Frequently asked questions

The questions families ask before they admit someone.

Below are the questions that come up most often during admissions conversations — answered honestly, including the ones where the answer is “we don’t know” or “it depends”. If your question isn’t here, call us.

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01 — Cost & insurance

How much it costs, and what's covered

Full pricing depends on the programme length and the level of medical care required. For most clients, the 90-day residential programme is the recommended minimum. The published rate covers accommodation, medical detox, all therapy, family programme, medication management, and aftercare planning. See the Admissions page for the live rate card, or call us for a quote specific to your situation.

Yes. Primrose is an accredited Social Health Authority provider. SHA cover applies to eligible admissions, subject to the standard SHA approval process. We will guide you through the paperwork during the admissions conversation. Bring your SHA card or member number to your first call.

Yes. We are panelled with most major private insurance providers in Kenya. Coverage and limits vary by policy. We submit pre-authorisation requests on the client’s behalf and will let you know what is covered before admission so there are no surprises.

Yes. We support a small number of pro-bono placements every year for clients who cannot afford treatment and have no insurance route. Over 50 placements have been supported since the programme was formalised. Call us to discuss whether your situation qualifies — there is no online application, the conversation needs to be in person or by phone.

02 — Admissions process

From first call to admission day

In most cases, within 24 hours of the first call. For urgent situations — after a medical emergency or a relapse — same-day admission is usually possible. The faster the admission, the more you’ll need to bring directly without preparation, but our team will guide you through what’s essential.

Yes. We offer in-person tours of the centre for families considering admission. Tours are by appointment so we can give you the attention you need and so you can meet members of the clinical team. Call us to arrange a time.

A list will be provided during the admissions conversation, but in summary: a small bag of personal clothing, toiletries, any current prescription medication in its original packaging, identification documents, insurance/SHA card if applicable, and any documents the clinical team has requested. Electronics and most personal items are restricted during early treatment — this is normal and clinically intentional.

Involuntary admission is possible in specific circumstances under Kenyan law — typically when the client poses a clear and immediate risk to themselves or others, and where a medical professional supports the decision. We treat these admissions carefully and always work toward the client consenting to continued treatment as soon as clinically possible. Call us to discuss the specifics of your situation.

03 — The 90-day programme

How treatment is structured

Days 1 to 14 are medical stabilisation and detox under nursing supervision. Days 15 to 60 are the core therapeutic phase — individual therapy, group therapy, trauma processing, psychiatric review if needed, and structured family work. Days 61 to 90 are integration and relapse prevention, including aftercare planning with the household the client is returning to. See the Treatment page for a phase-by-phase breakdown.

Clinical research shows that 90 days is the minimum length of stay associated with measurable improvement in long-term outcomes for substance use disorders. Programmes shorter than 30 days largely do not change long-term outcomes. Be cautious of any rehab quoting strong outcomes on a 28-day stay.

Alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder (covering cannabis, heroin, cocaine, prescription medication, methamphetamine, and other substances), depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and dual diagnosis (co-occurring addiction and psychiatric conditions). See the Treatment pages for condition-specific detail.

04 — Visiting & family

What family involvement looks like

Yes, on scheduled visiting days. Visits are an important part of the family programme. Some restrictions apply during the early days of detox and stabilisation — the clinical team will explain the visiting schedule on admission and update it as treatment progresses.

Voluntary clients can leave at any time, but we strongly discourage early departure. Most early-leaving requests are a symptom of the emotional turbulence of early recovery, not a genuine wish to stop treatment. The clinical team will work to address what’s driving the request, and the family is involved in any conversation about early departure.

Yes, with consent on both sides. We can introduce you to a former client or family member who is willing to speak about their experience. We do not offer this introduction publicly because we treat former clients’ privacy as paramount, but during a serious admissions conversation we can sometimes arrange it.

05 — Outcomes & what happens after

Success rates and aftercare

Honestly stated: addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition, and no rehab in the world has a 100% success rate. What we can measure: clients who complete the full 90 days, engage their family in treatment, and follow the aftercare plan have significantly better long-term outcomes than those who do not. We are transparent about this — be cautious of any rehab that quotes a high success rate without explaining how they measured it.

Aftercare. We structure follow-up support for the first year after discharge — including check-in calls, family sessions where helpful, and a clear protocol if a relapse risk emerges. The 90 days at the centre are the start of recovery, not the end. Aftercare is included in the programme cost.

06 — Confidentiality & legal

What gets recorded and who sees it

Yes. All admissions enquiries are confidential. Clinical information shared during treatment is protected by patient confidentiality. We share information with family members only with the client’s consent, except in safety-critical situations where there is a genuine risk to the client or to others.

Treatment records are protected medical records. They do not automatically appear on background checks, employment screens, or public registers. Records are shared with third parties only with the client’s consent or where mandated by law.

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