How we evaluate treatment centers

Domain 1: Licensing and accreditation (20 points)

We verify that the facility holds valid, current state licenses for all services offered. We check for CARF or Joint Commission accreditation, SAMHSA listing, and confirm there are no active regulatory actions, sanctions, or license suspensions in the past three years. A facility without a valid state license is automatically disqualified regardless of scores in other domains.

Domain 2: Staff credentials (15 points)

We verify that the facility has a licensed clinical director (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PhD, PsyD, or MD), that all therapists hold valid and verifiable state licenses, and that residential programs have a medical director. We also evaluate staff-to-patient ratios and continuing education programs.

Domain 3: Evidence-based practices (15 points)

We confirm the facility uses at least one recognized evidence-based treatment modality such as CBT, DBT, MAT, EMDR, or motivational interviewing. We verify that treatment plans are individualized (not one-size-fits-all), and look for documented clinical protocols and outcome tracking.

Domain 4: Ethics and transparency (20 points)

This is our highest-weighted domain because it's what separates trustworthy facilities from the rest. We verify published pricing or insurance guidance, confirm no history of patient brokering charges or investigations, check for deceptive marketing practices, verify a published complaint process, and require signing our Code of Ethics. Any history of patient brokering convictions results in permanent disqualification.

Domain 5: Safety and environment (10 points)

We verify HIPAA compliance documentation, emergency and crisis protocols, medication management procedures, and ADA accessibility.

Domain 6: Consumer reputation (10 points)

We analyze Google Business Profile ratings (3.5+ star minimum with at least 10 reviews), check for unresolved complaints with state licensing boards, evaluate the facility's website for accuracy, and assess their responsiveness to online reviews.

Domain 7: Aftercare and outcomes (10 points)

We look for documented aftercare and continuing care plans, alumni programs, family involvement components, and any form of outcome tracking or post-discharge follow-up.

Verification tiers

Facilities scoring 85-100 receive TA Verified — Excellence status. Those scoring 70-84 receive standard TA Verified status. Facilities scoring 55-69 receive a 90-day improvement plan. Those below 55 are not approved.

Verification is not a one-time event. TA Verified status renews annually with re-verification of licensing, reputation, and complaint history. If we receive verified complaints about a member facility, an investigation is triggered immediately.