Admissions FAQ's: Traveling To Colorado for Treatment
Clients often travel from other states to experience Chroma Wellness Center’s trauma-focused, LGBTQIA+-specific mental health treatment.
Our dual diagnosis programs include structured support through our Denver partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) for those grappling with mental health, trauma, or substance use challenges.
Whether you’re gathering information for yourself or a loved one, leaving home for treatment is a big step. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often, from booking travel to heading home.
Is Traveling for Treatment the Right Choice?
Leaving home for treatment often makes the most sense when distance itself supports healing. Many people who travel to Chroma are in one or more of these situations:
- The treatment programs near them aren’t LGBTQIA+-affirming, or they’ve had experiences in treatment where they felt misunderstood or unsafe
- Their home environment adds stress, conflict, or easy access to substances
- They need full-day structure and consistent support, but not hospitalization
Getting some space from everyday life can make it easier to focus on healing without having to explain yourself or brace for how you’ll be treated.
Coming to Denver From Out of State
Most out-of-state clients pair our extended care options, like PHP, with Chroma Living, our LGBTQIA+-affirming transitional housing. Treatment takes place during the day, and while we’re not a residential facility and do not offer detox, we do have staff on-site 24/7. Because of this, we are able to offer a higher level of outpatient support than traditional outpatient centers.
Our admissions team can help you figure out what level of care makes the most sense for your unique situation.
We’ve welcomed clients from across the country, including, but not limited to, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Traveling for Treatment
These are the questions out-of-state clients and their loved ones ask us most frequently. If yours isn’t here, our admissions team is happy to answer it directly.
What does the admissions process look like?
You’ll start with a call to our admissions team, followed by a clinical screening via phone and insurance verification. Once everything is set and approved, we’ll confirm your arrival date, preferred airport, and housing arrangements before you book anything.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Chroma works with most major insurance plans, including many from outside Colorado. Our team handles verification for you and explains exactly what out-of-pocket costs to expect before you begin.
Can someone pick me up from the airport?
Yes. If you’re flying into Denver, our admissions and housing team will confirm your preferred airport and arrange pickup and drop-off ahead of time. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest major airport to Chroma Wellness.
What should I pack for treatment?
Plan for comfortable clothing, current medications in their original containers, and your ID and insurance card. Our team will share more detailed packing guidance before you begin your travel.
What Happens on Arrival Day?
Arrival day is meant to help you settle in. You’ll complete housing paperwork, tour the house, and have time to unpack, and, whenever possible, staff will take new residents grocery shopping that same day.
How Will I Get to Treatment?
Chroma provides transportation to treatment and other appointments, and takes clients on grocery trips every Sunday.
Can I Leave the House on My Own?
Once you’re approved for independent passes, yes. You’ll arrange your own transportation for those outings, with a nearby bus route and rideshare as options.
What Does a Typical Week Look Like?
PHP runs about six hours a day, Monday through Friday (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). IOP is three hours a day, usually five days a week to start, then stepping down to three. Both include individual therapy, case management, and psychiatric care under a board-certified psychiatrist.
How Is PHP Different From Residential Treatment?
PHP paired with our supportive housing means you’re supported around the clock, with full days of treatment on weekdays and staff on-site at the house 24/7. Your clinical care happens during program hours, and housing staff are there for everything in between.
Will Family Be Updated on Treatment Progress?
We understand that having a loved one far away for treatment can bring up anxiety. With a signed release of information (ROI), our housing team is happy to communicate with family, chosen family, and other identified supports. The clinical team can also provide check-ins and explore family or chosen-family sessions when desired and appropriate.
How Long Do People Usually Stay?
Treatment length depends on your needs and progress, so it looks different for everyone. Many people start in PHP and step down to IOP as they make progress. Your treatment team will work with you to determine the right timing for your situation.
What Happens When I Go Home?
If you’re planning to head home after treatment, we’ll help you get ready. During IOP, your case manager works with you to set up therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management closer to home, so you leave Denver with real support in place.
Start Where You Are
You don’t have to wait for a crisis. If mental health symptoms, trauma, or substances have started to interfere with your life, we’re here to help. Many of our clients come to us unsure, but leave feeling more grounded, clear, and connected.
Healing is possible, and you deserve care that sees the full picture of who you are.