Frequently Asked Questions

“I think I have (or someone I know has) has a drug problem and wants help – how can Samaritan help me?”

Contact the Samaritan Village Admissions Department at 718-657-6195 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.  Ask to schedule a screening interview.

For Ambulatory (out-patient services) call 718-206-1990 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Samaritan’s helpline number is 1-800-532 HELP.

“What types of questions will be asked at the screening interview?”

In order to determine if Samaritan has the services you may need, we ask about your substance abuse history, review your medical status and discuss any legal issues you may have.  All your answers are confidential and are used to determine the level of care you may require.

“How soon can I begin treatment?”

If a determination is made that residential treatment at Samaritan is appropriate for you, you will be given the next available bed.  If Samaritan’s out-patient services are more suited to your needs, you will begin receiving ambulatory services with 24 hours.

“How long will I be in treatment?”

Treatment plans at Samaritan Village are individualized, therefore your date of completion (or graduate status) may be different than someone you entered treatment with on the same day.  The average length of stay is 9 – 12 months in our residential program.  Samaritan’s ambulatory program, depending on individual level of care determinations, can run between 6 – 12 months. 

“If I am in Samaritan’s Residential Program will I be permitted family visits, off premises appointments and appropriate socializing outside the facility?”

Therapeutic passes are arranged throughout residential treatment.  The amount of time you spend out on a pass increases from a few hours to overnight stays depending on your progress in treatment.  Samaritan’s approach to recovery is comprehensive.  We believe that while you are learning and addressing your issues involving substance abuse, educational and vocational concerns, medical and legal issues, it is essential that you apply all that you learn as you “re-enter” the community..

Samaritan’s ambulatory services are designed so that those individuals seeking recovery can maintain their position in the community.  During their time in our ambulatory program, they will learn the tools necessary to establish and maintain their sobriety.

“What is a typical day like?”

Anyone in the midst of addiction loses any type of “structure” to their day.  At Samaritan you will re-learn the benefits of a structured day.  Typically in residential treatment, you will get up at 6:00 A.M. and lights are out at 11:00 P.M.  In between there are specific times for meals, job functions and recreational activities.  

 Samaritan has three ambulatory program models; intensive out-patient – five days a week, 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M., traditional out-patient (for those with employment/family concerns) – 2 to 4 times a week from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. and continuing care (for individuals that have completed residential services or intensive out-patient treatment) one time a week from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

“Once I am done with residential treatment … is that it?”

Samaritan believes that once an individual begins working, is reunited with family and friends and facing the day to day pressures of living life, new issues arise.  Therefore, Samaritan has “continuing care services” that are held on an out-patient basis.  Completion of this phase of treatment is mandatory to earn graduate status.

“What happens when I graduate?”

Regardless of the time during the course of the year that you achieve your graduate status, you will celebrate with your fellow graduates at our annual Graduation Ceremony.  This is a day that you and your family will remember forever.  Many have said that this achievement rivals or surpasses any accomplishments that come after.  Also the Samaritan Alumni offers ongoing support and fellowship.  As a graduate you will always remain a valued member of the Samaritan Family.