The Perks of Attending Small Treatment Centers

There are so many different types of treatment centers to choose from that it can be overwhelming. You want to enter a treatment program that is a good fit for your unique recovery needs. A treatment program should bring you a sense of community, a tailored individualized treatment plan, and flexible options. These benefits might be easier to find in small treatment centers. They can allow you to connect with your peers, mental health professionals, and staff.

Small Treatment Centers Offer a Better Sense of Community

When it comes to treatment, you will need support. Small facilities offer you a better sense of community. They make it easier for you to get to know your peers. You’ll get more opportunities to bond with people at the treatment center and make connections. Often, you’ll engage in activities together during holistic therapies. During this time, you’ll be able to bond over shared interests.

The structure will make it easier to grow your support network because you will inevitably run into people more than once, allowing you to foster a relationship. Having peers as part of your support network can help you maintain your recovery post-treatment.

Peer support can offer you, someone to talk to. Since this person is also going through substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, they better understand your challenges. You’ll be able to bond over the shared experience of going through the same treatment program. You might even find other similar experiences.

They Have Flexible Options

A larger treatment center might have a more streamlined approach to treatment. For example, some centers will kick you out after a certain number of days, even if you’re not ready. Others might not be as flexible with therapy modalities.

Flexibility is important during recovery. As you and your needs change, your treatment plan should shift. In small treatment centers, the staff is not overwhelmed with patients and can better track your changes. They can also check in with you more frequently. Many smaller treatment centers also allow patients to stay as long as they need. Since there is no rush to make your bed empty, mental health professionals have the opportunity to spend more time with you.

Offer Personalized Treatment Plans

For a mental health professional to create a personalized treatment plan, they need to take the time to get to know you. During  intake, they should interview you to find answers to these questions:

• What are your strengths, weaknesses, traumas, and triggers?
• Do you have identities and cultures that will impact your treatment?
• What are your values?
• Do you have any other co-occurring disorders?
• What is your history and family history with substance abuse?

You’ll get less one-on-one time with mental health professionals at a large recovery treatment center. Each therapist will have more patients with whom they must share their time. Some larger treatment centers may have to spread their staff thin to attend to all their patients.

In a smaller treatment facility, this is not the case. Since smaller treatment centers tend to have a better patient-to-staff ratio, they can give you the proper attention you need. Mental health professionals can spend more time getting to know you and creating a personalized plan for your treatment needs. You will also have better access to staff members in case of an emergency. At a small treatment center, someone is more likely available to talk to after a two am mental breakdown. With fewer patients, clinicians and mental health providers can make themselves more available to you.

Small Treatment Centers Know Their Location

Since small treatment centers function locally, they know the resources available for people with SUD. They can point you in the right direction for sober living options, outpatient therapy, and more. Smaller treatment centers may even have connections to other substance abuse programs. If they can’t serve your needs, they might be able to recommend other reputable programs based on their experience in the field.

They will also have more knowledge about the culture of their location. Since they operate in fewer locations, they can spend time getting to know not only their patients but the cultural environment of their center. This can be important because our environment influences our mental health just as much as biology, genetics, and socioeconomic class.

Alumni Services

A large treatment center will likely not offer much assistance once treatment is complete. Smaller treatment centers might offer references for mental health professionals and other helpful contacts. They may provide some alumni services such as career and financial assistance. Some facilities will invite alumni back to share their experiences and provide peer support to their current patients. Every treatment center will be different despite its size. However, smaller treatment centers tend to be more individualized, even with alumni, like a classroom with fewer students.

At a smaller treatment center, you will receive many benefits you can’t get at a bigger facility. You’ll become closer to your peers, have a personalized treatment plan, and gain helpful resources. Restoration Recovery Center is a small treatment center in Eastern California near the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Our staff is dedicated to taking the appropriate time to get to know you. We encourage you to stay at our facility for as long as it takes you to heal. You will engage equally in traditional and holistic therapies. With our help, you can start down the path to long-term recovery. If you are struggling with substance abuse, please call us at (888) 290-0925.