Divide the page into five boxes: facility status, travel, money, responsibilities, and contacts. In facility status, list the verified public facts separately from answers supplied during the call. In travel, record the exact arrival instructions and a backup plan for ordinary delays. In money, separate quoted program charges from airfare, fuel, lodging for a companion, meals, parking, and changes or cancellations. In responsibilities, list work, caregiving, court, housing, and pet arrangements that may require attention. In contacts, identify the facility contact and one trusted person who knows the plan.
A comparison table can be drawn with facilities as columns and decision questions as rows. Useful rows include current availability, fit-review process, exact service being considered, licensing or accreditation information, use of evidence-supported care, medications when clinically appropriate, family involvement, continuing-care planning, total expected personal costs, and arrival requirements. SAMHSA quality guidance supports asking about those care-quality topics. Leave cells blank rather than guessing, and mark answers that need written clarification. NIDA’s treatment principles also emphasize that needs differ and plans should address the individual, not only substance use.
- Date every call and note who supplied each answer.
- Separate program-related costs from travel and household costs.
- Ask how changing availability could affect the proposed arrival date, without assuming a place will be held.