Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are coming to Gateway because of a court order, a referral from work or school, a recommendation from a family member or friend, or you just decided to come in on your own, your first visit is aimed at assessing your needs and working with you to determine whether you have a problem with your use of alcohol, other drugs and/or a co-existing mental health disorder.

We will be gathering information from you that will help us decide what services you need, if any. You may be recommended for services at Gateway. We will assist you in finding services elsewhere that Gateway does not provide. Either way, our goal is to gather the information we need to make an appropriate recommendation and ensure you receive person-centered care.

After your assessment is complete, your information will be reviewed by our treatment team to determine your recommendations.

This process helps us ensure that your recommendations are appropriate for your needs. The counselor you see today may set up a follow-up appointment to explain your recommendations or may be able to provide you information on the first visit.

If you and the counselor agree that you need substance abuse  or co-occurring treatment in an outpatient setting, and you choose Gateway, you may start treatment activities very quickly.

If you have been referred here by another agency or entity (the court, DHS, your attorney, your employer, your school, etc.), you might think that you are not free to refuse services.

Please understand that regardless of the reason you are here, you DO HAVETHE RIGHT to refuse services. Any obligation you have with another entity does not change the voluntary nature of our programs.

Our fees for services are on a sliding scale basis, or you may qualify for programs funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, private insurance or Medicaid. It will be important for you to provide information about income and public assistance in order to receive subsidized treatment services.

We will assist you with payment arrangements so that money is not a barrier to your receiving services.

Please do not let finances prohibit you from seeking an assessment of your needs. We have staff dedicated to work with you to make payment arrangements designed to accommodate your current financial situation.

We will not refuse services to anyone because of the inability to pay.

You and your counselor should make every effort to resolve any problems that arise. If after talking with your counselor you feel that the problem has not been resolved, you will be encouraged to file a formal grievance in writing, which will be submitted to the Director of Clinical Services.

He/she will meet with the counselor and you, as grievant, and attempt to resolve the problem within ten days. If you feel that the problem is still unresolved, you may file your grievance with the Executive Director, Corporate Compliance Officer and then the Board of Directors.

You also have the right to report any problems to Gateway’s funding sources. Gateway will make every effort to resolve issues appropriately and timely.

You have the right to receive the full CLIENT RIGHTS chapter of the Oklahoma Administrative Code, Chapter 15, upon request.

As a Client, you have the right...
¨ to be treated with dignity and respect.
¨ to confidential, prompt, competent treatment services based on an individualized plan.
¨ to receive services in a safe, sanitary, and humane environment.
¨ to receive services in an environment free from physical harm, abuse, and neglect.
¨ to receive services in an environment free from psychological harm, harassment, humiliation, or threats.
¨ to receive services in an environment which provides appropriate privacy.
¨ to receive services in an environment which provides opportunity for personal growth and improved functioning.
¨ to receive services without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, degree of disability, legal status, or ability to pay for services.
¨ to participate in your treatment planning.
¨ to refuse the proposed treatment (except when judged incapacitated by a court of competent jurisdiction or in emergency situations as defined by law).
¨ to invite family members to be involved in the treatment process.
¨ to refuse to participate in any research project or medical experiment.
¨ to request the opinion of an outside consultant at your expense.
¨ to request an internal program consultation at no cost.
¨ to assert grievances with respect to any infringement of these stated rights and to know that asserting grievances will in no way affect the quality of your treatment services.

You are responsible for...
¨ your behavior toward staff and other clients, treating all with the courtesy and respect you have a right to yourself.
¨ being on time to appointments, groups, and education sessions (you must contact your primary counselor within 24 hrs. if you are unable to attend a group or individual session).
¨ paying for your services at the rate you have agreed to pay.
¨ keeping the identity, behavior and statements of other clients confidential, even to members of your own family.
¨ asking questions when there is something you do not understand.
¨ carrying out any outside activities that you agreed to fulfill as part of your treatment plan.
¨ telling your counselor when you are dissatisfied with the services you receive.
¨ working with your counselor and/or group when you feel your needs are no longer being met.