Getting Started at Black Bear Lodge

From your first phone call through arrival on campus, our goal is to make the admissions experience as straightforward as possible. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions, discuss treatment options and help you understand the next steps.

Black Bear Lodge follows all applicable privacy regulations, including HIPAA requirements, to help protect your personal information throughout the admissions process.

How the Admissions Process Works

Getting started at Black Bear Lodge typically involves four simple steps.

Step 1: Reach out

Call us complete our online contact form or have a healthcare professional contact us on your behalf.

Our admissions team is available around the clock and will respond as quickly as possible.

An admissions coordinator will speak with you about your situation, treatment history, current concerns and recovery goals.

This conversation helps us determine the appropriate level of care and whether Black Bear Lodge is the right fit for your needs.

We verify insurance benefits and explain available coverage, estimated out-of-pocket costs and payment options.

Our goal is to provide clear information so you can make informed decisions about treatment.

Once admission is confirmed, we help coordinate your arrival and answer questions about what to bring, travel arrangements and what to expect during your first day.

Many of our patients travel from outside the local area, and our team is available to assist with planning and logistics.

What to Expect When You Arrive at Black Bear Lodge

Your first day is designed to help you get settled and begin the recovery process.

Upon arrival, you will meet with members of our admissions and clinical teams, complete intake paperwork and participate in an initial assessment. This information helps your treatment team develop an individualized plan based on your specific needs and goals.

Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains near Yonah Mountain, Black Bear Lodge provides a peaceful environment where individuals can step away from everyday distractions and focus fully on recovery.

For a complete packing list and arrival information, visit our What to Bring page.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Substance use and mental health conditions often occur together.

Many individuals seeking treatment are also experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD or other mental health concerns.

At Black Bear Lodge, we provide integrated treatment or dual diagnosis that addresses substance use and mental health conditions.. This approach helps individuals better understand how these challenges interact and supports long-term recovery.

For Families and Loved Ones

Supporting someone who is struggling with substance use can be difficult, and many families are unsure where to begin.

Our admissions team works with families every day and understands the questions, concerns and emotions that often accompany this process.

We can help you understand treatment options, explain the admissions process and discuss ways to support your loved one before, during and after treatment.

When appropriate, we can also connect families with professional intervention resources for additional guidance and support.

For Referring Providers and Treatment Professionals

Black Bear Lodge welcomes referrals from physicians, therapists, case managers, employee assistance programs and other treatment professionals.

Our clinical and admissions teams work closely with referral sources to help ensure continuity of care and a smooth transition into treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend reviewing our What to Bring page before arrival. It includes information about recommended items, prohibited items and other details to help you prepare for treatment.

Upon arrival, you will complete paperwork, meet with members of your treatment team and participate in an initial clinical assessment. This information helps us develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

Length of stay varies based on clinical need, treatment progress and insurance coverage. Your treatment team will work with you throughout your stay to determine the appropriate level and duration of care.

Black Bear Lodge works with many major commercial insurance providers, including Anthem® Blue Cross® Blue Shield®, Aetna®, UnitedHealthcare® and TRICARE® East.

Yes. Black Bear Lodge provides medically supervised detox services on campus. For many individuals, detox is the first step before transitioning into residential treatment.

Treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions and other evidence-based services.

Patients may also have access to recreational activities, fitness opportunities and the natural surroundings of the North Georgia mountains as part of their recovery experience.

Yes. Many individuals travel from across Georgia and throughout the Southeast for treatment at Black Bear Lodge.

For some people, seeking treatment away from familiar environments can provide an opportunity to focus fully on recovery. Our admissions team can help answer questions about travel and arrival planning.

Admissions

Ready to Begin Healing?

If what you’ve read here gives you hope, we’d love to talk. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, verify your insurance and help you or your loved one get started.