Now that you’ve decided to begin treatment at Promises Brazos Valley, it’s time to prepare for your stay. Knowing what to bring, what to leave behind and what to expect at the facility can help you feel more comfortable and prepared as treatment begins.
Key Takeaways
- Packing limits and list: Please bring no more than two suitcases. Storage space at the facility is limited, so review the full packing information below before you arrive.
- Phone policy: Personal cell phones, smartwatches and other electronic devices will be securely stored for the duration of treatment. Facility landline phones are available for patient use.
- Smoking policy: Nicotine products may be used only in designated outdoor areas outside of group times. Disposable vapes must be new, sealed and non-rechargeable. Patients may have access to one vape at a time, with additional vapes kept secured.
- Length of stay: Treatment length depends on each patient’s clinical needs and insurance coverage. The average overall stay is approximately 21–28 days. Detox-only stays are available, with detox typically lasting approximately seven days. Longer stays are determined on a case-by-case basis.
What to Bring
Please bring no more than two suitcases due to limited storage. Pack comfortable, practical items that will support you throughout your stay.
Documentation
- Picture ID
- Insurance card
- Prescription or pharmacy benefits card
Financial Items
Avoid bringing large amounts of cash. Prepaid debit cards, such as prepaid Visa or American Express cards, are preferred. It may also be helpful to notify your financial institution that you will be away from home.
Medications and Medical Devices
Your care team will review your medications when you arrive. Bring:
- A complete list of all current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter medications
- Current prescription medications in their original, labeled prescription bottles
- A CPAP machine, if applicable
Medications brought to the facility must remain in their original, labeled prescription bottles and will be secured by the nursing department. The medications taken during treatment will be determined by your physician and may not include everything you were taking before admission.
Clothing
Dress comfortably and pack approximately:
- Seven comfortable shirts, such as T-shirts
- Two sweatshirts, pullovers or sweaters
- Seven pairs of jeans, slacks or shorts
- Seven pairs of yoga pants or sweatpants
- Seven pairs of socks
- Seven to 10 pairs of underwear or undergarments
- Two sets of sleepwear or robes
- One or two pieces of season-appropriate outerwear
- Two pairs of comfortable shoes, including one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of slip-on shoes, sandals or slides
- One pair of shower shoes
Please leave sheer or revealing clothing, expensive jewelry and other valuable items at home.
Washers and dryers are available for patient use, and basic laundry supplies are provided. Contact the facility before admission if you require a specialized detergent.
Personal Care Items
Keep toiletries and cosmetics to one bag when possible. All products should be alcohol-free and arrive unopened or sealed.
Recommended items include:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant
- Body lotion
- Hairbrush or comb
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- Shaving razors
- Hair dryer, if desired
- Sanitary napkins or tampons, if applicable
- Cosmetics and other items used in your regular personal care routine
Items with cords and sharp grooming items, including razors and tweezers, will be kept in locked storage and signed out by staff when needed.
Do not bring glass containers, personal mirrors, mirrored compacts or products that list alcohol among the first five ingredients. Hair dye and hair-cutting tools are also not permitted.
Tobacco Products
Patients who smoke or vape may bring unopened tobacco products. Disposable vapes must be new, sealed and non-rechargeable.
Patients who vape may have access to one vape at a time. Additional vapes will be secured until needed.
Bring enough permitted tobacco or vaping products to cover at least the first 10 days following admission. Limited store runs are available for necessities and tobacco products, but patients should not rely on immediate access to additional products.
Staff cannot purchase tobacco products for patients under age 21.
Other Recommended Items
- A written list of phone numbers for people you may want to call
- Postage stamps, envelopes and mailing addresses
- Photographs of loved ones
Laundry and Linens
Washers and dryers are available for patient use, and basic laundry detergent is provided by the facility. Personal linens and pillows are not permitted. Patients should use the linens and pillows provided by the facility.
What Not to Bring
For safety reasons, do not bring the following items.
Clothing and Footwear
- Clothing or pictures containing references to drugs, alcohol, pornography, political content, discriminatory content or other inappropriate material
- Sheer or revealing clothing
- High-heeled shoes or wedge heels higher than two inches
Staff may require closed-toe, flat shoes for certain activities.
Toiletries and Personal Care Products
- Hair dye or hair-cutting tools
- Nail polish or nail polish remover
- Aerosol products
- Products that list alcohol among the first five ingredients, including alcohol-based mouthwash and hand sanitizer
- Glass bottles or containers
- Personal mirrors
- Mirrored compacts
- Picture frames containing glass
Weapons and Fire Hazards
- Weapons of any kind, including pocketknives
- Candles
- Incense
Tobacco and Related Items
- Refillable or rechargeable vapes
- Vape pods
- Hand-rolled cigarettes
- Cigars
- Cigarette papers
- Refillable lighters
Electronics
Do not bring:
- Computers or laptops
- Kindles or other e-readers
- Music players
- Radios
Personal cell phones, smartwatches and other electronic devices brought to the facility will be securely stored for the duration of treatment.
Food and Beverages
- Outside food or beverages of any kind
- Food sent in care packages, including candy and cookies
Medications
- Prescription medications that are not in their original, labeled prescription bottles
- Over-the-counter medications or substances that are not in sealed manufacturer packaging
Laundry and Bedding
- Laundry detergent, unless specialized arrangements have been made before admission
- Personal linens
- Personal pillows
Other Items
- Specialized workout equipment, including personal weights
Mail, Packages and Belongings
Friends and family may send patients letters, cards and approved care packages. Appropriate care package items may include:
- Coloring books
- Colored pencils
- Self-help books
- Positive messages
- Cards
Do not send food, candy, cookies or other edible items.
Mail and packages should be addressed as follows:
Promises Brazos Valley
C/O Patient Name
3550 Normand Dr.
College Station, TX 77845
Family members and friends may also drop off necessary belongings, such as clothing or unopened permitted tobacco products, during designated times. Contact the facility in advance to confirm when drop-offs are accepted.
A staff member will receive the belongings upon arrival. Belongings drop-off does not include an opportunity to visit the patient.
Phone Use
Personal cell phones, smartwatches and other electronic devices will be securely stored for the duration of treatment.
Facility landline phones are available for patient use.
Personal computers are not permitted. Access to onsite computers may be approved by the clinical team on a case-by-case basis.
The Facility
Promises Brazos Valley is located in College Station, Texas. The facility serves adults in a mixed-gender treatment setting and has a total capacity of 72 patients, including dedicated detox and mental health treatment capacity.
The facility layout is wheelchair accessible and includes semi-private patient rooms, indoor wellness and recreation areas, and spaces for outdoor activity.
Amenities and Activities
Amenities and activities at Promises Brazos Valley include:
- An onsite gym with free weights
- Treadmills
- Elliptical equipment
- Stationary bikes
- A basketball court
- A volleyball court
- Yoga
- Music therapy
- Movement therapy
- Vending machines
- On-site laundry facilities
- Religious services that can be arranged upon request
Available amenities and activities may depend on a patient’s level of care, clinical needs and facility schedule.
Food
Meals at Promises Brazos Valley are prepared by an onsite chef and served according to a set meal schedule.
Meals generally cannot be individually customized based on patient preferences. Dietary restrictions may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Vending machines are also available for patients. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Sleeping Arrangements
Promises Brazos Valley offers semi-private patient rooms with two beds per room.
A Day in the Life
Daily schedules vary depending on each patient’s level of care, treatment plan and clinical needs. Treatment may include individual and group counseling, addiction education, recovery skills development, family education and other structured therapeutic programming.
Patients may also have opportunities to participate in wellness and recreational activities such as exercise, yoga, music therapy and movement therapy.
Types of Therapy
Treatment and recovery programming available at Promises Brazos Valley may include:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Addiction education
- Trauma-informed care
- Family education groups
- Relapse prevention
- Decision-making skills
- Coping skills development
- Mindfulness
- Stress management
- Anger management
- Values clarification
- Codependency education
- Family-of-origin work
- Spirituality awareness
- Support for processing shame
- Music therapy
- Movement therapy
- Yoga
Family and Support Visits
In-person visitation is available on weekends for PHP patients only. Visitors must be at least 18 years old. Patients may also have an opportunity to spend time with family members following family sessions.
Smoking Policy
Promises Brazos Valley permits nicotine use only in designated outdoor areas outside of scheduled group times.
Disposable vapes must be:
- New and sealed
- Non-rechargeable
Patients may have access to one vape at a time. Additional vapes brought to the facility will be kept secured until needed.
Refillable vapes, vape pods, hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars, cigarette papers and refillable lighters are not permitted.
Patients who smoke or vape should bring enough permitted products for at least the first 10 days following admission. Limited store runs are available for necessities and tobacco products.
Because staff cannot purchase tobacco products for patients under age 21, patients ages 18–20 who use permitted tobacco products should plan accordingly before admission.
The Treatment Process
Treatment at Promises Brazos Valley is based on each patient’s clinical needs, progress and insurance coverage.
Available substance use treatment services include:
- Medical detox, including detox-only admissions
- Residential substance use treatment
- Partial hospitalization with boarding
- Virtual intensive outpatient treatment for Texas residents
Medical detox typically lasts approximately seven days. The average overall stay is approximately 21–28 days, although actual treatment length varies according to each patient’s clinical needs and insurance coverage. Longer stays are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Medically Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, combines medication with counseling and behavioral support as part of a comprehensive approach to recovery. For some patients, MAT can help manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings and support continued participation in treatment.
Promises Brazos Valley offers MAT when clinically appropriate. Each patient is evaluated individually, and the treatment team determines whether medication-assisted treatment should be included in the patient’s care plan.
Alumni Program
At Promises Brazos Valley, we have an alumni program that provides our clients with the support and resources they need to continue in their recovery journey. Our alumni programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. It will provide them with a sense of community to help them stay motivated in their recovery.
Our Staff
Promises Brazos Valley’s leadership team includes:
- David Ludlow, Executive Director
- Dr. Dominick D’Aunno, Medical Director
- Anthony Salazar, Director of Nursing
- Melissa Devillier, Clinical Director
Insurance and Your Obligation During Treatment
Many health insurance plans require out-of-pocket costs in order to access your healthcare benefits. These expenses may include Deductibles, Co-Pays, Coinsurance and Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expenses (collectively, the “Patient Responsibility”).
Your individual Patient Responsibility may vary based on a number of factors including:
- Your individual benefits plan
- Length of stay at the facility
- Type of services received during treatment
- Other services offered at the facility, but not covered by your insurance provider (such as lab tests, non-covered prescriptions, etc.)
- Reasonable boarding fees should you decide to stay with the facility for treatment at outpatient levels of care.
A staff member will review your Patient Responsibility with you at the time of admission or as soon as possible once you are medically stable. They will explain that the deductible is due upon admittance to the facility and the co-insurance amount and out-of-pocket balance will be billed and paid for after treatment once services are complete. On-site financial counselors will again review your financial responsibility during treatment with case managers who can help you navigate FMLA.
It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider prior to being admitted at Promises Brazos Valley to understand your individual benefits plan. Please note that your insurance plan may not be a “participating provider” with Promises Brazos Valley. You are responsible for all non-covered and out-of-pocket costs related to your treatment stay.
