Frequently Asked Questions

New Dawn Treatment Centers is an addiction treatment and co-occurring mental health provider with locations across Northern California and Nevada. Starting treatment can bring up many questions about who we are, what our facility is like, and where your recovery journey will take you. We’ve put together a list of questions that we hear most often – from both clients and their families. If something isn’t covered here, the admissions team is available 24 hours a day at (916) 741-5312.

What Does New Dawn Treat?

New Dawn provides treatment for adult men and women with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Primary substances treated include alcohol, fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants.

Co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and bipolar disorder, are treated as part of an integrated clinical plan alongside a primary substance use diagnosis. New Dawn does not provide primary mental health treatment. All mental health care is delivered in the context of a co-occurring diagnosis alongside substance use.

How Do I know New Dawn Is the Right Rehab for me?

Choosing a treatment center is one of the most important decisions a person or a family will make. The right fit depends on more than location or availability. It comes down to clinical approach, program depth, staff credentials, and whether the environment is conducive to real healing. The questions below are designed to help cut through the noise and evaluate New Dawn honestly.

New Dawn offers a full continuum of care, including medically supervised detox, men's residential, women's residential, luxury residential programs for both men and women, intensive outpatient (IOP), Day Treatment (PHP), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), dual diagnosis mental health treatment, a perinatal and postpartum program, and lifetime aftercare and alumni support. Multiple locations across Northern California and Nevada serve clients from the greater Sacramento region, Reno, and surrounding areas.

New Dawn provides treatment for adult men and women with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Primary substances treated include alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants. Co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and bipolar disorder, are addressed as part of the same integrated clinical plan, not as a separate concern treated in isolation.

New Dawn does not provide primary mental health treatment. All mental health care is delivered alongside a primary substance use disorder diagnosis. For clients whose only concern is a mental health condition without substance use, a provider specializing in primary mental health care would be a better fit.

Every client works with a dedicated on-site master's-level therapist and a certified drug and alcohol counselor from day one. New Dawn also has psychiatrists and an addictionologist on staff to handle medical evaluation, medication management, and any clinical needs that arise during treatment. Full-time nursing staff are on-site at residential locations.

The clinical team carries individual caseloads, so clients work with the same people throughout their stay, not a rotating schedule of strangers.

Yes, and it matters more than many people realize. Accreditation means an independent organization has reviewed the program and confirmed it meets defined standards for safety, quality of care, and clinical oversight.

New Dawn is CARF-accredited and DHCS licensed. CARF accreditation specifically requires ongoing collection of client feedback, which New Dawn uses to continuously improve its programs. It also means most major insurance companies will partner with New Dawn as a preferred provider, which directly affects what clients pay out of pocket.

Look for accreditation, licensed clinical staff, evidence-based treatment modalities, individualized care plans, and a clear continuum of care from detox through aftercare. Be wary of programs that can't clearly explain their clinical approach or that don't verify insurance upfront.

The right program should be able to tell you exactly who will be providing care, what a typical day looks like, and what happens after discharge before you commit to anything.

The right fit depends on the clinical picture. The severity of addiction, co-occurring conditions, home environment, support system, and history of prior treatment. A free, confidential assessment is the most reliable way to figure this out.

New Dawn's admissions team conducts these assessments at no cost and with no obligation, and will make a specific clinical recommendation based on the full picture. If New Dawn isn't the right fit, the team will say so and help identify the appropriate next step.

Walking into that first admissions conversation with the right questions makes a real difference. A quality treatment program should be able to answer all of these clearly and without hesitation, and the answers will tell a lot about whether the program is the right fit.

  • What level of care do you recommend, and why?
  • Who will be my primary therapist and counselor?
  • How are co-occurring mental health conditions addressed?
  • What does a typical day look like?
  • Do you verify insurance before admission?
  • What are my out-of-pocket costs?
  • What does aftercare look like after I leave?
  • What happens if I relapse within the first year?

New Dawn's admissions team welcomes all of these questions and will answer each one directly before any commitment is made. Call (916) 741-5312 to start that conversation.

  • Inpatient, or residential treatment, is typically recommended when someone needs to step away from daily triggers, requires medical supervision during detox, or has tried outpatient without success.
  • Outpatient is a strong fit when the home environment is stable, daily responsibilities make residential care impractical, or as a step-down from residential care. The right answer is always determined through a clinical assessment, not assumption.

New Dawn offers both, and the admissions team will recommend the most appropriate level based on the individual's specific needs.

New Dawn is in-network with most major insurance providers and verifies benefits before admission at no cost. Many plans cover a significant portion (or all) of treatment costs. New Dawn does not accept Medicaid, Medi-Cal, or Kaiser.

To check coverage, call (916) 741-5312, and the admissions team will handle verification directly.

What Happens When I Call New Dawn?

That first call can feel intimidating – especially when someone is scared, unsure what to say, or calling on behalf of a loved one.

It isn’t a test, and it isn’t a commitment. It’s simply a conversation with someone whose job is to help figure out what’s needed and how to make the next step as clear as possible.

The first call is handled by an admissions specialist available 24/7. It's a conversation, not a test.

The team will listen, ask questions about what's going on, begin insurance verification, and work toward scheduling a free, confidential pre-admission assessment. Most clients are admitted within 24 to 48 hours of that first call.

The admissions team will ask about what substances are being used and how often, any withdrawal symptoms currently present, mental and physical health history, current medications, and what level of support is available at home. These questions exist to build an accurate clinical picture, not to judge or screen anyone out.

Ask what level of care the team recommends and why, what the assessment process looks like, what insurance covers, what out-of-pocket costs to expect, and what the first days of treatment look like. Also, ask about transportation if getting to the facility is a concern.

Yes. All calls to New Dawn are treated as confidential under HIPAA and applicable state and federal regulations. Nothing is shared with family members, employers, or anyone else without the caller's express written consent.

The only exceptions are situations involving an immediate safety emergency that legally requires intervention.

Yes – insurance verification begins during the first call and is completed at no cost before any commitment to treatment is made.

How Much Does Rehab Cost at New Dawn?

Cost is one of the most common reasons people delay getting help, and one of the most misunderstood.

The actual out-of-pocket expense is often far lower than people expect, especially with insurance. The answers below break down what affects cost, what insurance typically covers, and what options exist when coverage falls short.

With insurance, clients pay only their applicable copay or deductible for covered services. New Dawn handles billing directly and will never charge more than that, and many plans cover outpatient or residential treatment at 100% after the deductible is met.Without insurance, New Dawn's Treatment Pricing Guarantee promises to match the cost of any comparable treatment center. Financing is available through New Dawn's partnership with My Treatment Lender for any remaining out-of-pocket costs.

Inpatient and residential treatment typically costs more than outpatient care because it includes housing, meals, 24-hour nursing oversight, and a higher level of clinical structure. Outpatient programs like IOP and PHP are generally less expensive because clients live at home and attend scheduled sessions.

The most important thing to know is that cost should not be a barrier to getting help – the admissions team can walk through financial options confidentially before any decision is made.

In most cases, yes. New Dawn is a preferred provider with most major insurance companies, which means benefits are stronger than they would be at an out-of-network facility. The admissions team verifies your specific benefits before admission, so there are no surprises.

Clients are told exactly what their out-of-pocket costs will be before treatment begins.

Yes, for clients with out-of-pocket costs, financing is available through New Dawn's partnership with My Treatment Lender, which offers flexible payment plans and competitive interest rates. Special discounts are also available for Veterans, First Responders, former Union workers, and alumni.

Cost is shaped primarily by the level of care – detox, residential, luxury residential, PHP, or IOP – the length of the program, and what insurance covers. Luxury residential programs include private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and additional amenities, which are reflected in the cost. The admissions team at New Dawn will provide a clear breakdown of all costs before admission.

What Can I Expect in Rehab at New Dawn?

Knowing what daily life actually looks like in treatment removes much of the fear of getting started. New Dawn’s programs are structured but not rigid – built around clinical depth, personal attention, and an environment where people feel safe enough to do the real work.

Here’s what to expect.

Days at New Dawn's residential programs are structured around individual therapy, group sessions, skills-based programming, and experiential therapies. Clients work with their on-site therapist and counselor regularly throughout the week. Holistic and experiential activities – including alpaca and equine groups, yoga, massage, art therapy, and mindfulness – are woven into the daily schedule alongside clinical work. Chef-prepared meals are provided daily.

The specific daily schedule varies by location and program level.

Outpatient programming at New Dawn is structured around clinical sessions that fit into a client's existing schedule rather than replacing it.

  • Day Treatment (PHP) involves up to six hours of programming per day, including group therapy, individual sessions, skills-based work, and relapse prevention planning.
  • Intensive outpatient (IOP) involves multiple sessions per week with a similar clinical focus at a lower weekly intensity.

Both programs incorporate evidence-based therapies, dual diagnosis support, and family counseling where appropriate. Clients return home each day. The goal is to build and practice recovery skills in real-world settings from the start.

Detox is the medical phase. The body is clearing substances under 24-hour nursing supervision, withdrawal symptoms are managed with proven medical protocols, and the clinical team monitors safety throughout.

Most clients complete detox in 5 to 7 days. Residential treatment follows detox and is where the deeper clinical work happens: individual therapy, group therapy, trauma-informed care, family sessions, and experiential programming.

Detox gets the body stable; residential treatment builds the foundation for lasting recovery.

New Dawn uses a multi-modal clinical approach.

Therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), EMDR, brainspotting, accelerated resolution therapy (ART), motivational enhancement therapy, trauma-informed care, family therapy, Conscious Recovery curriculum, and gender-responsive programming. Introduction to 12-step philosophy, SMART Recovery, and LifeRing are also incorporated.

During residential treatment, most clients are not working. The program is structured as full-time treatment, and stepping away from daily responsibilities is often part of what makes residential care effective.

For clients who need to maintain their work obligations, outpatient programs offer a more viable path. New Dawn's IOP and PHP programs provide scheduled sessions with the option to schedule your appointments in the morning, afternoon, or evening at several locations – allowing treatment to be structured around a work schedule without requiring a leave of absence. If keeping a job is a priority, the admissions team can help identify the right level of care and schedule during the assessment process.

During residential treatment, attending school simultaneously is not typically realistic. The program is designed as a full-time commitment, and the focus and structure of residential care are part of what makes it effective.

For students who need to stay enrolled, outpatient options like IOP or PHP are often a better fit. Sessions are scheduled around daily life, and the clinical depth is the same. The admissions team can help find a level of care that protects recovery without requiring a student to step away from their education entirely.

Cell phone and electronic device policies vary by location and program level.

Yes smoking policies vary by location and smoking or vaping is only allowed in designated areas.

No, clients do not need to stop using before arriving. New Dawn offers medically supervised detox specifically to support a safe withdrawal process under clinical oversight. Attempting to stop without medical supervision, particularly with alcohol or benzodiazepines, can be dangerous. The safest and most supported way to stop is within a structured detox program.

Not without consent. Treatment information is protected under HIPAA.

Clients are not required to disclose the reason for a medical leave of absence to an employer. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may provide job protection for eligible employees without requiring disclosure of the specific diagnosis. The admissions team can help navigate this conversation.

Packing for treatment doesn't need to be complicated. New Dawn's residential homes are fully equipped – chef-prepared meals are provided, bedding and linens are supplied, and the environment is designed to feel like home. Bring the essentials and leave the rest behind.

Recommended items include:

  • Government-issued photo ID and insurance card
  • A 30-day supply of current prescription medications in original, labeled bottles
  • Comfortable, casual clothing for daily activities and group sessions
  • Workout clothes and athletic shoes
  • Sleepwear and undergarments
  • Alcohol-free toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste
  • A small amount of cash for personal incidentals
  • A journal, books, or other personal comfort items
  • Any medically necessary devices, such as a CPAP machine or glucometer

Yes, New Dawn offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) where clinically appropriate. MAT is supervised by medical staff and coordinated with the broader clinical plan.

Yes, chef-prepared meals are provided daily at all residential locations. The culinary team accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences, including low-carb, diabetic-friendly, and other nutritional needs.

For clients committing to a 30-day or longer stay, New Dawn offers complimentary travel assistance to ensure a safe and comfortable arrival. Free transportation to and from treatment is also available up to 125 miles. Other travel assistance may be provided on a case by case basis.

Can I Go to New Dawn for Mental Health Conditions?

Mental health and addiction are deeply connected, and for most people walking through New Dawn’s doors, they are both part of the picture. This section addresses how New Dawn approaches co-occurring conditions, what the program is designed to treat, and where the boundaries of the program lie.

New Dawn does not provide primary mental health treatment. All mental health care at New Dawn is delivered as part of a co-occurring diagnosis alongside a primary substance use disorder.

Clients whose primary concern is a mental health condition without a substance use disorder should seek a provider who specializes in primary mental health care. For clients with both (which is very common), New Dawn treats them together in a fully integrated plan.

Dual diagnosis means a person has both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition at the same time. This is far more common than many people realize.Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma frequently underlie or fuel substance use, and substances in turn worsen mental health symptoms. Treating one without addressing the other leaves recovery incomplete and relapse risk high. New Dawn's dual diagnosis model integrates mental health care into the same clinical plan as addiction treatment, so both are addressed simultaneously.

New Dawn uses evidence-based trauma-informed modalities like Brainspotting, ART, CBT, and DBT. Holistic supports, including yoga, mindfulness, alpaca and equine therapy, massage, and acupuncture, are also woven into the clinical plan. All mental health care is coordinated by the client's dedicated on-site therapist.

Yes, New Dawn has psychiatrists and medical staff on-site who handle evaluation and medication management where clinically appropriate. Clients are evaluated during the admissions process, and existing medications are reviewed. Alternate medications may be prescribed if current medications are contributing to or complicating the addiction or recovery process.

Through the free pre-admission assessment, the clinical team evaluates the full picture – substance use history, mental health symptoms, prior treatment history, safety, and home environment. The recommendation that follows is specific to the individual, not a default. The team explains the reasoning and walks through the next steps clearly before any commitment is made.

Yes, New Dawn offers one of the few programs in the region designed exclusively for veterans and active-duty service members, where participants reside and undergo treatment together as a single unit.

The program is led by a master's-level therapist who is also a veteran. New Dawn is a VA Community Care Partner and is in-network with TriWest and TRICARE. Special discounts for veterans are also available.

How Long Does Rehab at New Dawn Take?

There’s no single answer to this question, and any program that gives one without first completing a thorough assessment should raise a flag.

The right length of treatment is determined by the individual’s clinical needs, not a calendar. Here’s what typically shapes the timeline and what clients can realistically expect.

Length of treatment depends on the severity of the addiction, withdrawal and relapse risk, co-occurring mental health conditions, how stable the home environment is, and progress made during treatment. New Dawn customizes all treatment plans to the individual – there is no one-size-fits-all timeline.

Generally speaking, expect a minimum 90-day commitment, which may involve 30 to 60 days of residential treatment followed by intensive outpatient 4 to 5 days per week for approximately 6 weeks.

Some clients benefit from longer stays, particularly if relapse has occurred before or if the home environment is unstable. The length of stay is determined clinically, not arbitrarily.

Most clients complete detox in 5 to 7 days, though the timeline varies depending on the substance, duration, level of use, and individual medical factors. New Dawn's clinical and nursing staff monitor clients closely throughout and determine when it is safe and appropriate to transition into residential treatment.

New Dawn offers 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day residential programs. The appropriate length is recommended through the clinical assessment process and is based on the individual's specific needs.

Clients who complete a 90-day residential program and experience a relapse within one year are eligible to return for treatment at no cost under New Dawn's One-Year Sober Guarantee.

Clients are free to leave at any time; treatment is voluntary.That said, leaving early significantly increases the risk of relapse, particularly during or shortly after detox when the body and brain are still stabilizing. If a client is considering leaving, the clinical team will have an honest conversation about the risks and work to find a plan – whether that means adjusting the program, stepping down to a different level of care, or connecting the client with supportive resources – rather than simply letting them walk out without support.

How Can Family Members Support Someone in Treatment for Alcohol or Drug Use?

Family involvement can be one of the most powerful factors in long-term recovery.
And also one of the most complicated.

Wanting to help is natural. Knowing how to help without overstepping, enabling, or burning out is harder. This section covers what families can expect during treatment and how to stay involved in ways that actually support recovery.

Communication policies vary by location, program level, and where the client is in their treatment. It's important for families to understand that under HIPAA, New Dawn cannot share any information about a client's participation or progress without the client's express written consent. That decision belongs entirely to the client.

The admissions team can walk families through communication expectations for the specific program.

Supporting a loved one in treatment is one of the most meaningful things a family member can do, and one of the easiest to get wrong without meaning to. The instinct to fix, manage, or rescue is natural, but recovery works better when the clinical team leads, and family members play a supporting role rather than a directing one.

The most helpful things a family member can do are:

  • Stay consistent and encouraging without trying to manage the treatment process.
  • Attend family therapy sessions when available (New Dawn offers family therapy as part of its programs.)
  • Focus on the long term rather than the short term.
  • Avoid rescuing, enabling, or pressuring the client about what happens next.

The goal isn't to step back entirely. It's to show up in a way that reinforces recovery rather than complicating it. The clinical team can help family members understand what that looks like at each stage of treatment.

Family members often carry significant stress, grief, and confusion of their own. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon offer free peer support groups specifically for families affected by a loved one's addiction.

New Dawn's family therapy programming also supports family members directly as part of the client's treatment plan. Families are encouraged to seek their own support because recovery works better when everyone involved has somewhere to turn.

What Happens After Rehab at New Dawn?

Discharge from a formal program is a milestone. Not a finish line. What happens in the months after treatment is often what determines whether recovery holds.

New Dawn’s commitment to clients does not end at discharge. This section explains what ongoing support looks like and what to do if things get hard again.

There is no single sobriety rate that applies to everyone. The research consistently shows that longer engagement in treatment, participation in aftercare, and involvement in peer support all significantly improve long-term outcomes. New Dawn focuses on what it can control: individualized treatment, a full continuum of care, and lifetime aftercare support designed to keep clients connected long after discharge.

New Dawn maintains a 95% client satisfaction rate – one of the highest in the addiction treatment field – measured through ongoing independent feedback collection as part of CARF accreditation.

Aftercare is structured support that continues after the formal treatment program ends. The brain takes time to fully stabilize after substance use, so relapse is most common in the first six months following treatment, which is exactly why aftercare exists.

New Dawn's lifetime aftercare program provides free, weekly, counselor-facilitated support groups for life to all clients who complete at least a 30-day residential program or a 6- to 8-week IOP program. The largest alumni network in Northern California also provides ongoing peer connection, mentorship, and community events.

A relapse is serious, but it is not the end of the road. It just means the plan needs to be adjusted. The most important thing is to reach out quickly rather than waiting for things to escalate.

For clients who complete a 90-day residential program and experience a relapse within one year, New Dawn's One-Year Sober Guarantee allows them to return for treatment at no cost. The team will reassess and recommend the appropriate next step.

Formally, treatment ends at discharge from the enrolled program. But at New Dawn, the relationship doesn't end there. Lifetime aftercare, alumni programming, peer support, and ongoing connection are all available indefinitely. Recovery is a long-term process – New Dawn is designed to support it at every stage, not just the first one.

Still have questions?

The admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call (916) 741-5312 – it’s confidential, no cost, and no obligation.

We Are Here For You

Stop struggling. We can help.

Admitting and understanding that you may have an addiction that needs intervention is the first step in your journey to recovery. Take our confidential self assessment quiz.