How we rate treatment centers
We list treatment centers across the country and personally vet the best. Listed centers show public facts only; vetted centers are scored against the same four criteria.
Listed vs. vetted
Listed centers come from SAMHSA’s public FindTreatment.gov data. We show facts only — no score, no badge. Vetted centers have been manually reviewed against the criteria below and carry a rating. Advertiser labels mark flat-fee advertising and never affect ratings or order.
1. Accreditation
We verify Joint Commission or CARF accreditation and state licensure directly with the accrediting body or regulator. Self-reported claims are not accepted.
2. Clinical depth
We review licensed staff ratios, medical and psychiatric coverage, evidence-based modalities, and the ability to treat co-occurring mental health conditions.
3. Outcomes & aftercare
We look at whether a program plans for discharge from the start — step-down care, alumni support, and connections to services near home.
4. Real reviews
We weight reviews from verified former patients and families, and screen for incentivized or fabricated feedback.
How we define category tags
Condition and care-level tags on listed centers come from SAMHSA’s public data. Tags SAMHSA does not cover are proposed by reading a facility’s own public website, then approved by a person before they appear — the supporting page is kept on record.
- Luxury: private rooms and at least two of — chef-prepared meals, spa or massage, resort or estate setting, concierge services, pool or fitness-club amenities.
- Executive: a program or track explicitly designed for executives or high-profile clients.
- Holistic: at least three complementary offerings (for example yoga, acupuncture, mindfulness, equine or art therapy) alongside clinical care.
- Gambling, LGBTQ+, faith-based, professionals, Jewish: the program says it treats or serves that group, not merely mentions it.
Placement is never bought
Ratings are editorial and independent. Facilities may purchase flat-fee advertising, which is always labeled, but no payment can change a rating, a ranking, or whether a center is listed. We never accept payment per referral, per lead, or per admission.
Scores are out of 10 and reflect the weighted criteria above. Methodology is reviewed periodically and changes are noted here. [Operator: add scoring weights and last-reviewed date before launch.]