Frequently
Asked Questions
We understand that choosing residential addiction or mental health treatment abroad is a major decision, and it comes with a lot of questions. Below you will find answers to the most common ones. If there is something we have not covered, our admissions team is available to help.
Treatment
What conditions does Viva Rehab treat?
Viva treats both addiction and mental health conditions. This includes alcohol and drug addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, burnout, and other mood disorders. Many clients present with co-occurring conditions, meaning both an addiction and a mental health issue. These are treated together within the same program, not separately.
What does a typical treatment program involve?
Your program is personalized based on a comprehensive assessment. Treatment typically includes on-site detox if needed, individual therapy, group therapy, and wellness activities such as yoga, breathwork, and fitness. Evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, and EMDR are used throughout.
How long is treatment?
A minimum stay of four weeks is recommended. In that time, your primary therapist will focus on stabilizing you and equipping you with practical skills to manage your condition in everyday life. For clients with more complex or long-standing issues, an 8 to 12 week program allows deeper work on the underlying patterns driving your condition, which leads to more lasting results. Clients who complete 12 weeks or more are eligible for Viva’s Step-Down Program, a supported bridge back to daily life. All clients receive free lifetime aftercare through twice-weekly online group sessions from the day they leave.
Is Viva a 12-step program?
No. Viva uses an evidence-based, non-12-step treatment framework. Your program is built around your individual recovery goals, personalized from your first assessment and adjusted as you progress. H&I meetings are available for clients who find 12-step support helpful, but they are not the basis of treatment.
Do you treat both addiction and mental health?
Yes. Viva treats addiction and mental health as two distinct programs. Both run within the same facility. If you are dealing with both an addiction and a mental health condition, your treatment plan is designed to address them together, because treating one without the other rarely leads to lasting results.
Are the clinical therapists and medical staff Western-trained and accredited?
Yes. Every clinician at Viva holds a minimum of a Master’s degree from institutions in the UK, US, or Australia, with specializations including trauma-informed care, EMDR, addiction therapy, and DBT. The medical team includes psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and registered nurses. Viva is part of The Dawn Group, which holds CARF International accreditation, meaning your treatment meets the same standards as leading rehabs in the West.
Do you offer detox?
Yes. For clients who need it, Viva provides medically supervised detox on-site with 24/7 nursing support. Your assessment is completed on arrival and a personalized tapering plan is put in place to ensure withdrawal is managed safely and comfortably, so you can transition into therapy as smoothly as possible.
Can I still go to rehab in Thailand even after multiple relapses?
Yes. Relapse is a common part of recovery, not a sign of failure. For many people, returning to treatment is exactly what leads to a lasting breakthrough. What often changes the outcome is the environment. Traveling to Thailand removes you from the familiar people, places, and routines connected to previous relapses, giving you a genuine fresh start. A different setting, a different approach, and the time to go deeper into what has been driving the cycle.
Admission & Costs
How do I get started?
Contact our admissions team by phone, email, or the online form. We will listen to your situation, answer any questions you have, and guide you through the next steps.
How quickly can I be admitted?
In over 50% of cases, clients arrive at Viva Rehab within 14 days of their initial contact, and many begin treatment within just seven days. Whether you are reaching out for yourself or on behalf of someone you care about, we will work around your timeline to get you the help you need as quickly as possible.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact us directly. If you have medical records or a referral from a healthcare provider, sharing them helps us plan your treatment more effectively, but it is not required.
Do you accept health insurance?
Yes, we work with leading international healthcare providers. Contact our admissions team with your insurance details and we can help you determine your coverage before admission.
What is included in the program fee?
All psychotherapy, group therapy, wellness activities, weekly excursions, accommodation, and meals are included. TMS therapy and certain specialist medications are available at additional cost. Your admissions manager will provide a full breakdown.
Is there a refund policy?
If a client chooses to leave within the first 3 days of treatment, a refund is provided based on the remaining unused portion of the program fee. No refund is processed after 3 days. A non-refundable administration fee of USD $2,000 applies in all circumstances.
Travel, Accommodation & Daily Life
Where is Viva Rehab located?
Viva Rehab is located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, along the riverbank. Chiang Mai is a well-connected city with an international airport receiving flights from major Asian hubs. Clients from the UK, US, Australia, and the Middle East typically connect through Bangkok.
Do you arrange airport pickup?
Yes. A member of our Client Support Team meets you at Chiang Mai International Airport and drives you directly to Viva. Your admissions manager will confirm the details in advance.
What is the accommodation like?
Clients stay in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Our center includes a swimming pool, modern fitness facilities, a wellness studio, outdoor spaces, and communal areas. Three buffet-style meals are provided daily, with dietary options available on request.
Can I use my phone during treatment?
Yes. Phone use is not restricted at Viva, so you can stay in touch with family and friends at your convenience. However, your therapist may discuss healthy boundaries around screen time as part of your treatment plan.
Can I continue working while in treatment?
Viva’s program is structured around a full daily schedule of therapy, group sessions, and wellness activities. While phone and internet access are available, we encourage clients to step away from work commitments to focus fully on their recovery. That said, we understand some clients need to stay connected to their work, and your therapist can help you find a balance that does not interfere with your progress.
How do I legally bring my prescription medications into Thailand?
Thailand has strict regulations on importing medications. Some require advance permits, others need a medical certificate from your prescribing physician, and certain substances are prohibited entirely. Rules can change, so we recommend checking the Thai Food and Drug Administration website (www.fda.moph.go.th) for the latest requirements before you travel. Our admissions team can also guide you through this process before you travel.
What is a typical day like?
A typical weekday includes morning wellness activities, group therapy, individual therapy sessions, and afternoon holistic or fitness activities. Evenings include personal time. Weekends include excursions. A detailed timetable is available on our Treatment Framework page.
Do you accommodate dietary or cultural requirements?
Yes. Halal food and prayer accommodations are available. We also cater to vegetarian and other dietary requirements. Let your admissions manager know in advance.
For Family & Friends
Can a family member contact you on my behalf?
Yes. We regularly work with family members who are reaching out for someone they care about. All conversations are handled with discretion.
Can family visit during treatment?
Family involvement is coordinated through your therapist and depends on where you are in treatment. In some cases, family sessions can be arranged. Speak with your admissions manager for details.
Will I be kept updated on my loved one's progress?
With the client’s consent, our clinical team can provide updates to designated family members. The level of detail shared is agreed upon with the client as part of their treatment plan.
Confidentiality & Privacy
Is the admission process confidential?
Completely. From your first inquiry through to treatment, strict confidentiality protocols are in place at every stage.
Will my employer or anyone else be informed?
No. We do not contact employers, colleagues, or anyone else without your explicit written consent. Many of our clients are professionals who require complete discretion, and our processes are designed with this in mind.
Is Viva Rehab listed as a medical facility on my records?
We take every precaution to protect your privacy. If you have specific concerns about how treatment might appear on insurance or financial records, discuss this with your admissions manager before confirming your booking.
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