Betty Ford Center

The original Betty Ford Center was opened in October 1982 by co-founders Betty Ford, Leonard Firestone, and Dr. James West. Ford was the wife of former United States President Gerald Ford. Despite being a very active First Lady, Ford had an addiction to alcohol and opioid medication. Her addiction started due to a pinched nerve, but what was used to treat her pain became a cycle of misuse. After an intervention and recovery treatment, Ford co-created the first Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California.

Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, the Betty Ford Center has been the name in rehab treatment. Ford’s name cachet helped with the center’s initial growth. Now, thanks to the world-class rehab treatment offered to clients, the Betty Ford Center and the Betty Ford Clinics are sought out by individuals the world over for recovery treatment from drug and alcohol misuse.

The Betty Ford Center offers the full spectrum of recovery services based on the 12-Step model, including client assessment and evaluation, residential care, detox treatment, IOP, mental health treatment, day treatment, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and sober living housing.

The Betty Ford Clinics are a sector of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. It is the United States’ largest nonprofit recovery and treatment provider. There are 16 clinics across the USA in California, Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Texas. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation provides prevention and treatment to young people and adults allowing them to reclaim their lives from addiction.

Each client’s stay at the Betty Ford Clinics is based on their needs. Recovery programs are individualized, meaning there is no one-size fits all approach to treatment. Residential treatment begins with clinical staff performing a medical and psychological evaluation of the client.

What is a day like at Betty Ford Center

The Betty Ford Clinics specialize in the treatment to a wide range of individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. The center welcomes professionals, young adults, and clients dealing with chronic pain. The clinics also offer prevention and education programs to families and children on the harms of drugs and alcohol.

Each client’s stay at the Betty Ford Clinics is based on their needs. Recovery programs are individualized, meaning there is no one-size fits all approach to treatment. Residential treatment begins with clinical staff performing a medical and psychological evaluation of the client. Their diagnosis will include substance addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. A holistic recommendation for clinical care will be made at this time.

The Betty Ford Clinics’ staff is made up of physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed addiction counselors, and marriage and family counselors. In addition, the clinics have nutritionists, wellness and fitness experts, financial advocates, and case managers on staff.

Clients may undergo medically assisted detox which is monitored by medical staff. The length of detox depends on the client’s needs. Treatment includes group and one-to-one therapy, wellness and fitness sessions, educational classes, trauma and grief therapy, family care, and aftercare. The Betty Ford Clinics use evidence-based treatments for drug and alcohol addiction. Treatments include Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and the 12-Step model.

Betty Ford Center Accommodation

After being admitted, clients are allowed to contact their family, but a phone number and times that they can be reached must be given. Clients are provided limited access to the Internet, laptops, and phones during their stay.

Each client’s stay depends on the care they need. The clinic works with clients, families, and insurance providers to design a treatment schedule that is right for the individual. Client treatment plans may include relapse prevention and skills to live sober. Near the end of a client’s stay, they receive an aftercare plan. The plan includes support groups, connection to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and coaching.

The Betty Ford Clinics’ residential program treats women and men. At the Betty Ford Center, clients are separated based on their gender into four large dormitory-style residences. Each residence has a small kitchen, living room with a TV, deck, and patio which overlooks a lake. Each room comes with two full-sized beds, desks and chairs, wardrobes and a full-sized private bath. The large campus is ideal for individuals to reconnect with nature and to enjoy recreational activities outdoors.

Betty Ford Center Privacy

The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California is located on a 20-acre campus surrounded by nature. It is the ideal rehab residence for individuals seeking help to access nature and get away from it all. Clients are separated into gender-specific dorms which offers privacy and the clinics’ staff are of the utmost professionalism.

Betty Ford Center Modality

Clients will receive treatment from an individualized recovery plan. Treatments include Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and the 12-Step model.

Betty Ford Center Setting

The main Betty Ford clinic is the Betty Ford Center located in Rancho Mirage, California. The center is located on a 20-acre campus surrounded by trees. The Betty Ford Center is situated in the desert town of Rancho Mirage, California, giving clients a sense of isolation from the hustle and bustle of life.

Betty Ford Center Cost

Thirty-day treatment at the Betty Ford Center costs $32,000.

One of the world’s best rehabs

The Betty Ford Clinics have been considered the best rehab providers in the world for some time. The clinics are blessed with a sterling reputation and number of A-list celebrities have accessed their services. In addition, being founded by the former First Lady, Betty Ford, has only enhanced the clinics’ reputation as world-class. The Betty Ford Center’s halls provide double-occupancy rooms which are divided based on gender. Rooms have a private balcony with 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. Clients have access to healthy snacks and beverages throughout the day. There are comfy communal spaces and full-sized beds for clients. Clients have the option of two hot meals, deli sandwiches, a salad bar, and soup of the day at lunch and dinner.