Enrollment/Intake

Whenever we face making changes in life, we’re bound to experience heightened emotions and second thoughts. Entering a treatment program, whether it’s your first or fifth time, comes with a sense of reservation and hesitation as you look to leave your “old self” behind.

The enrollment and intake process is the first step in the Medicine Wheel therapeutic journey. It is also the most uncomfortable part of the process, both physically and emotionally. It’s the point when secrets or embarrassing concerns may come to light through the intake interview or drug screen.

When clients first arrive at the program, they are shown to a private changing area where they change clothes completely and demonstrate to the intake staff that they are not trying to sneak any unwarranted items into the field. It’s not fair to our current students if we neglect to keep out harmful substances and items. Medicine Wheel provides all of the clothing and gear young adults need to be safe and comfortable in the wilderness, right down to their underwear. This is for reasons pertaining to the safety of our clientele.

After clients have changed into wilderness clothes, they are drug tested using a urinalysis. From a clinical point of view, it is imperative to be aware of all legal and illegal substances that are currently in the client’s body. Current clients often mention how appreciative they are as we work to keep the environment physically and emotionally safe.

Clients then visit a local physician for a complete physical. They are encouraged to tell the doctor about any pain or illnesses they may have experienced in the past or are currently experiencing. Once the exam is complete, clients are driven to the field to be introduced to their therapy group.

Please explore our website or call an admissions counselor at (800) 898-1244 for additional information about how RedCliff Ascent can help.