Private Admissions
Private admissions at Abbington House begin with a confidential phone call. Whether you are calling for yourself or someone close to you, our admissions team will listen to what has been happening and talk through what the next step could look like.
A First Conversation, Not a Commitment
Many people contact Abbington House before they feel certain about treatment. Some are calling because things have reached a crisis point. Others are trying to understand whether private treatment may be the right next step.
The first call is not about pressure or making a decision on the spot. It is a chance to explain what has been happening, ask questions, and understand what admission to Abbington House could involve.
Our admissions team can talk through immediate concerns, previous attempts at support, whether detox may need to be considered, and what would happen if treatment felt appropriate.
Michael Garnham - Director of Admissions
In recovery for over twenty five years.
I know how much it takes to make that first call, because I had to make it myself. It can feel daunting, for the person struggling and often for the people around them too. My team's role is to make the part that follows feel clearer: to listen, answer questions, and help people understand what happens next.
Admissions in four steps
The admissions process is there to make things clearer, not more difficult.
You do not need a referral, and you do not need to have everything worked out before calling. If treatment at Abbington House may be appropriate, our team will explain the next steps clearly.
Step 1 - First conversation
A phone call with a member of the admissions team. We talk through what has been happening, what support has already been tried, and any immediate concerns around health, withdrawal, work or family.
It is also a chance to ask questions and understand whether treatment at Abbington House feels suitable.
Step 2 – Confidential assessment
If residential treatment feels appropriate, we arrange a confidential assessment. This helps us understand your situation in more detail: substance use, physical and mental health, whether detox may be needed, and any additional support needs.
Step 3 – Paying for Treatment
Private treatment at Abbington House is paid for directly. We understand that cost is one of the biggest questions for people and families when they are considering residential treatment.
After assessment, if you choose to continue with treatment, we will explain the fee clearly and take a deposit to secure your place at Abbington House.
Shortly before arrival, the remaining payment is taken. We will make sure you understand what is included, when payment is needed, and what has been agreed before admission goes ahead.
Treatment is charged as a fixed fee, which includes medical detox if this is required.
Step 4 – Planning arrival
Once treatment is agreed, we set an admission date and talk through practical arrangements.
Where detox is needed, it is planned in advance, so by the time you arrive you know what to expect.
We can also talk through what to bring, medication, travel, family involvement and anything that may make arrival feel easier.
If you are calling for someone else
If you are calling for someone else
Many admissions conversations begin with a partner, parent, sibling or close friend.
If someone you care about is open to support, we can help talk through what the next steps look like. If they are unsure, we can still help you think through what is realistic and what options are available.
Your privacy
The admissions process is confidential throughout. Your details are not shared without your consent unless there is a serious safety concern. With your permission, we can speak to a GP, prescriber or employer to support planning. You are told what information is needed and why.If you need adjustments
If you live with ADHD, autism, or anything else that affects how you experience a new environment, the admissions process can be adapted. That might mean a written summary of what to expect rather than a long call, a quieter arrival time, having someone with you for the conversation, or taking the first days at a gentler pace. We will ask what would help during the assessment, so it can be planned before you arrive.Admissions from Across the UK
People come to Abbington House from Hertfordshire, London and across the UK.
Before admission, our team can talk through travel, arrival time, what to bring, medication, family involvement and any immediate concerns, so the first day feels as clear and calm as possible.
Some people find it helpful to come into treatment away from home, while others are unsure whether travelling for rehab is the right decision. We cover this in more detail on our page about whether to travel for rehab.
When you are ready, give us a call. A member of the admissions team will talk through your situation and what admission would involve.
You do not need to have the right words ready. You can start with what has been happening, and we will help you take the next step from there.