How to choose a recovery center
This is much more difficult than it should be. The credentialing bodies really are looking at the minimums and programs are graded on a pass/fail basis. Programs can experience significant changes with management and/or staff turnover such that a program can be great one month and poor the next. Even places with great reputations overall can have ups and downs.
Generally nonprofits tend to be better than for-profit entities. It's often the case that a for-profit company will buy a nonprofit with a good reputation and fire a huge number of staff members and change the ethos such that profit comes before people. Insurance companies and for-profit companies exist to make money, not take care of people.
Online reviews are not a great way to choose a program. In behavioral health generally only the most dissatisfied people post anything at all, and there are many complicated reasons why patients leave programs without getting their desired results. Programs are unable to respond due to confidentiality rules while unhappy patients can say whatever they want. Happy customers are generally grateful yet quiet, as they complete their treatment and move forward.
When you look at a program’s website, see if there are bios of all or majority of the staff. You may also inquire if the staff listings are up to date on the website. A place that won't promote its staff is likely a place with high turnover.
Beware online clearinghouses that will find a program for you. Some of them literally have someone in the background shopping your case to places while you are on the phone and they sell you to the highest bidder.
If you can talk to a person who was at a program within the last few months that's amazing, but this is of course rare. Sometimes you can ask to talk to a recent patient. Often places will promote testimonials of satisfied patients.
Talking to local practitioners who have some knowledge of a place but don't work for them is also a great way to get a read on a program. Your outpatient treater should be able to reach out to their professional network and do some of this legwork.
Ask about the level of experience of the staff. Younger staff, recently out of training, can do good work, but they need the support of more experienced practitioners working alongside them. If the bulk of people providing care are in their first year or two out of graduate school or residency, this can mean high turnover or lack of importance placed on experience and wisdom in the profession.
Take a tour of the facility if you can. Is it modern and comfortable or dingy and overcrowded?