What to Expect: The Walker Center Admissions Process

Reaching out for help is one of the bravest steps you can take. At The Walker Center, we want you to feel supported and informed from the moment you submit a Get Help Now form. Our admissions process is designed to be clear, compassionate, and personalized so that you or your loved one can enter treatment as smoothly as possible.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes once you contact us:

1. Immediate Response

As soon as we receive your request, one of our admissions specialists reaches out, usually the same day. You don’t have to go through this alone. A real person will call to listen, answer questions, and help guide you through the next steps. 

2. A Personal Connection & Confidential Assessment

Your situation is unique, and so is our approach. During the first conversation, our team will:

  • Learn more about you or your loved one’s needs.

  • Answer questions about our programs (residential, outpatient, or mental health support).

  • Provide reassurance and explain how treatment works.

  • Ask you questions about your situation in order to ensure we have the information needed to tailor treatment to you.

We’re here to meet you where you are, whether you’re ready to admit right away or still exploring options.

3. Insurance & Financial Guidance

Finances should never be a barrier to care. Our dedicated insurance specialists will:

  • Verify your insurance benefits.

  • Explain your coverage clearly.

  • Walk you through payment options if needed.

This step helps reduce stress so you can focus on recovery, not paperwork.

4. Medical Records & Assessment

Once funding is confirmed, we’ll request the necessary medical records to ensure we have everything we need in order to get you started. and schedule an assessment. This ensures treatment is safe, appropriate, and tailored to your needs.

5. Bed Date & Admission

When everything is in place, we provide an admission date (sometimes within just a few days). On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by our Gooding team and guided step-by-step into your program.

6. Ongoing Communication

Throughout this process, our admissions staff keeps in touch: by phone, email, or chat—to make sure you feel supported. If at any point you’re unsure what comes next, we’ll walk you through it.

FAQs

  • No. We are not a crisis center or emergency room. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 911 right away. For urgent mental health crises, you can also dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Once you’re safe, we are here to help you take the next step into recovery.

  • Every case is unique, but many clients are able to enter treatment within just a few days once funding and medical clearances are complete. Our admissions team will keep you updated every step of the way.

  • We’ll ask for basic details such as:

    • Your contact information.

    • The nature of the addiction or concern.

    • Any current medical or mental health conditions.

    • Insurance details (if applicable).

    Don’t worry if you don’t have every answer—we’ll guide you through it.

  • Yes. We work with many insurance providers and will verify your benefits before admission. If insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, we’ll discuss private pay or financial assistance options.

  • Absolutely. Family members often play an important role. With your permission, our team can include them in conversations to answer questions, provide reassurance, and help prepare for treatment.

  • That’s okay. Reaching out doesn’t lock you into anything—it’s simply the first step in learning what options are available. Our team is here to support you whenever you’re ready.

Our Promise to You

The admissions process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not navigating it alone. Every call, every form, and every question is handled by a caring professional whose goal is to help you or your loved one take that first step into recovery.

If you’ve submitted a Get Help Now form, expect to hear from us shortly. And if you’d prefer to reach out directly, you can always call our admissions team at (800) 227-4190.

You’ve taken a powerful first step—let’s take the next one together.