Verifying a facility isn't about being suspicious for its own sake — it's a short, specific set of steps that any legitimate program will support you through. If a facility resists these steps, that reaction tells you more than anything on their website.
Request the accreditation certificate directly
Not a logo — the actual certificate, with the accrediting body named and a date. Cross-check the body's name against ones you can independently verify, like JCI or CARF.
Ask to speak with a clinician, not just admissions
A legitimate program will connect you with an actual clinical staff member — a nurse, counselor, or physician — who can answer specific treatment questions, not just pricing and logistics.
Get the emergency protocol in writing
Ask specifically: what happens if there's a medical emergency? What's the nearest hospital, and is there a transfer agreement in place? A written answer is a different thing than a verbal reassurance.
Confirm medical detox coverage specifically
Ask whether medically supervised detox is on-site, with 24-hour coverage, and whether it's included in the quoted price or billed separately.
Request an itemized price breakdown in writing
Room type, therapy sessions, family program, aftercare — get it all itemized before you pay anything. Verbal quotes are easy to walk back later; written ones aren't.
Check the facility's standing with its national health authority
Beyond international accreditation, most countries have a domestic licensing body for healthcare or addiction-treatment facilities specifically — ask which one applies and whether the facility is currently in good standing.
Ask for a way to verify outcomes or reviews independently
Testimonials on a facility's own website can't be verified. Ask if they can connect you with a former client, or point you to independent reviews on a third-party platform.
What legitimate programs do differently
- They provide documentation proactively, before you have to ask twice.
- They connect you with clinical staff, not just sales or admissions coordinators, without pushback.
- They're comfortable with you taking time to verify their claims independently — they don't pressure you to book before you've done so.
- Their pricing is itemized and consistent across conversations with different staff members.
Want help verifying a specific program in Colombia?
Message us the facility name and we'll help you understand what to confirm before you commit.