Are you looking to start a rehab center? Are you hoping to help addicts in need overcome substance abuse and help them reach their full potential?
First of all, congratulations!
You are taking a bold first step in improving the lives of addicts, their families, and the community at large. You will be doing good work, but you also need to know what you are doing. The addiction treatment market is HUGE, with around $35 billion in revenue annually and over 14,000 treatment centers currently in operation.
Learning how to open a drug rehab center the right way will ensure long-term success and help you avoid the headaches and pitfalls that can close your doors. In this article, the friendly and experienced team at MGMT Digital will talk about the nuts and bolts of opening a drug rehab center.
Can Anyone Open a Drug Rehab Center?
Opening an addiction treatment center is both rewarding and hard work. The first question on people’s minds is, “Can anyone open a drug rehab center?” The simple and maybe shocking answer is yes. ANYONE (including you) can open a drug rehab facility. Maybe you are a recovering addict who wants to help others kick addiction to the curb. Maybe you currently work for a treatment facility or are a counselor and have the ambition to open your own facility.
No matter the motivation, know that opening a drug rehab center is a serious business. What you are doing can be life or death to many addicts. Knowing that addiction recovery is big business, there are some who open fraudulent rehab centers to make a quick buck, and the addict pays dearly. Obviously, you want to get in the business to help people. In order to reach as many people as possible and to really help as many people as possible, you need to know how to build a rehab from the ground up. Learning how to open a drug rehab center properly ensures you will stay open for a long time.
How to Open a Drug Rehab Center
If you are ready to take the brave leap into the addiction recovery business, having knowledge of how to open a drug rehab center will make things way easier for you now and in the long run. The following are the basic building blocks for opening a successful and reputable drug rehab:
Location—first and foremost, where are you going to have your drug rehab? Will you be operating out of a large house, vacant floor of an office building, or other standalone property? Will you be located in the city or in a more remote location? No matter where you set up shop, the property must be in great condition, up to code, and properly zoned with no local or municipal restrictions for your location. Most importantly, you need to have a space that is inviting, warm, and able to house clients 24/7.
Financing—opening an addiction treatment center takes considerable financial outlay. How are you going to finance this endeavor? Whether you take out a loan through a bank or have a team of investors, you need to have a solid financial plan in place. You need to account for the cost of licenses, insurance, rent/mortgage, operational expenses, as well as marketing expenses. Most importantly, you will need enough operating capital to stay open on a daily basis.
Licensing and Accreditation—Arguably, the most important aspect of opening a drug rehab is having the proper licenses. In reality, you can’t operate without licenses. Every state is different in their licensing requirements, and your rehab needs a comprehensive set of policies and procedures. Have detailed documents. Comprehensive policies, procedures, and accreditation from bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Licensing and accreditation can take 6-12 months, so be prepared to wait.
Staffing—you will also need to find, hire, and train staff. Depending on the size and type of rehab you open, you will need to have on hand the following staff members:
- Clinical Director
- Medical Director
- Medical Staff
- Clerical Staff
- Case Workers
- Intake/Marketing Staff
- Janitorial Staff
Marketing—You can have the best location, amenities, staff, and services, but it won’t mean anything if you don’t have clients. Having a solid marketing strategy is essential for your longevity. You must have a solid brand and a logo, and you also must have a solid presence on social media and digital marketing platforms. You also must have a highly functioning website, excellent drug rehab SEO practices, and be able to tap into your local market.
MGMT Digital Can Help New Drug Rehab Centers with Consultation Services
Opening a drug rehab center takes a lot of legwork. When it comes to marketing your rehab, it is a project best left to a digital marketing firm with proven experience in the healthcare field. MGMT Digital is a premier behavioral health marketing company that offers drug rehab consulting services.. Our experienced team of professionals has a finger on the pulse of emerging marketing trends, and they will work with you in designing a marketing campaign utilizing digital and traditional marketing strategies.
At MGMT Digital, we aim to help you grow over the long term. Call us today and schedule your complimentary consultation.