What Does It Mean If A Rehab Center Is CARF Accredited?

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an international nonprofit organization. 

Per CARF International, if a rehab is CARF accredited, it means the treatment center has committed to quality improvement, focuses on the unique needs of each person the provider serves, and monitors the results of the services.

CARF is an accrediting body which covers various health and human services, maintaining a high-quality of treatment. There are other accredited organizations in addition to CARF, such as The Joint Commission.

If you are seeking substance abuse treatment, accreditation matters. After all, you’ll want to surround yourself with professionals and enroll in a treatment program which commits to a high standard of care for yourself or your loved ones.

How Does A Substance Abuse Treatment Center Become CARF-Accredited?

To become accredited, a rehab facility must first be examined internally. Business practices and treatment service delivery will be looked at in-person and an on-site survey will be completed to determine if CARF standards are being met.

Once the survey is completed, CARF provides accreditation to the drug rehab center. CARF has high standards which must be met before a treatment facility can be accredited. If a drug or alcohol rehab demonstrates the conformance to CARF standards, it receives CARF accreditation.

Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)

After receiving the survey and learning of any quality standards not met, the accredited rehab can then submit a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to CARF showing that quality of care has been improved. 

Each year, the rehab must submit a report to CARF stating how they offer continued services and participate in improvement practices meeting accreditation standards.

What Does CARF Accredit?

CARF accredited programs include:

• opioid treatment programs
• child and youth services
• employment and community services medical rehabilitation
• behavioral health
• vision rehabilitation services
• aging services

Treatment Options At CARF-Accredited Facilities

There are numerous rehab programs and services offered at an accredited treatment center.

Medical Detox

The standards of care offered from an accredited rehab facility include high-quality services such as medical detoxification. Medical detox typically takes place in the beginning stages of addiction treatment.

Rehabilitation programs provide detox support to better manage withdrawal symptoms brought on by substance abuse. Although withdrawal symptoms can occur, healthcare professionals will be by your side to monitor the process, ensuring your safety.

Inpatient Treatment

Various levels of care are provided by an accredited inpatient rehabilitation center. 

If an inpatient center has successfully completed the accreditation process, you may find that the rehab offers high-quality standards of care for services involving cognitive behavioral health, wellness techniques, and various in-house treatment options.

Inpatient care allows you to remain on-site 24/7 to receive the highest quality of care. By remaining at the facility, you receive immediate access to medications and staff members.

Outpatient Treatment

As an outpatient at an accredited treatment center, you are only required to visit the facility at scheduled times throughout the week. An outpatient treatment program may consist of therapy, aftercare options, and addiction treatment services.

There are also other treatment options to consider, including a day treatment/partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a form of treatment available for those who suffer from opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Like its namesake, MAT combines medications with therapy to address these substance use disorders.

Aftercare Services

Aftercare services are likely offered at an accredited rehab center. 

When you take advantage of aftercare options, you can participate in support groups or 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). 

Additionally, aftercare gives you sober living home options as well as family, group, or individual therapy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug abuse, consider finding a CARF-accredited treatment center.

At Ark Behavioral Health, we offer a wide range of treatment options for your convenience. We cater our accredited programs to your specialized needs. Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide.