Elm Acres
Addiction Treatment Services

First Step at Lakeview FAQ

3015 SW 31st Street
Lawrence, KS 66047
(p) 785.843.9262
(f) 785.843.9264


How long will I stay at First Step?
How do I know what level of treatment I need?
Will my insurance cover treatment at First Step?
Is there a waiting list?
What do I need to bring with me?
Can I bring any personal belongings?
Is there anything I cannot bring?
Is there anything special I need to do to bring my children?
Can I smoke while I am there?
Will I be able to talk to my family and friends, or see them while I am there?

 

The staff of First Step at Lake View looks forward to working with you and is committed to helping you begin your journey of recovery and personal growth. As you might expect, treatment cannot be measured by days, but by the effort invested. We will offer you the opportunity to work an individualized treatment program based on your personal issues and needs.

How long will I stay at First Step?
First Step has three levels of treatment – Intermediate, Reintegration, Residential Intensive Outpatient - each with different lengths of stay. While most women start at the most intensive level, Intermediate, you may start your treatment at the level most appropriate to meet your assessed need and will move through those levels according to your progress. How long you stay will also depend on the timeframes established by the entity that funds your treatment. Intermediate treatment typically lasts 14 to 28 days. Reintegration treatment may be 30 days to two months, and Residential Intensive Outpatient may be two to three months.
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How do I know what level of treatment I need?
Your first step is to participate in an assessment of your substance use and other needs. First Step at Lake View can conduct that assessment with you at no charge, or you may also complete an assessment with your Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center (RADAC).
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Will my insurance cover treatment at First Step?
If you have Medicaid 19 and treatment is authorized, your stay at First Step will be covered. We may be able to enter into an individual agreement with your insurance company. Call the First Step Admissions Coordinator with your insurance information, and we can help you determine if the company will reimburse for any portion of the cost.
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Is there a waiting list?
Due to the demand for our services, there may be a waiting list when you call. Women who are pregnant or use intravenous drugs have priority for admission. First Step will help you identify other support services while you wait, and call to check on you periodically during that time. We can also help you access other services in the state if you cannot wait.
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What do I need to bring with me?
First Step must verify your residency, proof of income, and insurance coverage. Please bring the following documents with you:
• State Issued Picture ID
• Social Security Card
• Medicaid/Insurance Card
• Proof of Income
• Vision Card (Required to be turned into DCCCA’s main office)
• Birth Certificate
• 30 day supply of medications
• Name and address of your current physician
• Names and addresses of any parties for whom releases of information may be needed (therapist, family members, physician, etc.)

It is important to BE ON TIME for your admission appointment. If you have difficulties, call and let us know. If you fail to notify us of possible delays, you may be rescheduled for another day. A no-call, no-show situation will result in the loss of your slot and you may be put at the bottom of the waiting list.

Arrive clean and sober. If you do not, we reserve the right to refuse to admit you. We will refer you to a detoxification program within DCCCA or another agency, and if space is available, you may return to First Step once that is complete.
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Can I bring any personal belongings?
You may bring the following items with you:
• Calling card
• Stamps/Envelopes
• Cigarettes
• Clothing (Include tennis shoes)
• Personal Hygiene Products
• Caffeine Free Canned Soft Drinks/Water Bottles/Juice. All drinks must be unopened at time of admission.
• Money (It is recommended that amounts over $10 be kept in our safe for your security.)
• Treatment Related Books or Spiritual Literature
• CD/Tape Player with headphones (Used at counselor discretion for therapeutic purposes.)
• Alarm Clock (without a radio)

You will be able to go on a Store Run with staff once a week to purchase various items such as soda/juice, cigarettes, personal hygiene products, and other items as needed. We have laundry facilities on site and provide detergent. You may bring your own if you prefer.
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Is there anything I cannot bring?
First Step does not permit radios, cell phones, cameras, television/video game systems, wire hangers, picture frames with glass, candy or food. We provide all the food, including snacks, as part of the treatment program. The only exceptions may be for medical purposes or special dietary needs.
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Is there anything special I need to do to bring my children?
If you are bringing your children to treatment with you, you must notify your SRS worker to be approved for Childcare Assistance so you can access the First Step’s licensed daycare. If you are already approved for Childcare Assistance, still notify your SRS worker. You will need to bring the following documents for each child who will stay with you:
• Medical card/Insurance card
• Immunization Records
• Baby Food/Formula/WIC Vouchers
• Diapers/Wipes
• Clothing
• Medications
• School Items/Transfer Papers

You are allowed to bring unopened healthy snacks for your children and can keep them in your room.
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Can I smoke while I am there?
Smoking is allowed outside of the building at certain times. You will be responsible for the purchase of your own cigarettes.
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Will I be able to talk to my family and friends, or see them while I am there?
You will have access to a phone, so you may need to bring a calling card or call collect. You will not be allowed to make personal long distance calls on the business phone. You will be able to receive phone messages from family/friends at anytime. Please direct them to call the business line at (785) 843-9262 and ask for the “client line”. Messages are posted at various times throughout the day. You may receive mail during your stay. The mailing address is: 3015 SW 31st St; Lawrence, KS 66047.

Visitation with family and friends begins after seven days of treatment. Visitation is on Wednesday from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., and Sunday 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. Visitors must show up on time.
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