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How to check a rehab before you trust it
Five checks anyone can do in an afternoon. None of them cost anything.
Last checked November 2026
REHAB CHECKLIST
- Look up the state license
- Ask who answers the phone
- Get insurance answers in writing
The five checks
- Look up the state license Search the exact legal name and address in the Florida DCF provider search. Remember that a license is a minimum, not a quality score.
- Ask who answers the phone Is this the program itself, or a call center? Ask, “Who do you work for, and which programs pay you?” A straight answer should be easy.
- Get insurance answers in writing “You’re covered” on the phone means little. Ask for your deductible, your share per day, and what happens if coverage stops.
- Ask what happens after discharge A good program plans for this from day one. Ask who sets up aftercare, and whether that next step is owned by the same people.
- Walk away from pressure “We only have one bed left” is a sales line. Crises are real, but a good program will still let you check.
Beyond the license
Some programs are also accredited by groups like the Joint Commission or CARF. Accreditation is voluntary, so it can tell you a program has chosen an outside review. Ask to see it, and check with the accrediting body.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Free flights, free rent or gift cards in return for going to a program.
- Offers to buy or change your insurance.
- A website with a local name but a call center that won’t say which program it’s sending you to.
- Promised success rates, or claims of a cure.
- Being moved to a new program when your insurance runs out.
If you see these, read our page on patient brokering in Florida.
Sources
- Florida DCF, Substance Use Disorder Licensing and Regulation
- Florida Statutes, 397.55 Deceptive marketing practices
- Florida Statutes, 817.505 Patient brokering
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know a rehab is licensed?
Use the Florida DCF provider search. Search the exact name and address the program gives you.
Is the Joint Commission the same as a license?
No. A state license is required. Joint Commission accreditation is a voluntary outside review.
What should I ask on the first call?
Ask who you are speaking to, who they work for, the program’s license details, and what you would owe.
Can I visit before committing?
Often yes, and it is a good test. A program with nothing to hide should welcome questions.