Frequently Asked Questions

No, while in our residential treatment and recovery programs, clients are not able to be employed, to seek employment, or to attend school. This is time to focus on overcoming substance use addiction and other life-controlling issues.  The exception is in the latter part of our long-term recovery program where transition planning takes place, and clients are preparing to return to the community. 

No, our campuses are completely tobacco-free. We do provide smoking cessation support and allow eligible clients to use a nicotine patch for a period of time.  For most clients, not being able to smoke is far easier than what they’d expected.

Please see our visiting hours, information and guidelines below:

Visiting Hours, Information, and Guidelines

Daily schedules may vary by site, but typical schedules can be viewed below:

Men’s Licensed Treatment Schedule
Men’s Long-Term Schedule
Women’s Licensed Treatment Schedule
Women’s Long-Term Schedule

No, MnTC is not a lock-down facility.

• Clients need to pay for personal hygiene and personal need items; in addition, clients may go on coffee walks, order in food on weekends, and attend certain events for which they will need money.
• The amount you decide to bring with you is a personal or family decision.
• Some MnTC clients qualify for general assistance from the state of Minnesota and will receive $97 a month from the state while enrolled in the program

Yes, we provide work-out space and state of the art gym equipment at every location.

• If staff members are available, MnTC may provide transports within a 5-mile radius.
• For clients who do not have family support, or if the court requires a MnTC staff member to accompany a client to court, then we will arrange for transportation.

Please see Pass Policy documents below:

Pass Policy for Licensed Treatment
Pass Policy for Long-Term Recovery

• While in the licensed treatment program, your program manager will update the Child Protection Agency of progress, per court order.
• For clients in our Long-Term Recovery program, a staff member can provide verification of client enrollment to a child protection agency, with written request of the client.

Clients in our Long-term Recovery program have access to a legal liaison on a pro-bono basis to address common legal issues. This provides an opportunity to work towards resolving your legal issues while focusing on your sobriety.

Yes, however appointments may only take place on Saturdays and be within 5 miles of the client’s respective building. For more information on appointments, please see our Appointment Policy below:

Appointment Policy

Yes, clients may go to the dentist while in the program. For more information on appointments, please see our Appointment Policy below:

Appointment Policy

No, please arrange for transportation to your Admissions appointment.

Please be aware of our visitor hours and guidelines:

Visiting Hours, Information, and Guidelines

Decisions to allow special passes are made on a case by case basis.

In most cases, yes, assuming there are no legal or other restrictions, clients may attend the birth of children while enrolled in a residential program.

Decisions to accept visitors are made on a case by case basis.  All visitors must be approved in advance by program staff and/or the legal team

No, we do not accept women and children together into residential treatment programs.

No, staff will provide a phone for every client to use during phone time.

This depends on a few factors. Please see the Phone Call Policy below:

Phone Call Policy

No, clients do not have access to a computer unless you are a teen enrolled and in school at Lakeside Academy.

Yes, clients have access to pianos.

Yes, everyone in the Long-Term program is required to participate in the choir activities.

Yes, clients may have overnights with spouses at specific times in the program.