What Is the Intake Process for Couples Rehab at Trinity Behavioral Health?

Starting Strong: Why the Intake Process Matters

Entering rehab is a major life decision—one that requires courage, vulnerability, and trust. For couples seeking treatment together, it’s even more significant. Trinity Behavioral Health understands this and has created a structured, supportive intake process that sets the tone for the entire Couples Rehab experience.

The intake process is not just paperwork; it’s a personalized and clinically guided series of steps designed to ensure both partners are safe, committed, and appropriate for joint treatment. Whether you’re a married couple, domestic partners, or in a long-term relationship, this initial phase is about establishing the foundation for healing—individually and together.

Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Pre-Screening

The journey begins with a phone call or online inquiry. During this first interaction, a Trinity admissions specialist gathers basic information to determine if the program may be a good fit. This conversation is confidential, compassionate, and informative.

Topics may include:

• Relationship status and length

• Substance use history for both partners

• Mental health concerns or diagnoses

• Previous treatment attempts (if any)

• Safety concerns (e.g., history of domestic violence)

• Goals for recovery

If the pre-screening suggests potential compatibility, the admissions team schedules a comprehensive intake assessment for each partner.

Step 2: Insurance Verification and Logistics

Before moving forward, Trinity Behavioral Health helps verify insurance benefits and discuss financial arrangements. The team works directly with providers to minimize out-of-pocket costs and ensure coverage for both individuals.

During this stage, the following details are also coordinated:

• Travel planning and accommodations (if needed)

• Admission date selection

• Medical clearance requirements

• Documentation needed (ID, prescriptions, etc.)

Whether you’re local or coming from out of state, Trinity provides logistical support to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Step 3: Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Once both partners arrive on-site or virtually (if doing part of the process remotely), they undergo separate clinical assessments with licensed therapists. These one-on-one evaluations are thorough and confidential, focusing on:

• Medical and psychiatric history

• Substance use patterns and severity

• Trauma and adverse life experiences

• Relationship dynamics and communication styles

• Current emotional and physical health

• Readiness and motivation for change

The goal here is to understand each individual as a whole person, and to assess their unique needs in the context of the relationship.

Step 4: Couples Compatibility Screening

In addition to the individual assessments, Trinity Behavioral Health conducts a couples compatibility screening. This part of the intake process evaluates whether joint treatment is safe, appropriate, and likely to be effective.

The therapist looks for:

• Mutual respect and emotional safety

• Absence of current abuse or coercion

• Communication willingness

• Shared recovery goals

• Ability to participate in couples therapy without triggering or harm

Not every couple is ideal for joint rehab. If necessary, Trinity may recommend separate treatment tracks or additional preparation work before engaging in joint sessions.

Step 5: Development of Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on the assessments, Trinity’s clinical team develops personalized treatment plans for each partner—alongside a shared plan for couples therapy. These plans are holistic and tailored, integrating:

• Detox (if needed)

• Trauma-informed care

• Individual therapy

• Couples counseling

• Group therapy sessions

• Holistic and wellness therapies (yoga, art, mindfulness)

• Medication management (if applicable)

The treatment plans are flexible and reviewed regularly to reflect progress and evolving needs.

Step 6: Orientation and First Day Experience

Once intake is complete, couples begin their first day in the program. Orientation includes:

• Tour of the facility

• Introduction to the care team

• Overview of daily schedules

• House rules and safety protocols

• Time for questions and settling in

Many couples feel a mix of relief and anxiety at this stage. Trinity’s compassionate staff ensure that both partners feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Step 7: Establishing Safety and Relationship Boundaries

During the early sessions, therapists work with the couple to establish emotional and behavioral boundaries that will promote healthy interaction throughout treatment. This includes:

• Conflict management strategies

• Time-outs and de-escalation techniques

• Clear rules about physical affection

• Agreements on how to support each other without enabling

This step helps minimize unnecessary tension and creates a roadmap for navigating challenges as they arise during treatment.

Step 8: Introduction to Core Therapies and Group Integration

After orientation and safety planning, couples are introduced to the therapeutic components of the program. Core sessions begin, including:

• Joint couples therapy sessions

• Individual therapy tailored to personal histories

• Educational workshops on addiction, trauma, and communication

• Peer support groups and community-building activities

Therapists begin working with the couple to implement tools for emotional regulation, active listening, boundary-setting, and long-term relationship repair.

Step 9: Progress Monitoring and Continued Assessments

As couples move through the program, ongoing assessments are conducted to measure progress, adjust treatment plans, and address any emerging needs. These assessments cover:

• Sobriety milestones

• Emotional and behavioral changes

• Relationship improvements

• Therapy engagement

• Any signs of relapse risk or emotional instability

This continuous feedback loop ensures that the couple remains on track and receives exactly the support they need.

Step 10: Aftercare Planning and Long-Term Support

Near the end of the program, Trinity Behavioral Health helps couples create a structured aftercare plan. This includes:

• Referrals to outpatient therapy or IOP

• Continued couples counseling

• Relapse prevention strategies

• Family therapy or parenting support (if applicable)

• Alumni network connections

Couples are also educated on how to manage triggers, maintain healthy relationship dynamics, and continue supporting each other in sobriety once they transition back into daily life.

Conclusion: Intake Is the First Step Toward Real Transformation

The intake process for Couples Rehab at Trinity Behavioral Health is far more than an administrative formality—it’s the first vital step in a life-changing journey. It ensures that each partner receives personalized care, that the relationship is safe for joint healing, and that the path forward is both clear and achievable.

From the first phone call to the first therapy session, Trinity prioritizes clinical excellence, emotional support, and logistical ease. The result is an environment where couples can move from crisis to clarity, from disconnection to deep healing—together.

For any couple ready to rebuild their lives and their relationship, Trinity Behavioral Health’s comprehensive intake process ensures that no one walks this path alone—and that every step forward is grounded in trust, safety, and compassion.

FAQs

1. Do both partners have to go through the intake process separately?

Yes. Each partner undergoes a private, individual assessment to evaluate medical history, trauma, mental health needs, and substance use. This ensures that treatment plans are personalized and clinically appropriate.

2. What if Trinity decides we’re not ready for joint rehab?

If the clinical team determines that joint treatment may be unsafe or counterproductive (due to issues like ongoing abuse or high emotional volatility), they may recommend separate tracks or preparatory work before couples therapy.

3. Is insurance verified before or after intake?

Insurance is typically verified before the clinical intake begins to ensure coverage and avoid financial surprises. Trinity’s admissions team will assist with verification and discuss all available options with you.

4. How long does the full intake process take?

The complete intake process—from initial contact to full program admission—can take anywhere from one day to several days, depending on scheduling, assessments, and logistical factors like travel or detox needs.

5. Will we meet our therapist during intake?

Yes. During the initial intake, you will meet with your assigned therapist or care coordinator who will guide you through the assessment, intake paperwork, and orientation to the program.

Read: Are there holistic options within Trinity Behavioral Health’s couples rehab services?

Read: Does Trinity Behavioral Health offer aftercare following completion of couples rehab?