Does the size of the population in a treatment center really matter? Isn't the fact that an addicted individual is entering rehab all that really matters? I would answer yes to question #1 and no to question #2.
When desperate families take to the internet to seek out a treatment center for an addicted loved one, they are normally not very well versed about knowing what questions to ask the admissions person on the other end of the phone. The number one concern is usually what the cost is and will insurance cover any or all of the expenses. The person calling is usually in such a desperate place that they do not think to ask about the clinical team and their credentials, how long they have been in business, how many clients do they serve at one time and what the patient to therapist ratio is.
The client to counselor ratio is extremely important and will often determine the degree of success that a patient will have. Can a rehab that has 150 beds and a 15:1 or 20:1 counselor to patient ratio really be an effective way to treat an individual who has a chronic disease?
Many large treatment centers put such a heavy work load on their therapists and counselors that they often resign in just a few weeks or months. The turnover in many facilities is quite astounding. I once asked a therapist who used to work at one of these "treatment mills" what the average length of stay was and her response was..."For the patients or the therapists?"
This is why when it comes to treatment centers, I am "Big on Small." A program that will offer the best chance for an addicted individual to be successful will normally have between 15 and 40 beds and a 4:1 or 5:1 patient to counselor ratio. This is truly one of the most important factors that I am looking for when I am working with a family either in the intervention process or who has contacted me asking for referrals for a loved one that is ready to enter treatment. I find that this factor, along with the experience and credentials of the clinical team, is as important as anything else in giving an addicted individual the best chance for success.
Wishing you peace and all good things,
