What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Preparing for your first appointment at Virginia Recovery Centers can help make the intake process smoother and more comfortable. Our outpatient addiction treatment programs are designed to help individuals begin recovery while maintaining structure and stability in daily life.
Bringing a few important items with you to your first visit allows our team to complete your evaluation, verify insurance, and begin developing a personalized treatment plan.
If you are unsure about what to bring, our admissions team is always available to help answer your questions.
Call (804) 465-7953 if you need assistance before your appointment.
Important Items to Bring
To help us complete your intake process efficiently, please bring the following items if they are available.
1
Identification
A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
2
Insurance Information
• Your insurance card • Medicaid (Cardinal Care) card if applicable • Any insurance authorization information you may have received
3
Medication Information
• A list of any medications you are currently taking • Prescription bottles in their original containers if available
4
Contact Information
• Emergency contact information • Contact details for any current healthcare providers, if applicable
Providing this information helps our team coordinate care and ensure your treatment plan reflects your medical history and current needs.
Personal Items
Because Virginia Recovery Centers provides outpatient addiction treatment, most individuals attend treatment during the day and return home or to supportive housing afterward.
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothing
- A notebook or journal for therapy sessions
- A refillable water bottle
- Any personal items needed during your visit
Items That May Not Be Permitted
To help maintain a safe and supportive treatment environment, certain items are not permitted in the facility.
These may include:
- Drugs or alcohol of any kind
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Unprescribed medications
- Recording devices used without permission
If you are unsure whether something is appropriate to bring, our admissions team can provide guidance
Preparing for Your First Visit
Your first appointment may include an intake evaluation, insurance verification, and a conversation about the treatment options that may be right for you.
During this visit, our clinical team may discuss:
- Your history with substance use
- Mental health and medical history
- Current life circumstances
- Treatment goals and recovery needs
This information helps determine the most appropriate program, such as Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
We’re Here to Help
Starting treatment can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone.
Our admissions team is available to answer questions, help you prepare for your first appointment, and guide you through the next steps toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first rehab appointment?
Bring a valid ID, insurance information, a list of medications, and contact details for healthcare providers. You may also bring personal items like a notebook or water bottle for your visit.
What happens during your first rehab appointment?
Your first appointment typically includes an intake evaluation, a review of your medical and substance use history, and a discussion about the best treatment options for your needs.
Is this different from what to bring to inpatient rehab?
Yes. For outpatient programs, you only need essential documents and personal items for your visit, rather than packing for an extended stay like inpatient rehab.