FAQs & Admissions

FAQs & Admissions

You may have a lot of questions about going to treatment. What can you expect? What is treatment like? Read on for more information about our admissions procedures.

FAQs & Admissions Procedures

Our Adolescent Program and Young Men’s Program are a minimum of 30 days in length. Since their brains are still developing at this age a 30 day length of stay allows ample time for them to heal. It’s also important to address developmental challenges as well as the family dynamics affected by active alcohol and drug use.

Our Men’s Program and Women’s program offer two options, the First Step Program and Traditional Adult Program.

The First Step Program is a combination of a residential stay combined with a course of intensive outpatient treatment. This option is often utilized by people who need detoxification and the support of residential structure to help them stabilize the crises created by active addiction. If there is a supportive home environment, no complicating factors and sufficient motivation to engage in intensive outpatient treatment, this option may be for you.

Our Traditional Adult Program offers a longer length of stay, ranging from 28 to 35 days, depending on individual needs. This program is appropriate for those who have been active in their addiction for longer periods of time, have complicating physical, mental or emotional needs, unstable living or high risk work environments, or a history of relapse.

We strongly encourage prior to packing for Cumberland Heights, you take a moment to review the following list of items that will and will not be allowed during your stay here. Tennessee weather includes all four seasons. This will play a part in determining a patient’s needs while here. If any prohibited items are brought on campus, our security team will document and securely store away for the duration of the patients stay.

Here are a list of our most frequently asked questions about our admissions procedure:

LOCATION, INSURANCE AND COST QUESTIONS

We are located just outside of Nashville along the Cumberland River. Take Interstate 40 West to Charlotte Pike (Exit 201 from Westbound I-40, Exit 201B from Eastbound I-40) From exit turn right onto Charlotte Pike. At the third light get into the middle lane and turn right onto River Road Pike. Cumberland Heights is approximately 7 miles on the right.

Cumberland Heights
8283 River Road Pike
Nashville, TN 37209

Driving Directions

Our programs vary by length of stay and patient acuity. Patients using insurance to pay for a portion of their treatment can contact our Admission Department at 800-646-9998. The Admissions Department will collect your insurance information and send it to our Patient Registration Department to verify any benefits available for our facility. Once the benefits are obtained, a Financial Advisor will call you back to go over your insurance benefits and to calculate an estimated cost for treatment.

Current Rates for all Treatment Programs

INSURANCE QUESTIONS

Cumberland Heights is contracted with over 55 insurance providers. We will help you through the complex maze of insurance coverage. We will verify your benefits, obtaining authorizations for coverage based on medical necessity.

SELF PAY RATES:

In the event that you and your treatment team recommend a length of stay greater than what your insurance will authorize, Cumberland Heights offers self-pay rates that are discounted from our published rates and very competitive with other nationally respected treatment centers.

View Self Pay Rates

STILL WATERS (Men and Women)

Cumberland Heights also offers a 12 step immersion program that can be used as an alternative to, or follow, primary treatment to heighten an individual’s recovery from 30 days up to 6 months. All Still Waters programs are on a self-pay basis as they no longer meet insurance criteria for an inpatient level of care, and we are not contracted with any insurance providers for this service. To learn more about of Still Water programs, please see our page for men and see our page for women or visit the website.

View Still Waters Rates

PATIENT CARE QUESTIONS

Yes. All patients have a urine drug screen (UDS) performed upon admission. After admission, urine drug screens are ordered based on the individual patient’s need, due to suspicion and/or during weekly random testing.

Yes. Mail is generally distributed Monday through Friday at 4 p.m roll call. While mail is not read or censored by staff, you’re required to open all mail in the presence of a staff member. Packages may be searched for contraband. Your family may send mail to you at:

Attn: Your Name
Cumberland Heights
P.O. Box 90727
Nashville, TN 37209

As we all know, the use of the telephone during a patient’s treatment experience can be a way of connection to loved ones or a distraction to the treatment process. At worst, frequent phone calls can be a factor in a patient’s premature departure from treatment. At Cumberland Heights, we want to support our patients’ healing connections to their families and loved ones while giving them the time to settle into the treatment process, seeing and feeling the hope that early recovery can bring. We’ve established the following practices to allow this to occur:

  • Patients turn over their cell phones during the admissions process. We are currently exploring ways to introduce the cell phone as a tool of recovery through specialized phone “apps” for that purpose. More on that later.
  • There are no phones in the detoxification unit. Patients are strongly encouraged to limit phone calls during their first week of treatment. If patients do not abide by the guidelines, this is addressed with empathy and continuing support for the need to allow themselves time to focus on settling into treatment and their recovery process.
  • Patients with urgent phone needs will be directed to their primary counselor or case manager to address these.
  • Family members of adults are contacted by primary counselors the next business day after the patient’s admission. Family members of adolescents are contacted within 24 hours of admission.
  • Family members are given primary counselor phone numbers as the main point of contact, as well as the numbers of program administrative assistants for general matters. In addition, methods by which to contact staff after hours in case of true emergencies are given.
  • Primary counselors encourage patients to make their first phone call to their families with their counselors present to provide support for both patient and family. This also encourages early family engagement in the patient’s treatment process. In addition, family counselors will contact the family members to schedule their participation in family services.
  • After the first week of treatment, patients may sign up for phone calls during designated times with a maximum limit of 10 minutes for the call. Phones are located in the patients’ living areas. Phones are not available during scheduled treatment activities.
  • We encourage our patients to get the telephone numbers of our alumni and the 12 Step members they encounter at community AA/NA meetings. We want them to get a temporary sponsor and encourage regular phone contact with that person.
  • Lastly, we will be encouraging the lost art of letter writing in both our patients and their families. Sometimes, this can be a gentle way to begin to express feelings. It also allows people time to reflect about what they want to say. The Cumberland Heights Book Shop will carry supplies for this purpose.

In a society in which we all tend to be electronically connected much of the time, beginning recovery requires a time apart, a time away. We believe that these practices can allow the patient and family the space needed to begin to heal so that reconnection can occur.

In general, no. Your daily schedule is fairly structured and focused on learning new behaviors and reading and writing related to your goals. Radios, TV’s, DVD players and iPods are not allowed. On special occasions (Super Bowl, etc.), patients may be allowed to watch TV. Recovery and recreational videos are also available for use during personal time.

No. Cellphones & Smartphones (iPhone, Android, etc.) are not allowed.

No. Patients are encouraged to focus on their recovery and treatment assignments. You can bring a Bible or other spiritual material because they support the nature of recovery. No other reading material is allowed unless approved in advance.

Adult patients may smoke/vape in designated areas only. Ask your staff member for details. Youth patients may not smoke or vape. Nicotine cessation groups and counseling are available.

No. However, family members of adult patients can provide them.

Although your daily schedule is fairly structured and focused on learning about addiction, recovery and sober living skills, personal time is built into the schedule. You may spend this time in your room or the community room, talking or playing games with staff or other patients, showering, reading, working on treatment assignments, journaling, napping, etc.

LENGTH OF STAY, TRAVEL & COURT DATE QUESTIONS

The First Step Program is a combination of a residential stay for detoxification and stabilization as needed, followed by Intensive Outpatient treatment for three hours, four times/week to assist the patient in learning and establishing recovery skills. Length of stay in the residential and intensive outpatient components varies based upon clinical needs and outside support systems. The patient’s treatment team works to determine an individual recommendation for each patient. Family education groups are offered in both program components. Cumberland Heights contracts with a variety of insurance providers. Our staff can assist you and your family in estimating insurance benefits and out of pocket costs.

We recommend that you request to postpone your court date to avoid interrupting your treatment. If this is not possible, arrangements may be made, with your counselor’s approval, for a family member to take you.

No, unless there is a specific need (e.g., a death in the family, doctor or dentist visit, etc.) and the leave is approved in advance by your counselor.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM

All requests for Health Information from Cumberland Heights must be either be A) Notarized or B) Presented with a copy of Photo ID of the patient. The PATIENT must initial next to EACH ITEM and sign and date the request. This is our standard authorization for release of patient information. The purpose of this disclosure of information is to improve assessment and treatment planning. The sharing of information is relevant to treatment and when appropriate, to coordinate treatment services and continuing care planning. The completed form can be faxed to Cumberland Heights Medical Records at  615-432-3291, or scanned and emailed to MedicalRecords@cumberlandheights.org.

 AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR RELEASE OF PATIENT INFORMATION

WHAT TO PACK QUESTIONS

To make your stay with us more comfortable, plan to bring the following items:

  • Several days of comfortable, casual clothes, including athletic/athleisure wear and tennis shoes – 3 bag limit
  • A Sweater or jacket
  • Comfortable Sleepwear and slippers, flipflops
  • Rain gear or an umbrella (umbrellas also freely available on campus)
  • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, hair dryer, etc.) – We can make arrangements if a patient forgets anything
  • Approximately $20/week for purchasing books, snacks and other miscellaneous items. There is a fully-stocked bookstore on campus which includes snacks, toiletries, clothing, recovery books and more.
  • Coins for vending machines, etc. (we can make change)
  • Any prescription drugs you are taking
  • A single compartment drawstring backpack or tote bag to carry personal items. These can be purchased in the campus Book Shop if needed. Multi-pocket backpacks and purses must remain in patient rooms.

Laundry facilities are available on designated days for patient use during residential stay.

Please leave the following items at home:

  • Revealing clothing, tank tops, clothing with alcohol, drug or sexually suggestive images or words
  • Cell phones
  • TVs, radios, CD/DVD players, iPods, etc.
  • Reading material (Bibles and other spiritual material are allowed)
  • Musical Instruments (professional musicians excluded)
  • No outside food or drinks are allowed

We recommend that you have a small amount of cash (approx. $10/week) for vending machines and calling cards for pay phones.

No outside food or drinks are allowed.

Casual clothes, including some athletic wear and shoes for outdoor activities – 3 bag limit.

VISITATION AND FAMILY QUESTIONS

We encourage our patients to involve their families and significant others in their treatment process. Participation in family activities greatly improves the identified patient’s treatment outcomes. You are critical to your loved one’s recovery!

The first week of treatment, however, can be a challenge. Your patient may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms, as well as beginning to come to terms with the reality of their situation. Often, fear sets in and the patient may express a desire to leave treatment. This is normal and will pass. Do not react to the patient’s request to leave treatment. Encourage them to stay, tell them that it will get better, and praise them for their courage at taking this critical step to recover their life. Do not, under any circumstances, agree to come and get them. They need your support during this early time in your recovery. Please call our family counselor at 615-432-3189 and get your own support during this time.

As patients settle into the daily rhythm of treatment, family engagement starts to occur. The first contact is typically a phone call with the patient and his/her primary counselor during the first week to say how the patient is doing. The patient will then have specific times that s/he may call family and significant others to check in. If you know that there are topics that are going to be emotional for either you or the patient, we encourage you to contact the patient’s primary counselor so that those conversations can be facilitated by our counseling staff who can support both of you.

Patients must sign releases and have the treatment team’s approval for families and significant others to participate in Sunday Family Activities. Those patients who are admitted on or before Wednesday may have family and significant others participate on the next Sunday. Patients who are admitted on Thursday through Sunday will not have family participation until their second Sunday in treatment. This is to allow the patient to stabilize and establish themselves in treatment. We encourage families and significant others to participate in all available activities. See below for detailed information about what activities are offered and when to be on campus.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM

All requests for Health Information from Cumberland Heights must be either be A) Notarized or B) Presented with a copy of Photo ID of the patient. The PATIENT must initial next to EACH ITEM and sign and date the request. This is our standard authorization for release of patient information. The purpose of this disclosure of information is to improve assessment and treatment planning. The sharing of information is relevant to treatment and when appropriate, to coordinate treatment services and continuing care planning. The completed form can be faxed to Cumberland Heights Medical Records at  615-432-3291, or scanned and emailed to MedicalRecords@cumberlandheights.org.

 AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR RELEASE OF PATIENT INFORMATION

Sunday Family Services Schedule

We are glad that you are interested in the visiting your loved one while at Cumberland Heights. Your presence greatly increases the recovery outcomes for your loved one in treatment as well as for you, your family, and generations to come. There is a lot going on at Cumberland Heights on Sunday. These notes will help you navigate. If you’d like a convenient printable schedule please click the button below.

  1. Please arrive early. This allows you to have plenty of time to park, get to the Family Life Center to register, get your visitor badge, and get to your scheduled activity.
  2. Please Check in. The Family Life Center is the large building with the clock tower to the left of the parking lot. Please go to the far entrance and you will find our receptionist. Again, this is where you will sign in.
  3. Please join us for lunch! Please note: that lunch is only available (cost is $12/adult) for those visitors who attend morning activities, which include Chapel, Mindfulness Practice, or individual family sessions. There are several restaurants available on Charlotte Avenue near River Road for your convenience if you aren’t able to attend these morning activities. Please note that you must be here by 11:10AM in order to participate in the morning activities and lunch on campus.
  4. Please arrive at 12:50PM if you are coming for the Afternoon Activities and proceed to the Family Life Center as noted above.

 SUNDAY FAMILY SERVICES SCHEDULE

ARRIVAL TIME GROUP START TIME GROUP INSTRUCTION
9:45AM 10:15AM 1st time visitor orientation in FLC 119
10:45AM 11:00AM FLC Chapel or Meditation in FLC 114/115
11:10AM PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ARRIVALS LATER THAN 11:10AM WILL BE ASKED TO RETURN AT 12:50PM
11:55AM 12:00PM Lunch
12:50PM 1:15PM Recovery Connections or Family Education Group
Visitors of First Step Men & First Step Women go to the FLC Chapel for Family Education Group
First Step Men Attend a FS group in the Men’s FS group room
First Step Women attend a FS group in the Women’s Cabin
YMP will attend Recovery Connections in the MMR with their families
Traditional Adult Men & Extended Care Men will attend a Recovery Connections in the Small Chapel with their families
TA Women will attend Recovery Connections in the lower level, large group room in Craig Hall with their families
2:15PM FS Men & FS Women who have visitors join their loved ones in the FLC Chapel for the last part of FEG
2:45PM – 4:00PM Regular Visitation
IMPORTANT Anyone who arrives to the security gate more than 10 minutes late for Chapel/Meditation or Recovery Connections/Family Education Group, will be instructed to come back to campus during one of the times listed below.
CAMPUS “OPEN” VISITATION TIMES (The exact times when security can allow visitors to come on campus)
Every Sunday between 10:00AM – 11:10AM
Every Sunday between 12:50PM – 1:25PM
Every Sunday between 2:30PM – 4:00PM

Families generally attend the program during the third week of a patient’s stay at Cumberland Heights. Family members will have interaction with the patient for about one third of the program’s schedule. Learn more about the Family Program by clicking the button below.

FAMILY PROGRAM SERVICES 

Call Cumberland Heights Today

Seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is a life-changing decision. Call our admissions office at 800-646-9998 to learn more about Cumberland Heights.