Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I know if I need treatment?
  • MHRC uses screening and assessments to determine if treatment is needed and appropriate level of care. 
    • Treatment is recommended if the DSM 5-TR criteria for a substance use disorder is met. 
  • SAMHSA offers a free, user-friendly online screening tool called Screen4Success, designed to help individuals and families better understand personal health, wellness, and substance use concerns.
How do I get started?
What is the difference between the levels of care?

We use the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) level of care to recommend treatment options which fit individual goals and needs.

 
ASAM Levels of Care Overview

Level

Name

Description

0.5

Early Intervention

Education and screening for individuals at risk but not yet diagnosed

1.0

Outpatient Services

Less than 9 hours/week; suitable for mild symptoms and stable environments

2.1

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

9–20 hours/week; structured support while living at home

2.5

Partial Hospitalization (PHP)

20+ hours/week; daily care without overnight stay

3.1

Low-Intensity Residential

24-hour living support with minimal clinical services

3.3

High-Intensity, Population-Specific

Residential care tailored for cognitive impairments or slower-paced recovery

3.5

High-Intensity Residential

24-hour care for individuals with significant psychological or social challenges

3.7

Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient

24-hour medical oversight without daily physician interaction

4.0

Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient

Hospital-level care with 24-hour nursing and daily physician involvement

These levels are determined using ASAM’s six dimensions, which assess withdrawal risk, medical needs, emotional health, readiness to change, relapse potential, and recovery environment.

How long does treatment last?

Duration of treatment depends of treatment needs, goals, and progress made. On average, treatment for 1-2 years is recommended for severe substance use disorders. This can include residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment. 

Is treatment confidential?

Yes, all substance use facilities are required to comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR standards ensuring your privacy is maintained at all times.

DUI Program Questions

What happens if I miss a session?

An additional fee of $40 will be charged for each missed service. You are still required to complete all treatment activities and will have to make up any missed services at a later date, potentially extending your program length and delaying completion. 

Do I need to complete the program in El Dorado County?

If you received our DUI in El Dorado County and/or a full time resident of El Dorado county, you must enroll in a DUI Program within the county. 

What documentation will I receive after completion?

Once all activities and fees are paid in full, you will receive an email verifying your completion which includes proof of completion that was submitted electronically to the DMV by the program. 

Outpatient Treatment Questions

What is the difference between outpatient and intensive outpatient?

Outpatient treatment is recommended for mild symptoms or as a step down level of care for individuals. Services include group counseling, individual counseling, and case management of no more than 9 hours per week.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) provides structured services from 9-20 hours per week. These programs utilize multiple group therapy services and at least one individual counseling session per week. This is recommended for moderate to severe substance use symptoms, for anyone enrolled in a transitional living (T-House) program, or as a step-down from residential or partial hospitalization program.  

Can I continue working/going to school during treatment?

Yes! This is encouraged as part of your recovery process. 

How often will I need to attend sessions?

This is determined on an individual basis with your counselor and you based on identified treatment needs, severity of substance use symptoms, and willingness to engage in treatment.

What happens in group therapy?

Group therapy consists of 2-12 clients and focuses on skill building, education, and social support for managing symptoms of substance use. Groups last an hour and a half and are led by a trained substance use counselor. 

Adolescent Program Questions

Do parents need to be involved in treatment?

Research supports that parental involvement in treatment improves outcomes for the adolescent. We do not require parental involvement, though it is strongly encouraged.  

How do you maintain confidentiality for minors?

Minors' information is protected under HIPAA and 42CFR similar to an adult. We do provide progress reports and information to parents throughout the treatment process, with the minors' knowledge and consent. If sharing the information with parents is determined to be detrimental to the minor’s well being, we will maintain the minor’s confidentiality. 

What if my teen doesn't want to participate?

All services are offered on a voluntary basis. If your teen doesn’t want to participate or refuses to participate, we will discontinue services and provide appropriate referrals. 

Insurance and Payment Questions

What if I don't have insurance?

We offer cash payment and sliding fees based on household income. 

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer payment plans or pay-as-you go options

Is financial assistance available?

Yes, we offer a sliding fee scale based on household income. 

Family Support Questions

How can I help my loved one seek treatment?

You are on the right path! Navigating access to care can be difficult for anyone and seemingly impossible for individuals with a substance use disorder. Researching local treatment options and providing contact information to your loved one is a great step. 

Maintaining healthy boundaries and expressing your concerns to your loved one also encourages reflection on use patterns and motivation for change. 

Can I participate in my loved one's treatment?

Absolutely, we encourage family involvement in the recovery process. This requires the family to be open to learning new skills such as setting boundaries, communicating concerns, and learning about the disease of substance use disorders. 

We do not recommend that family members attend every session with their loved one. We have services available specific for family members. 

What support is available specifically for families?

Coming Soon - we will offer family education groups, family support groups, and family counseling sessions. 

What should I do if my loved one relapses?

Maintain the boundaries you previously set. Acknowledge that relapse is a part of many people’s recovery journey and does not mean that all hope is lost. Relapse is viewed as a breakdown of skills to maintain sobriety and is an opportunity to learn and grow from struggles that arise in life. Encouraging continued or re-engagement in treatment services is a great way to support your loved one during a period of relapse. Â