contact info + a backup contact
- Insurance coverage so we can begin the verification stage
If Turning Point feels like a good fit, we’ll begin the insurance pre-authorization and schedule your clinical assessment.
Step 2: Clinical Assessment
Once we’ve connected, you’ll meet with one of our licensed addiction counselors for a one-on-one assessment — either virtually or in person.
Before your scheduled assessment, we’ll ask you to complete a few required documents, including:
- HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices acknowledgment
- Consent for secure electronic communication
- Consent to complete an assessment
These forms allow us to conduct your assessment safely and in compliance with privacy regulations.
The clinical assessment takes about an hour and covers:
- Substance use and mental health history
- Your current support system
- Any legal or court involvement
- Your goals and needs for recovery
We use ASAM criteria to help determine the level of care that best fits your situation, ensuring recommendations are both clinically sound and individualized.
This helps us determine:
- The most appropriate level of care
- Whether our program is a clinical fit
- How we can best support your next step
Think of it more as a conversation, not a test– and everything you share helps us create a care plan that’s individualized to you.
Step 3: Insurance verification and admissions planning
Because many insurance plans require prior authorization, full verification and confirmation of benefits can take several business days — sometimes up to a week. For this reason, we begin the process right away to avoid unnecessary delays once clinical recommendations are finalized.
During this step, we:
- Verify behavioral health benefits
- Submit clinical documentation when required
- Coordinate authorization with your insurance provider
- Review any financial responsibility
- Discuss potential admission dates
This step runs in parallel with your assessment, allowing us to move efficiently once everything is confirmed.
| Important: Many insurance plans require prior authorization. Full verification and confirmation of benefits can take several business days — sometimes up to a week. For this reason, we begin the process right away to avoid unnecessary delays once clinical recommendations are finalized. |
Required Paperwork Before Admission
- Treatment consent and program agreement
- Financial responsibility documentation
- Residential policies and expectations
- Optional releases of information (for providers, courts, or family members)
Our team will review each document with you and answer any questions before move-in.
Step 4: Prepare for move-in
After your clinical assessment and once insurance is verified, we’ll start planning for move-in.
You’ll receive your move-in date and details on what to bring, what to expect during your first few days, and how to prepare emotionally and practically for this next step.
If we’re currently at capacity, we’ll offer to add you to our waitlist and keep you updated on availability. We’ll also talk through any short-term options that can support you while you wait.
To make things easier, we’ve created a simple guide:
View our move in checklist here
We know this step can feel big — but we are here to guide you through it.
You’re not just entering treatment — you’re starting your journey to real recovery.
It’s not about being ready. It’s about being supported — from the very first step. At Turning Point, we’ll help you move forward with direction, respect, and the kind of care that meets you exactly where you are.
Have questions? Ready to talk?
[Start the chat →]
Call us 605-636-8686
Referring a Client?
We welcome referrals from medical providers, behavioral health professionals, courts, employers, and community agencies. Our admissions team can coordinate directly with you to gather required documentation, complete insurance verification, and facilitate a smooth transition into care.