Our Georgia Recovery Center

A substance use disorder and a mental health disorder can occur together. This is often called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. It does not mean that every addiction is simply a symptom of another mental illness (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, n.d.).

• Substance use needs: Ask about assessment, withdrawal risks and treatment for the substances involved.
• Mental health needs: Share current symptoms, diagnoses and medications so our team can consider their relevance to care.
• Coordination: Confirm which concerns our program can address and how existing clinicians or additional providers would be involved.

Please speak with us directly before admission so we can review your mental health and substance use needs and confirm whether our program is appropriate for you.

Talk with our admissions team about the program features that matter to you, alongside your preferences and clinical needs:

• Couples treatment: Ask us whether both adults meet our admission criteria and how individual care and relationship needs would be handled.
• Whole-person approaches: Ask how our program considers health, daily habits and practical recovery needs alongside clinical treatment.
• Amenities and accommodation: Ask us what is included in your care, including accommodation and amenities, alongside the clinical services you need.
• Ranch settings: Our rural setting may suit your preferences; discuss the clinical services you need with our team as well.
• Retreat-style programs: Ask us about the level of care, clinical staffing and services at our Eastman campus.
• Treatment methods: Ask our clinicians why an approach is recommended, what evidence supports its use for your needs and how progress will be assessed.
• DUI and legal requirements: Confirm the requesting authority’s requirements and whether a specific provider or assessment is accepted before enrolling. Treatment cannot guarantee a legal outcome.
• 12-step approaches and other options: Discuss your preferences and how peer support and clinical treatment would fit together.

Therapy should be chosen with a qualified clinician based on the condition being addressed and your individual circumstances. The National Institute of Mental Health (2024) recommends asking about a therapist’s training, approach, goals and experience with your needs.

• Individual and group sessions: Ask how each format contributes to your plan.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy and related approaches: Ask which methods are available and why a clinician recommends them.
• Trauma-related needs: Discuss assessment, clinician qualifications and whether specialist care is appropriate.
• Equine-assisted activities: Ask about current availability, participation requirements and how any activity relates to your clinical plan.
• Family involvement: Discuss the role of loved ones, consent and appropriate boundaries.
• Medication: A qualified prescriber can discuss options relevant to your needs.

Educational resources, including our REBT worksheets, can support a discussion with your clinician. They do not establish that a particular therapy is available or suitable for everyone.

Consider how a treatment stay would connect with life afterward. Ask about follow-up care, medication needs when applicable, peer support and practical concerns such as housing or transportation.

Location may affect access to your support network and existing providers. Discuss referrals before discharge and confirm appointments, eligibility, fees and any insurance requirements with the receiving provider. A proposed referral does not guarantee placement.