First Choice Health Insurance Coverage for Drug Rehab
Discover how First Choice Health supports self-funded employers with comprehensive health plans, behavioral services, and community initiatives.
First Choice Health Insurance Coverage for Drug Rehab
Discover how First Choice Health supports self-funded employers with comprehensive health plans, behavioral services, and community initiatives.
First Choice Health is a provider owned organization that helps self funded employers provide health insurance to their employees. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
Today they serve employers in eight states ranging from Alaska to Washington state to South Dakota. They offer a preferred provider (PPO) network and health plan administration as well as an employee assistance program and behavioral health services.
First Choice Health also gives back to their communities by partnering with Meals on Wheels and No Kid Hungry along with The Plate Fund and YWCA of Seattle.
Does First Choice Health Cover Addiction Rehab?
Self funded employer plans are not required to offer coverage for addiction or mental health, but many of them will. One of the key services First Choice Health provides to interested employers is access to behavioral health programs and resources.
All insurance plans focus on covering medically necessary care so you’ll want to work closely with your doctor to create a treatment plan. This treatment plan will help you know what kind of care to look for and provide proof of medical need.
However every self funded employer plan is different so be sure to talk to the benefits specialist at your company to get the full details of your insurance before you commit to treatment.
A Transformative Path to Recovery: Runway and Treehouse Recovery
My journey to sustained sobriety began at Runway, a premier short-term stabilization facility in Santa Ana, California. Designed for individuals in crisis, Runway offers 24-hour monitoring in comfortable, well-appointed accommodations, including private bedrooms, an on-site cook, and a dedicated nursing staff. A compassionate team of five to six professionals provides individualized care, preparing patients for a seamless transition to long-term treatment. Runway’s structured yet nurturing environment makes it an exceptional choice for immediate, high-quality intervention.
After stabilization, I transitioned to Treehouse Recovery to address a complex history of alcohol addiction, combat-related injuries, and a rare psychotic episode triggered by marijuana use. The Treehouse staff’s expertise in treating combat veterans navigating reintegration and substance abuse was remarkable. Their swift, targeted response to my unique challenges laid a critical foundation for my recovery.
Treehouse’s program distinguishes itself through a robust team-based approach, which fosters accountability, camaraderie, and personal growth. Patients are organized into small, cohesive units that collaborate on daily tasks, from meal preparation and facility maintenance to group sports and weightlifting. This model mirrors the discipline and interdependence of military teams, which was particularly resonant for me as a veteran. For example, morning team raft exercises in the surf required synchronized paddling, teaching us to trust one another and communicate effectively under pressure. These activities were more than physical; they instilled a sense of shared purpose and mutual reliance, reinforcing the skills needed for long-term sobriety. By working closely with peers, I rebuilt self-esteem, learned to embrace responsibility, and developed a support network that extended beyond the program. This team dynamic was a cornerstone of my recovery, providing a safe space to confront vulnerabilities and celebrate collective achievements.
Beyond its team-based framework, Treehouse emphasizes the physiological and biological aspects of addiction, moving beyond traditional talk therapy. Physical training restored my strength and confidence, while the program’s focus on leadership in its latter half prepared me for a successful return to everyday life.
Over a year later, I remain sober, with strengthened family ties and renewed self-confidence. The ongoing support from Runway and Treehouse, through regular check-ins, reflects their commitment to clients’ long-term success. Their tailored, family-like approach creates a global network of support that empowers individuals to thrive post-treatment.
I wholeheartedly recommend Runway and Treehouse Recovery to anyone seeking a path to lasting recovery. These facilities not only saved my life but also provided the tools and community to build a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Sincerely,
Charlie
CB
1 week ago
I showed up to Treehouse ready to change but i didn't know how to make these changes. Anything i tried alone always seemed to fail until i was accepted into the treehouse family. They showed me how to handle simple to complex tasks with a rational clear thinking mind. They gave me the tools and confidence to stay in a state of gratitude day in and day out. They solidified my hard working ethics and gave me a place to call home. We worked hard and we had a lot of fun. I particularly love the ocean (surfing, diving, skimboarding) so being on the boats with the team was my favorite part of the physical modalities. I owe it big time to the clinical staff for listening intently, caring and asking the right questions at the right time to help me work through a lifetime of baggage.
Cruz Bokolas
3 months ago
Treehouse has made a huge impact on my life. The values, connections and education have given me an entire different perspective on life. They have given me the tools and knowledge on how to live a life in sobriety. The staff are all super cool and very supporting of whatever you are going through and will do the best they can to help you get where you need to be. Thank you treehouse !
I came to The Center in the lowest place of my life, and left 4 weeks later filled with a new found hope for my future. The stuff are all outstanding people who genuinely care for every client who walks in the doors. The housing accommodations were great and having good roommates made the experience even better. I can’t thank The Center enough for all the care and support. It truly changed my life.
Malia Reynolds
1 week ago
The Center has amazing staff and caters to your needs and wants! They care immensely about every individual and want the best for everyone that walks through their front door. They’ve helped me find my joy, love and purpose for life again!
neomi macmillan
2 weeks ago
The Center is a well-structured facility that fosters healing and recovery. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. The whole team of staff provided encouragement, empathy, compassion. The medical team staff have expertise in mental health treatment and care. They showed a deep understanding and concern for the my well-being and the care they gave exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend the Center to anyone considering getting help with any mental health issues you may be experiencing.
Great place! Thanks to all the staff for all the help and support !
Ryan Segura
1 month ago
The moment I walked in I felt welcome and never neglected. From the Program director, to the nurses and techs. Every person in this program will treat you like family. I also got everything I ever needed when I needed. I couldn’t have gone to a better place. I got all the support I needed and more everyday. I recommend this place to everyone looking for a place to change their life and future for the best. Thank you Laguna view detox and everyone apart of this wonderful organization.
Danny Magana
1 month ago
Awesome place with awesome people! I truly felt like every staff member cared about me and my recovery journey every day. Justin the case manager always had an open door to talk when I needed. Karen the program director and David the operations director helping me get paperwork filled out as painlessly as possible. Jeramiah, Lisa, Winnie, Jessie, and Tony on the nursing staff always ready with a smile and positive attitude. JJ, Lane, and Isabel, the techs that put up with me daily with a smile on their face no matter what I did. I can't recommend Laguna View Detox enough. If you're ready to start your recovery journey I can't think of anywhere else better!
I am four weeks into outpatient following a 7 day detox. This has already been a life changing experience for me here at OTR. From the very first phone call with very caring staff members to the amazing counselors that actually listen and help bring out honest self reflection (along with great feedback), I feel that this has been the best treatment program I have ever been to. I actually look forward to my groups with my counselors and peers. People that have came here during my time seem to also be very serious about their recovery.
Stacy Genise
1 month ago
Great and caring staff. Actually, teach you life and coping skills. Great group interaction with peers and counselors. I would recommend trying OTR before going elsewhere.
I was here for a short stay I regret leaving so soon the owners are awesome and i remember the kind staff and great FOOD.
Shemcho “Meko” Hackett
2 weeks ago
I want you to come on and give a big thank you I came to Free By the Sea in August of 2022 and at that point I was at the lowest point of my life I lost everything my addiction had completely consumed me August 17th of this year I celebrated 3 years Clean and Free I am living a wonderful life I am a year from graduating with an undergrad in human services and I'm working in Behavioral Health working with other people who have struggled just like I did I credit my life and my success to the beginning I got at Free By the Sea when I got my life back to all the wonderful counselors and all the wonderful staff and just the wonderful environment that gave me my life back I will forever be in gratitude and I'm so thankful for all of you for being a part of my journey and as I continue in my life I hope for continued success and I hope that I too can continue to give the gift with the people that I work with the gift that you all gave me my life my freedom my sobriety and my happiness thank you again
Brian Birrer
3 weeks ago
I recently completed a stay at Free By The Sea in Ocean Park, WA, and I can honestly say it was a truly transformative experience. When I first arrived, I felt powerless and hopelessly caught in my addictions—tobacco, marijuana, caffeine, and even my phone. I was lost, broken, and spent countless hours trapped in my own thoughts, unsure of what to do next.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed not only by the caring staff but also by the residents. The sense of community here is more than I could have ever hoped for. Each day, I had meaningful conversations with others, gaining perspective and insights from stories shared openly and honestly. Judgments are left at the door because everyone here understands what it’s like to be vulnerable. We’re all in this together, regardless of our backgrounds or struggles.
One important lesson I learned during my time here is that progress, not perfection, is what truly matters. I’ve come to understand what it means to walk down the road of substance use—how sometimes you can find yourself so far gone that turning back feels impossible. During my time here, I had an epiphany about the dangers of THC and other substances, realizing how they can impact your health and well-being in ways I never fully understood before. This experience has given me a new perspective on the importance of sobriety and self-care. Also, meeting others who shared similar traumas and experiences helped me realize that healing is possible through connection and support.
The owners and staff have cultivated an environment where authenticity and connection thrive—an environment that encourages you to be yourself and embrace the healing power of nature and community. Everyone, from the cleaning staff to the medical team, to the front office and administrators, are kind, helpful, and nonjudgmental.
My biggest advice to anyone considering this recovery center is to persist. Persist in your recovery, in your sobriety, and in yourself. You truly deserve a fresh start and the chance to breathe again. If you're looking for a safe, supportive place to begin your journey, I wholeheartedly recommend Free By The Sea.
Great foundation. I loved the help I received while in treatment. Loved the virtual experience and group I was part of.
Jessica Lizarraga
1 year ago
The group processing has been life changing for me. I’m getting so much from what I’m learning about the disease of alcoholism and how to how much alcohol has Distorted Reality. I’m learning to face life and how using alcohol to escape problems has only made my life easier.
Becki Cleary
1 year ago
This program changed my life for the better. I would like to give a shout out to all the staff at Betty Ford, for making my dreams become possible. My counselor was Ingrid Psuty and is the absolute best. I’ve been to a couple rehabs, but nothing stuck until I went to Betty Ford. Thank You so much for giving me the tools to stay sober 🤩⭐️🌟✨💫
AlcoholismDrug AddictionDual DiagnosisMental Health and Substance AbuseOpioid AddictionSubstance Abuse
Adult ProgramYoung Adult ProgramLGBTQ Program
Private InsuranceSelf-Pay Options
10/10 care 🥰🫶🏼
Emileah Marie
1 week ago
Good staff good food. I learned a lot and everyone was going through the same stuff
Logan Whiting
1 week ago
I am very comfortable and inspired by the community. The classes helped me find my words. Food is good, i gained 9 lbs. The camaraderie made my day. We got this!
I was in their 2 week Relapse Prevention Program in 2003. I have been clean ever since! Facility was scenic and serene, staff was beyond amazing. Their overall approach offered total holistic focus treating the INDiVIDUAL. Diversity in spiritual accommodations including Native American. When my two week program was complete I wanted to stay longer simply because the entire experience was so profoundly healing....I WANTED more, rather than NEEDED more.
valorie duvall
5 months ago
My name is Jason I had the pleasure to stay at olalla. This place is great if you are in for the right reasons. Put in the time and it works. The food is great and lots of it.the counselors are great and don’t take your shit!! I’m biased but heather is the best🤙
Jason Berry
6 months ago
Absolutely Loved my stay at Olalla! Great meals everyday 🙌🏼 coffee too(if ya get up early enough). The staff I had during my experience were some of the best counselors & people you’ll meet! Counselors will definitely call you on your BULLSHIT & keep you accountable(Can’t bullshit a bullshitter, they say). So good luck trying to skate by or just faking it to make it. I got down to some good core roots I never thought of before, got a lot of “Dark Things” out in my time here too. Also not too bad of classes either! With a slightly more stoic approach one could say maybe, lots of good new info! Also, when you get towards the end of your stay, if you’re feeling not quite ready to leave, you can ask for extension(s) too. 🙌🏼
This place is really about their patients, as groups tend to be no bigger than 6-12 people, so, plenty of questions to be asked, searched for, & answered!!! I was in the Falcon Group, our group never got bigger than 6-7 people. And it’s males with males & females do there daily groups with just females, allowing for a little more comfort/support when sharing personal matters. Absolutely love Olalla & would recommend this inpatient facility to ANYONE struggling with addiction!!
10/10 ⭐️’s
🩶💛🩶
AlcoholismDrug AddictionDual DiagnosisMental Health and Substance AbuseOpioid Addiction
Adult ProgramYoung Adult Program
Private InsuranceSelf-Pay OptionsFinancial Aid
I came to Rocky Mt. completely hopeless with little to no will left to live. My wife was divorcing me and I had been kicked out of our home. I was also bankrupt financially and spiritually!!
The experience at Rocky Mt. literally saved my life. The staff are phenomenal and every single one of them were like family to me. This is more than treatment. This is a life changing experience!!
Adam Berndt
1 month ago
This place saved my life.
When I arrived in August of 2024, I was a shell. The staff gave me hope and saw my future of recovery before I could. There is good, hard work to be done here, and they don't back down from a challenge.
The schedule is appropriately full, giving clients myriad approaches to their mental and physical health. Food is excellent and the food staff are a delight to be around. Personally, the strongest part of the experience was the bonds I formed with other clients. Without much time, I remembered what it was to have relationships and experiences that were rich and needed no chemical enhancement.
Today I'm thriving. I attend the weekly meetings via Zoom and feel a strong connection to Rocky and my experience there. Rocky is a wonderful place for anyone considering treatment!
Jennifer Hall
3 months ago
This place saved my life! I was welcomed with open arms and no judgment! The scariest thing I have ever done was to admit I needed help, that my life was unmanageable. In less than 5 minutes, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Most of the staff have years of recovery wisdom. They know where you have been and how to help because once they were there too. They share their expirence, strength, and hope. I know my life is worthwhile, and so am I! Thank you, RMTC!
This is the best thing I have ever done for myself.
Betty Ford center has some of the greatest talent in the world when it comes to recovery.
The help I received in this place is overwhelming.
wayne smith
1 week ago
Best Rehab I’ve been too. Can’t wait to come back again!
aintlifegrand75
1 month ago
Hazelden Betty Ford has a reputation as being the best because they are the best!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are First Choice Health Plans?
First Choice doesn’t offer insurance plans directly — they help self funded employers offer insurance to employees by offering access to high quality medical networks and other services.
First Choice Health has a PPO network that has over 120,000 providers that represent all medical specialties. The network extends through 11 states: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nebraska, and both Dakotas. The company helps employers with cost and medical management.
They also have health plan administration services to help employers manage their health plan and effectively offer insurance to employees. They can offer third party claims administration and cost containment along with data analysis.
Finally there are some specialty services available from First Choice Health. These include a clinically integrated network that can add support that traditional care team can’t. This can be helpful in complex healthcare situations and provides coordination between multiple facilities.
First Choice Health also connects employers to behavioral health services. This includes addiction treatment and mental healthcare. They provide a directory of in network providers to encourage members to stay in the network and they also have a behavioral health program with case managers for specific diagnoses so members have someone to guide them through the process of getting high quality care.
What Inpatient Addiction Treatment Does First Choice Cover?
While self funded plans are not required to cover addiction treatment under the Affordable Care Act many still will.
Insurance coverage is typically focused on medically necessary care which is why it’s so important to have a treatment plan with your doctor. If you need help in a residential facility your provider may rely on the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) assessment to determine if you meet certain criteria.
Once your doctor has assessed you you can discuss the possibility of medical detox and inpatient care — it may be safer for you to detox while under the care of medical professionals. Inpatient addiction care — with or without medical detox — is an intensive program that allows you to focus fully on your recovery.
What Outpatient Rehab Does First Choice Cover?
Outpatient treatment looks different for everyone. It is ideal for those with family or work obligations because you are at home outside of treatment sessions. Treatment consists of education and individual counseling along with group therapy. You’ll also have monitoring and help with relapse prevention.
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a day outpatient treatment. You spend your day in an intensive structured recovery program but you go home at night.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is another option and is ideal for those who need support after completing an inpatient program. It provides therapeutic processes for those who need support but you’re able to work the treatment around your work or school obligations.
Remember that self funded plans vary widely in requirements and limits as well as coverage so it’s always a good idea to check with your benefits specialist before committing to a treatment program.
Does First Choice Cover Methadone & Suboxone (MAT)?
If medically assisted treatment (MAT) is covered by your insurance plan it’s a valuable tool in the arsenal against addiction.
Medications like suboxone and methadone suppress cravings and block the high many get from using drugs and alcohol. These medications work well on a long term basis to manage cravings and help patients stay stable during treatment. They’re highly successful at preventing relapse.
Does First Choice Cover Other Mental Healthcare?
While self funded plans are not required to cover mental healthcare, many do. You must review your policy closely before starting any type of health care.
Mental health treatment generally includes counseling and crisis support for concerns such as depression and anxiety as well as PTSD and other diagnoses.
Addiction often goes hand in hand with mental illnesses which is known as co occurring disorders. It’s a vicious cycle as these conditions can move people toward addiction to cope and then addiction can make the conditions worse.
Treating mental illness and addiction at the same time is the most successful way to avoid relapse because these conditions feed into each other and you can’t successfully address one without the other.
Does Addiction Treatment Need to Be In Network?
First Choice Health offers out of network coverage as a PPO network. However, if you choose to go out of network for care, it’s important to remember that your copayments and deductibles will be significantly higher.
If possible, stay in network for your treatment to maximize your insurance coverage. Review your plan carefully and understand the costs before you choose an out of network provider.
What to Do if First Choice Won’t Cover the Cost of Rehab
Most self-funded plans cover some type of addiction treatment but if yours doesn’t — or doesn’t cover as much as you need — it’s still important to get the care you need.
Some treatment centers have a sliding fee scale based on income, and others offer payment plans or scholarships.
If you have savings or family help rely on that to help you get into a treatment program. There are also low cost and free rehabs that allow you to work rather than pay. One example of this is the Salvation Army.
Remember that no matter what your insurance coverage says you can’t put a price on your life.
How to Verify Coverage With First Choice
If you have questions about your coverage contact your benefits manager at your employer. If you have a customer service number you can use that as well. First Choice may provide benefit advice and help determine what treatment style you need and where you can get it based on your insurance plan.
You don’t want to ask a treatment center to verify your coverage because self funded plans are one of a kind and the center won’t have the most accurate information. Instead, talk to your benefits specialist or First Choice directly.
Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by a paid advertiser.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.
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