Turning Point Q&A

General Questions

Do I Need to have insurance to receive services?

No. For those who are uninsured and cannot financially afford the cost of services there are resources available in each county to help. Please contact our Access Coordinator at 616.742.0351 ext: 4004, as they can provide you with additional information on resources in your county.

How many days do I receive service for?

We are a short term treatment program. Most people stay between 5 and 12 days. The number of days available for treatment dependent on different criteria.  You will be discharged for treatment when:
--You and your therapist agree that you have met your goal for treatment.
--Your funding source has decided not to approve additional days.
--You can be discharged by staff for behavioral concerns, which will be explained in detail during the intake process."

Do you offer walk in appointments?

Intake appointments are scheduled by appointment only. Depending on the funding source you may also be placed on a waiting list, however, we work hard to get individuals in as quickly as possible.

What if I'm interested in long term treatment?

The Salvation Army's Turning Point Programs should be considered the beginning point on the road to recovery. Each consumer and their therapist will develop an aftercare plan for recovery upon completion of treatment. If you feel long term treatment is needed, it can be explored with your therapist.

I'm homeless. Can the program help with housing?

We do not provide shelter unless there is a need for substance abuse treatment. Once admitted to the program, however, each consumer and their therapist will develop an aftercare plan for completion of treatment.  If needed, alternative housing options can be explored as a part of aftercare planning.

What to Bring

How many clothes should I bring and can I wash my clothes while I'm there?

If you are only receiving detoxification services, bring enough clothing for your entire stay. If you are receiving residential services, enough clothes for 7 days are usually sufficient. Access to laundry service will be provided. There is no cost for laundry services. You do not need to bring your own laundry detergent, however you are welcome to if you prefer.

Will personal hygiene items be provided?

We do not have personal hygiene items available. Please bring all personal hygiene  items , such as  shampoo, body soap, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products with you at time of intake.

Can I bring my medication with me?

Yes, please bring all medication in the original bottle with the original script visible. Be aware it is up to the doctor which medications will be administered, based on medical need. Our medical department can assist you further if you have additional questions about your medications.

Can I bring an alarm clock?

Our staff will wake you up each morning. However, if you would like to take naps during free time it may be helpful to bring an alarm to make it to groups on time.

Can I bring my cell phone?

We ask that you use our phones while in treatment, therefore cell phone usage is not allowed. If you wish to bring your cell phone staff will lock it up. You may write down any numbers you may need to refer to on a piece of paper before turning your phone in.

Can I bring an MP3, Ipod or other music players?

Yes. However, they may not be used during program activities and The Salvation Army's Turning Point Programs are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Staff can lock items up for additional protection it needed.

Can I bring my laptop?

No as the agency does not encourage valuables of any kind be brought to the agency due to the risk of them being lost or stolen as The Salvation Army's Turning Point Programs is not responsible for lost or stolen items and there is very minimal space for items to be locked-up in staff office.

Can I bring valuable belongings with me?

We do not encourage you to bring in valuables of any kind (i.e., jewelry, credit cards, laptop, etc) due to the risk of them being lost or stolen as The Salvation Army's Turning Point Programs is not responsible for lost or stolen items and there is very minimal space for items to be locked-up in staff office.

Do I need money for anything?

Please verify with an Access Coordinator or your funding source if you have a co-pay. Additional money (quarters) can be brought for pop machine. Staff can lock up money if desired.

Can I bring snacks with me?

Due to the food regulations we must follow, we ask that you do not bring any food items with you into treatment.  All meals and snacks will be provided.

Is there somewhere for me to park my car?

We do not have parking available for consumers on our property. If you do not have reliable transportation and must drive yourself, please be aware the closest public parking lot is a few blocks away and there will be a charge for overnight parking.

Upon Admission

Will I have my own room?

Most of our rooms have 3 beds in them. Depending on current census, you most likely will have roommates. Bathrooms are in each bedroom and showers are available.

Can I have visitors while I'm receiving services?

Due to the importance of being medically monitored while in detoxification, visitors are not granted during the level of care. Limited permission to have visitors may be given while in residential treatment. Due to program policy, children are not allowed on our unit. All visitors must pass a breathalyzer test before they will be allowed on the unit. You will be provided a schedule for visitation during the intake process.

Can I leave the building while I'm receiving services?

Due to the importance of being medically monitored while in detoxification, outside passes are not granted during the level of care. Limited outside passes may be granted at the therapist's discretion if there is a recovery related benefit to the pass while in residential treatment.

Can I smoke cigarettes while in treatment?

Smoking in the unit is prohibited.

If I need something while in treatment can my friend or family drop items off for me?

Yes. Items can be dropped off for current consumers in the front lobby during specific drop off times. Please be aware in order to help secure a safe environment of care, The Salvation Army Turning Point Programs reserve the right to search items being dropped off before supplying to the consumer. No food or snack items are allowed to be dropped off.

Can I write and/or receive mail while in treatment?

Yes. Mail is sent and received every business day. Please bring stamps with you if you plan to be sending mail and have those who are sending you mail be aware of your scheduled discharge date to assure mail is not received after you have left the program.