We understand that making the decision to enter treatment can be a scary and emotional time for you and your family members. Because this process can sometimes be overwhelming, below is some information that may be helpful to you as you plan for entering treatment:
“Thank you for all your help and support. I initially came here in total denial but TPOT opened my eyes and led me on my road to recovery. I will forever remain indebted to this program and its staff.”
Emily
“Coming to Turning Point saved my life. I have never felt so much hope about my future and my present. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude towards the team and Turning Point for giving me a real chance at life. I definately couldn't have done this one my own.”
Michael S.
(Family Program) “This has been an unbelievable and eye-opening experience. The knowledge and understanding I gained is immeasurable, as well as what I learned about myself."
Hayley B
“I want to thank the entire staff and program for giving me my life back and for giving me tools to live the healthiest, fullest life possible..."
Cesar
“Keep up the good work. It works for people who want it."
Rachel E.
“Thank you so much. I feel like I'm leaving a changed person and I did not think this was possible. I came to Turning Point broken and am leaving with hope that a better life awaits me."
Alex K
“I thought this old addict knew it all but I didn't and now realize I still don't but TPOT taught me acceptance, willingness and the meaning of true honesty inward and outward. Thank you, Turning Point."
Megan
“Turning Point has saved my life. The staff is exceptional. Thank you! Thank you!"
Chris F.
“Anyone with an addiction problem should seek help at Turning Point. If you are willing, the staff can help and the tools can give you a new freedom you never imagined."
Janet B
“I'm very thankful and grateful for what has happened in me by coming here. Just not doing drugs was not the answer and I wish other people could have this opportunity. I take with me endless possibilities of a new life with boundless hope and faith that I can do this."
Tom D
“You guys saved my life - God bless everyone here."
Allison T
“I really feel that Turning Point is an amazing treatment facility and feel that it has changed my life tremendously - I am grateful for Turning Point."
Anonymous
“I would, for myself, not change anything in my treatment. It was brutally honest, but with staff that truly cares for each individual client."
Dori R
“I believe this weekend (Family Program) could save my marriage. I am grateful!"
Miles B
“I have had a great experience here. I am planning to use all the strategies I was taught while at Turning Point. My life was unmanageable when I got here but now I feel I have hope, a chance, a way to deal with my life, and all that goes with it without having to use."
Roslyn K
“This weekend (Family Program) has been such a blessing for my family and I. We were able to communicate both our past hurts and our appreciation for one another, which we haven't been able to do for years."
Charles M
"Great place, great staff - wish I could have stayed longer."
Can I use my insurance to pay for treatment? Turning Point of Tampa is contracted with several insurance and managed care plans. If we are not contracted with your insurance carrier, you may still be able to use your insurance for an “out of network” benefit. In some cases, the insurance company will do a “single case agreement” that we negotiate on your behalf and will then be considered “in network” for reimbursement. Keep in mind that before your insurance company will authorize any benefit, you must meet “medical necessity” or pre-certification requirements, which will be determined through the preadmission assessment process and the recommendations of the admission staff for level of care. If the insurance agrees with our recommendation for treatment, they will authorize your treatment, usually for a few days at a time. Throughout your treatment stay, this recertification process with your insurance company will continue to occur at the time increments directed by your medical insurance carrier. Prior to admission, our staff will work with you and your insurance company to determine benefits, out of pocket expenses and eligibility. Out of pocket expenses generally related to insurance clients include deductibles, copayments, and/or limits of coverage. All out of pocket expenses are due prior to admission. To find out if we are contracted with your insurance provider or to determine what benefits you have available under your plan for substance abuse/eating disorder treatment, call our admissions staff at 800-397-3006. We do not accept Medicaid or Medicare. [Top]
Pre-assessment and Evaluation: Prior to being admitted to treatment, a pre-assessment evaluation will be completed. This can be done over the phone or in-person, prior to or at the time of admission. You will also need to be medically cleared by our medical staff prior to admission. This can generally be done on the same day. If the need for medical detox or additional medical clearance is indicated, our staff will help you coordinate these services. [Top]
Travel Arrangements: Clients are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to treatment. If you are traveling by air or bus, our staff will meet you at the baggage claim area and provide you transportation to the facility. If you are being driven to Turning Point or driving your own vehicle, you will arrive at the main office located at 6227 Sheldon Road, Tampa, Florida to complete the admission process. (Note: Residential clients may drive themselves to treatment and keep your vehicle on our property during your treatment stay. You will be required to turn in your car keys upon admission. It is highly encouraged that you leave your vehicle with a family member or friend for safe keeping, as you will not be driving while in treatment and Turning Point is not responsible for damage, theft or loss of the vehicle). [Top]
What should I bring with me to treatment? It is recommended that you limit the amount of luggage you bring to treatment to two suitcases. You will have laundry facilities in your house to use while you are here, including laundry detergent, iron, dryer sheets, etc. We do not provide dry cleaning services. Other items should bring with you include:
Prescription medications (if approved)
Twin-sized bed linens, blanket and pillow
Insurance Information/Card including your prescription card
Light jacket or sweater may be needed indoors when air-conditioning is on
Bath Towels
Personal Toiletries
Alarm Clock (CD Radio with alarm)
Two forms of Identification
Prepaid Telephone Card for long distance calls
Grooming Items such as blow dryer, curling iron, electric shaver, etc.
Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
Clothing: Your clothing should be appropriate to the treatment setting (casual and in good taste). Clothing that depicts alcohol, drugs, sex, violence, gambling, music groups (or if deemed inappropriate by staff) is not allowed. Examples of appropriate clothing are: Jeans, slacks, sports shirts, skirts/dresses that are knee length or longer, jogging suits, sweat shirts/sweat pants, walking shorts (3/4 of thigh length). Other examples of inappropriate clothing for the treatment center setting are: Spaghetti-strap tops, midriff baring or low-cut tops, form fitting clothing, provocative or suggestive clothing, and shorts or pants that expose undergarments. Swimwear is only allowed for recreational use and must be modest. Undergarments are required for all clients. Flat-soled or tennis shoes are recommended. [Top]
What should I leave home? Upon admission, our staff will examine you and check your belongings. This is done to protect you and our clients. Please do not bring the following:
Alcohol, illegal substances or any mood altering drugs
Non-prescription medication (Tylenol, Benadryl, etc), herbal or nutritional supplements. All controlled substances, illegal substances or medications without prescription brought to the facility will be destroyed upon admission and will not be returned to you at time of discharge.
Excessive or expensive jewelry
MP3 players, iPods, etc
Laptop computers, iPads, camera, electronic games, personal television, etc
Cell Phone (you may have this with you for traveling but it will be secured in our safe upon admission)
Reading material that is not recovery-related
Glass items
Exercise equipment or craft materials
Straight razors, pocket knives, firearms or supplies
Aerosol products (including deodorant and hairspray)
Any product that contains alcohol (perfume, mouthwash, spices)
How much spending money do I need to bring? We recommend you bring $300 of spending (escrow) money when you come into treatment. You will use this spending money to purchase sundry items, to go on activities and outings, to pay any prescription medication copayments, or other personal items you may need while in treatment. You will receive a weekly written summary of your spending money balance. At discharge from treatment, any remaining balance will be returned via check to the person who deposited the escrow money with us. To access the Credit Card Authorization Form, pleaseclick here. [Top]
Patient Rights and Confidentiality: Turning Point of Tampa is committed to treating all our clients, family members and staff with respect and dignity. Our standards of confidentiality are upheld by all staff members and a copy of our Privacy Practices and your Client Rights are provided at time of admission and in your guidelines book. You can also view the Privacy Practice of our facility by clicking here. [Top]
Can I use tobacco products while in treatment? There are designated smoking areas on the treatment campus. If you do smoke, you will be provided with education and encouragement to address this addiction if you wish while in treatment. [Top]
Can family members or friends visit me while I am in treatment? Visitation is on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (and on designated holidays) after the client’s first full week of treatment and with clinical team approval. All visitors must be approved prior to any Sunday’s visitation by the client’s primary therapist. Guests are asked not to bring any food, candy, magazines, cell phone or cameras with them to visitation. [Top]
Will I have access to a telephone/mail? All client residences have a private phone and answering machine available to the client. Clients will need a long-distance calling card to make long distance calls outside of the Tampa/Clearwater/St Petersburg area. Phone calls from family members and/or friends of clients coming to the main switch board will encounter Turning Point staff message of “Due to client confidentiality guidelines, I cannot confirm or deny any client’s presence in treatment.” This is not to make contact difficult but rather to ensure the client’s right to privacy. Family members or friends may leave a message with the receptionist for forwarding as appropriate. At no time, will the client’s private house number be given out by staff. This phone number must be provided to you directly by the client. Client mail can be sent to:
Turning Point of Tampa c/o Client’s Name 6227 Sheldon Road Tampa, Florida 33615
Please refrain from sending “care packages” and gifts while the client is in treatment. Keep in mind, for all the clients’ safety, any mail or package will be searched prior to forwarding it to the client. Client’s may receive faxes only if they are urgent at 813-885-6974. [Top]
How long will I be in treatment? Length of stay can vary based on the each client’s needs, program and treatment objectives, and specialized groups/programs but most clients are here between 30-60 days. The minimum length of stay in our residential or day program is 30 days. The minimum length of stay for our intensive outpatient program is 24 sessions. [Top]
Will I have my own room? Our facility has both private and semi-private rooms. Room assignment is determined by patient need and availability. All client houses have cable television, telephones, answering machines, full-kitchens, and laundry facilities within the apartment. [Top]
What is your success rate? When it comes to addictions, there is no “cure” other than an ongoing commitment to sobriety and recovery. For the past 25 years, Turning Point of Tampa has worked with individuals to give them the tools they need to maintain a sober and/or abstinent lifestyle including an active commitment to our alumni with 80% of all our clients successfully completing treatment. Our programs and dedication to providing high-quality care is also attested to by our ongoing referral relationships with other treatment centers, alumni and addictions professionals across the country. [Top]
I don’t need residential treatment, do you have outpatient services? Our intensive outpatient program is available for clients who need a structured treatment program but wish to remain living in the community, going to work or attending school. The minimum length of stay is 24 group sessions. This program is covered under most major medical insurance policies. [Top]
What is the family program? Our family program is a three day, intensive process that occurs every other month and runs from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon. This program is designed to begin the healing process for the family and the client(s), educate family members on codependency, the disease concept, family roles and dynamics, as well as create a foundation of communication that will support the client’s and the family’s ongoing recovery. (If the client signs an authorization for release of information for you, an information packet will be mailed to you upon client admission). [Top]
Do you treat other issues besides drug and alcohol addiction or eating disorders? It is not uncommon for clients seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction or eating disorders to also be dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, or other “co-occurring disorders”. Our psychiatrists and clinical team are experienced in addressing the complexity of dual diagnosis and these issues are addressed as part of the client’s treatment. [Top]
Do you offer aftercare or support following treatment? A comprehensive aftercare plan is critical to ongoing recovery. Because of this, aftercare planning and relapse prevention are a strong focus from the first day of the client’s admission. We also offer a weekly aftercare group to all clients free of charge for as long as they wish to attend as well as encourage active participation in 12 Step recovery programs. Our clients also stay connected through free quarterly recharge events and twice weekly on-site meetings. [Top]