Addiction Treatment in Connecticut - Admissions Process
We work with most insurance including Cigna, Aetna, and United.
In network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
High Watch is an addiction treatment center that offers residents a special place to recover. Our accommodations are closer to a comfortable bed and breakfast than a medical institution. From the home-cooked meals to the beautiful rooms, our relaxing environment offers hope and solace. Our residents often remark about our environment's natural beauty, tranquility, and spiritual energy. It gives them peace of mind and the ability to believe in something greater than themselves.
Read on for more information about our admissions criteria and guidelines for what to bring when you arrive at High Watch Recovery Center. You can call us any time at 860-927-3772 with any questions.
We can discuss your specific insurance.
What Are the Admission Requirements?
Our residents must be 18 or older. Registration for admission typically begins over the phone. You can start the admission process by calling 860-927-3772.
How Often Do You Admit?
We admit 365 days.
What Should I Expect Upon Admission?
Upon admission, our medical staff meets with the incoming resident to identify any medical issues of an emergency nature that need attention. All residents receive a complete physical and psychiatric evaluation for potential disorders. This includes a review of family, interpersonal dynamics, and current environmental stressors. Then, an individualized treatment team is created for them. It will address the neurobiology of the addiction along with any co-occurring disorders. They offer individual bi-weekly counseling to help provide them with the tools and foundation to live sober after leaving High Watch.
What Should I Bring With Me?
To participate in our programs, residents agree to abide by our simple rules; we’ve outlined most in our What to Bring guidelines.
How Admissions Works at High Watch
Getting into High Watch is straightforward. Most guests begin with a phone call, and our admissions team handles the rest — including insurance verification, assessment coordination, and arrival planning. We admit every day of the year with no waiting list for qualified guests.
Step-by-Step Admissions Process
- Call our admissions team — available every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.
- Pre-admission assessment — our clinical staff gathers a brief history of your substance use, medical background, and current situation to confirm the right level of care.
- Insurance verification — our team works directly with your insurer to confirm coverage and explain your benefits. We are in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and also accept Cigna, Aetna, and United.
- Admission date confirmed — once insurance is verified, we confirm your arrival date and walk you through what to bring.
- Arrival and intake — upon arrival, our medical staff conducts a complete physical and psychiatric evaluation to identify any immediate medical needs and co-occurring conditions. Your individualized treatment team is then assigned.
Admission Requirements
Guests must meet the following criteria to be admitted to High Watch:
- Age 18 or older
- Seeking treatment for alcohol or substance use disorder
- Medically stable or appropriate for our medically supervised detox program
- Willing to engage in the 12-step model of recovery integrated with clinical care
Registration for admission typically begins over the phone. Call our admissions team to discuss your specific situation.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Your first hours at High Watch are focused on making you comfortable and building your care plan. Our medical staff meets with every incoming guest to identify any medical needs requiring immediate attention. All guests receive a complete physical and psychiatric evaluation, including a review of family history, interpersonal dynamics, and current environmental stressors.
From that assessment, an individualized treatment team is created specifically for you. Your team addresses both the neurobiology of your addiction and any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Individual bi-weekly counseling begins early in your stay to build the foundation for sustainable recovery after you leave High Watch.
Still have questions? Call us — our admissions team is available every day.
Insurance & Payment
High Watch is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and also accepts Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare. Our admissions team will verify your benefits before you arrive and explain exactly what your policy covers, including any out-of-pocket costs.
For guests without insurance or with limited coverage, our team can discuss self-pay options and available resources. We believe financial barriers should not stand between someone and the care they need.
Programs Available Through Admissions
High Watch offers a full continuum of care. Your admissions evaluation will determine the most appropriate starting point for your recovery journey.
- Medical Detox — medically supervised withdrawal management on our Kent, CT campus
- Residential Inpatient Treatment — our core 12-step integrated program in a structured, live-in environment
- The Hilltop — Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — structured daily clinical programming with evening independence
- Hope House — Sober Living Continuum — supported community living as a bridge to independence
- Online Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — flexible outpatient care accessible across Connecticut
- Equine Assisted Learning Program — experiential therapy with horses integrated into treatment
- Healthcare Professional Program — specialized care for medical and healthcare workers
Why Choose High Watch for Addiction Treatment
The World's First 12-Step Treatment Center
Founded in 1939 with direct ties to AA co-founder Bill Wilson, High Watch is the oldest 12-step treatment center in the world. Our model integrates the time-tested spiritual foundation of the 12 Steps with the latest advances in addiction medicine — including treatment of the neurobiology of addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Nestled in 300 Wooded Acres in Kent, CT
Our campus in the Litchfield Hills offers a private, residential experience far removed from the stressors of daily life. Guests frequently describe the natural beauty, tranquility, and spiritual energy of the setting as central to their recovery. Take a virtual tour to see the campus for yourself.
Individualized Treatment Teams
Every guest receives a dedicated treatment team assembled specifically for their needs. From detox through discharge, your team addresses both addiction and any co-occurring conditions — with an individualized plan that evolves as you progress.
Accredited, Trusted, Nonprofit
High Watch is accredited by The Joint Commission, a member of NAATP, LegitScript certified, and verified by SAMHSA. As a nonprofit, our mission is recovery — not profit.
Comfortable, Home-Like Setting
Our accommodations are closer to a bed and breakfast than a medical institution. Home-cooked meals, comfortable rooms, and a calm environment give guests the peace of mind to focus entirely on their recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions — Admissions
How do I start the admissions process at High Watch? Call our admissions team. Registration begins over the phone — our team will guide you through insurance verification, clinical assessment, and arrival planning. We admit 365 days a year.
What insurance does High Watch accept? High Watch is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and also accepts Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare. Call admissions to verify your specific coverage, or review our insurance page for more information.
What are the admission requirements? Guests must be 18 or older and seeking treatment for alcohol or substance use disorder. Our admissions team will conduct a brief clinical assessment to confirm the appropriate level of care.
Do you admit every day of the year? Yes. High Watch admits guests 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.
What happens during intake upon arrival? Our medical staff conducts a complete physical and psychiatric evaluation with every incoming guest. This includes a review of family history, interpersonal dynamics, and current stressors. Your individualized treatment team is then assigned.
How long is treatment at High Watch? Length of stay varies based on your individual clinical needs and level of care. Your treatment team will discuss continuum of care recommendations throughout your stay.
What should I bring to High Watch? Our admissions team will walk you through everything. You can also review the full list on our What to Bring page.
Does High Watch treat co-occurring mental health conditions? Yes. Every guest receives a psychiatric evaluation upon admission. Our treatment teams address co-occurring disorders — anxiety, depression, trauma, and others — alongside substance use, with bi-weekly individual counseling throughout your stay.
Ready to start? Call us today — we admit 365 days a year.
