Admissions Guide - What to Expect from a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitaion Center

A Network of Eight Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Rehab Centers
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1966 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Admissions Guide - What to Expect
Basic information everyone wants to know

1. What happens when you get here?


We learn about you.
A one-on-one meeting with a trained assessment counselor determines the exact nature of the patient's physical and psychological status, and the appropriate treatment to address those issues.

Once a level of care has been determined, the staff makes contact with the person's insurance company to obtain authorization for admission. If there is no insurance, a financial counselor can discuss these matters and explore options with the patient and family.

Treatment plans for each person may involve a full-time residential stay at our facility in Bensalem, and/or some other plan for treatment (or combination of treatments) at one of our six outpatient centers throughout the region.

We makes every effort to ensure that an individual seeking help will receive the medical care and financial guidance that is necessary. Although it happens infrequently, our treatment center may not be "right" for an individual, due to medical or other reasons. The admissions staff then helps with contacts to a local hospital, municipal social services, or other relevant organization to ensure – to the best of our ability – that the patient receives care.

A new patient will have a history and physical completed; this includes a psychiatric assessment as warranted. If initial admission is into the detoxification unit, the patient will meet with a counselor to complete the biographical, psychological and social information that will aid us in determining the most appropriate level of care.

The patient participates in treatment planning needs, and receives an orientation on our program expectations, schedules and residential campus life.

2. What to bring and prepare for


When coming to Livengrin, bring your health-insurance ID card, a second form of identification (photo ID required), and the names and phone numbers of your family physician and/or other healthcare professional (other doctors who have seen you, therapist, etc.).

Aside from the financial card or information you may need for admission, leave other credit cards, large amounts of money and/or checkbook at home.

Patients may not have cell phones. There are specific regulations regarding use of telephones for the detox and residential rehab programs.

Cigarettes are permitted, although a Smoking Cessation Program in rehab encourages patients to really do a "clean sweep" of unhealthy behavior. This voluntary program is available at the beginning of, or any time during, a patient's stay. The nursing staff provides orientation, continuing education and motivation, and a nicotine patch regimen.

You should bring comfortable clothing (no tank tops or "short shorts") and personal hygiene items, including shampoo and razors. No items containing alcohol, such as mouthwash, nail polish or remover, are permitted. Hairspray, cologne or perfume maybe brought in, but only in a spray bottle – no aerosols of any kind.

Not permitted: food or candy; radios or other personal music items; cameras or audio-visual equipment; computers, games or related handheld systems.

Patients may send and receive mail at any point during their treatment stay.

All patients are expected to do their own laundry. Washers and dryers are available at no charge.

Livengrin's nutritional professionals and dietary staff work diligently to ensure a healthy experience for patients. Because many individuals are on special diets, bringing food for patients is not allowed.

These and other topics are provided to patients and loved ones in Admissions at Bensalem.

Click here for the online admissions form. Submitting this information before a patient arrives at Livengrin will help save time during the intake process.

3. Information for family members


We understand that chemical dependency is a disease that affects all members of a family. That’s why we place great emphasis on helping families to understand substance abuse and addiction, and to clarify loved ones' roles in a patient's recovery. Very few people can be successful in their recovery without the help of others.

It is difficult for anyone to see a member of the family go into a healthcare facility for a period of time. However, you will feel a relief that your loved one is being treated for a chemical dependency.

Livengrin protects the confidentiality of each patient. Federal law prohibits us from giving the family any information concerning any patient without specific, written permission.

Neither the receptionist nor any staff member will be able to "confirm or deny" the admission of any patient, past or present. We cannot legally respond to follow-up inquiries about a patient ("I just dropped him off this morning, how's he doing?"). The staff can answer such questions only after written permission from the patient is on the record.

A patient should make a phone call after admission to let the family know about their situation.

We encourage you to be as involved as possible while your loved one is in treatment. Family participation in the recovery process benefits each person's well-being, and increases the chances for success in the ongoing recovery.

A range of services is offered for families, older children, couples and "significant others," in group and private settings. More details are provided during the admission.

More about Support for the Family

The treatment process will provide education about the disease of addiction and motivation to adapt a program of recovery that will improve the quality of life. However, this process is very difficult. Often, after a short stay in treatment, patients will (for many reasons) consider leaving the program. The family's help here is vital. If the patient should contact you and ask to be picked up, please contact Livengrin at 1-800-245-4746 and ask for the patient's case manager.

4. Visiting


Please remember that it is a patient's responsibility to obtain pre-approval for visitors. Staff will inspect all packages or envelopes. No food, candy or drinks can be brought in for a patient.

There are specific visiting hours for the inpatient program. In order to visit, family members must attend our "Day of Enlightenment" that informs and prepares loved ones for their crucial role as part of the patient's recovery. Complete information about visiting and our family services will be provided during the admission process.

5. Transportation


Transportation is available to the main campus from local bus, rail and air connections, medical or other treatment facilities, or other appropriate locations. We are conveniently located near I-95, US 1 and the Bensalem exit of the PA Turnpike.

All of our locations have parking. Click for directions to our sites.