How To Get LegitScript Certification for Rehab Centers

If you plan to use Google Ads or pay-per-call advertising to market your rehab center, you must obtain LegitScript Certification. It has become mandatory. Since 2018, Facebook, Microsoft, and Google have made it compulsory for addiction treatment centers to become certified via LegitScript in order to run ads. This became essential after the increase of middlemen and scammers preying on people during the opioid crisis of 2017.

To solve this issue, Google banned rehab-related keywords for user protection - but this was a temporary ban. This affected legit rehab centers badly. To restart the rehab center marketing channel, Google partnered with LegitScript to introduce an authoritative certification process enabling compliant rehabilitation facilities to advertise again and nip out illegitimate operations.

For rehab centers, the process of getting verified can feel like a lot, and without guidance, many get wedged. Legit rehab centers could miss opportunities to connect with people who seek support. We understand how important every call is for your mission and business. 

What is LegitScript Certification?

LegitScript certification is a third-party approval process made to authenticate rehab centers and addiction treatment facilities as compliant with safety standards, legal, transparent, and trustworthy. For alcohol and drug rehab centers, this certificate becomes a digital seal of credibility that confirms that your rehab center meets industry-specific regulatory requirements and operates ethically.

Being certified by LegitScript is important if you plan to run paid ads on platforms like Microsoft, Facebook, and Google. Without it, your rehabilitation facility will be almost invisible in most areas when people look for help.

Why LegitScript is Important in Rehab Center Marketing?

Before the existence of this certification, any rehabilitation facility could advertise using related keywords, including scammers posing as real rehab centers and unlicensed third-party call centers. There was almost no filter to see which ones were legit and which ones were not. This changed in September 2017 when Google took action towards scams in the opioid epidemic, by adjourning all rehab centers and addiction treatment-related ads. In 2018, the advertising was restored, but only for those who had LegitScript certification.

LegitScript was designed to reinstate trust in digital marketing and all kinds of online advertising for sensitive industries like telehealth, CBD, online pharmacies, and addiction treatment centers. This certification allows you to demonstrate your rehab center's probity in the industry where accountability and ethics matter the most.

6 Steps to Get Your Rehab Center LegitScript Certification

This guide will take you through all the steps of getting your rehab center certified by LegitScript. From how to apply and succeed to understanding by this certification is important for, this guide will be your first move towards reaching people who need real help.

Step 1: Requirements to Get LegitScript Certification

Before starting the process of becoming LegitScript certified, it is important to know what is expected from your rehab center. LegitScript provides a list of detailed requirements that cover different reproving areas like operational transparency, data privacy protocols, state licensing, and how your rehab center presents drug-related content and treatment services. These standards ensure that an addiction treatment facility is qualified, and only ethical ones promote their services via platforms like Google Ads.

Step 2: Collect and Organize Required Documents

After knowing all certification standards, the next thing you have to do is create a LegitScript account and collect all the required documents for LegitScript for review. The basic documents are:

• Confidentiality protocols

• Written policies on patient care

• Operational documents

• Copies of your rehab center licenses

• Comprehensive details of treatment plans

• Adhere to MAT Standards, use FDA-approved medications, like naltrexone, buprenorphine, methadone etc. alongside behavioral therapies and counseling

• Updated licenses and qualification documents of clinical and medical staff members

• Evidence/proof of strong cybersecurity measures and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

Submission of these documents will demonstrate your rehab center's compliance and how it works in a professional and organized way. Ensure to create clearly labeled folders for all types of documents to expedite the submission process. Whether it's procedural policies, insurance information, or licenses, having every document sorted priorly will fend off incidental delays. You will also have to complete a questionnaire and answer all required fields.

Download the Fact Sheet and view key requirements and questions for LegitScript Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Certification, or click here to view. This is what the questionnaire from LegitScript will look like; Download here or click to view. 

You have to be meticulous and proactive at this stage, allowing you to reflect positive aspects of your rehab center's compliance and transparency plus, it helps in avoiding last-minute scrambling. An organized application will increase your chances of quick approval.

Additional Tip: Getting your rehab center’s license accredited from reputable organizations like CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) or The Joint Commission can increase your chances of strengthening the application. It is not mandatory.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Having the documents in order and fulfilling all the requirements, it is now time to become official by beginning with the application process. Visit the LegitScript website and find the 'Addiction Treatment Certification' section. You will find the online application form where you will fill in details of your rehab facility, like credentials, operations, and services. The next step will require you to upload all the documents. Double-check everything before clicking on the submit button. Any inconsistent information or incomplete form will result in denial or delays. Take extra time to be certain of everything and correct if you find any errors. Rehab centers have to fit the following criteria:

• Your rehab center should be registered as a corporation or LLC

• Have insurance and submit proof of general liability insurance

• You should be the in-person treatment provider, helpline, or mutual support group

• The domain of your rehab center website must be public and registered

• Website should be transparent and should have the exact location

• The facility should be compliant with the state laws and licensing agreements

Download the Addiction Treatment Certification US Application Checklist to ensure that you meet the standards before applying for LegitScript certification, and you have all the required documents or click here to view.

Step 4: Pay the LegitScript Certification Fees

After uploading all the required documents and submitting the application, you will have to complete the payment. LegitScript fee includes initial application charges with an annual fee that will maintain your rehab center's certification status. The fee is based on different factors, like the size of your rehabilitation facility, which is why you need to review LegitScript pricing plans. Payments are done via a secure online portal, which offers a reliable and quick way to finalize this step of the process.

Note: If your submission is denied, the fee is non-refundable. This is why it is important to ensure that the application is complete and accurate before you make the payment.

LegitScript Certification Pricing for Rehab Centers

Pricing depends on how knotty your rehab center's operations are to monitor and review. Rates are varied by licensing scope. There are three categories:

 

 

Pricing rates are separate for individual practitioners and private facilities. All fees are in USD and apply to both Canada and the U.S.

LegitScript Rehab Center Pricing

 

 

LegitScript Individual Practitioner Pricing

 

 

Step 5: Complete the Assessment

After the payment and application are submitted, LegitScript will start to review the provided documents. LegitScript could ask for more clarification and information, so you must respond accurately and quickly. This is the most crucial phase, and the way you handle it will directly affect your approval. Consider this a thorough assessment and make sure that your rehab center meets LegitScript's standards.

Step 6: Get Approval or Feedback

After the assessment is completed, you will be notified of the results. If you get approval, you will get a badge or a certification to display on your website and get access to various tools, like Google Ads - this will boost visibility and trust. If, unfortunately, your rehab center is denied, you will get detailed feedback explaining the cause. Consider this an insight to reapply and make improvements.

10 Reasons to Get LegitScript Certification for Your Rehab Center

Below are the 10 reasons why LegitScript Certifications matter for your rehab center.

Boost Website Traffic

Certified rehab centers get better visibility and organic traffic via online marketing, connecting facilities with patients via web inquiries and calls.

Build Trust and Credibility

Certifications cue families and clients that your rehab center meets industry standards for legitimacy and safety.

Advertise on Vital Platforms

Only addiction treatment centers that have LegitScript certification can advertise on top ad platforms like Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google, and others.

Stand Out from Competitors

Rehabilitation facilities have crowded the industry, and certification will set your rehab center apart as a compliant and trusted provider.

Enhance Your Reputation

Displaying the LegitScript certificate strengthens your rehab center's increased referral confidence and professional image.

Streamline Regulatory Competitors

The certification process makes sure that your practices align with treatment guidelines, licensing, and privacy.

Prevent Ad Rejections

Without certification, your rehab center's ads could be flagged or blocked, which may disrupt your marketing and advertising efforts.

Boosts Crisis Readiness

LegitScript Certification helps your rehab center to become prepared for public scrutiny and audits while staying compliant at the same time.

Gain Long-Term Value

LegitScript certification for rehab centers turns out to be beneficial in terms of gaining client trust, marketing, and being compliant.

Improve Operational Standards

LegitScript's review process motivates internal improvements in service quality, transparency, and documentation.

Expand Your Patient Outreach with DOPPCALL

LegitScript certification for rehab centers is a powerful step for building credibility and trust. Once your addiction treatment facility becomes certified, it becomes eligible to advertise on dominant platforms, like Facebook and Google. DOPPCALL helps rehabilitation centers fully cash in on this opportunity by connecting certified facilities with patients via phone calls and web inquiries. Our strategies make sure that your rehab center stands first in front of the targeted audience at the right time. 

FAQs

Is LegitScript certification worth it?

Yes. LegitScript certification will unlock access to advertise on platforms like Google Ads and boost your rehab center's credibility. In a competitive market, your rehab center needs to be certified, which helps your facility reach more people and stand out.

How long does it take to get LegitScript certification?

It usually takes 2-4 months. It depends on LegitScript's review queue and your application's completeness.

Who can and cannot get LegitScript certification?

LegitScript gives it certification to telemedicine providers, crisis hotlines, mutual support groups, individual practitioners, and addiction treatment centers. LegitScript does not give certifications to those who provide misleading services, have unlicensed facilities, or those with compliance issues are not eligible.

How to maintain compliance with LegitScript to stay certified?

Update policies as needed, follow all regulatory guidelines, and keep licenses updated. Rehab centers need to respond quickly to LegitScript's periodic requests and reviews.

What happens after your rehab center gets LegitScript certified?

After getting LegitScript for your rehab center, you can run ads on Facebook, Microsoft, Bing, and Google, appear in their certified directory, display the LegitScript Seal, and continue meeting their requirements to stay certified.

What are the alternatives to LegitScript certification?

LegitScript is the most recognized certification for rehab centers, but some alternatives, including directories and industry accreditations, also boost trust and credibility: 1) BBB Accreditation (Better Business Bureau), 2) Psychology Today Directory, and 3) NAATP (National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers).

Who uses LegitScript?

Known platforms like Netflix, LinkedIn, TikTok, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook also use LegitScript to approve and verify healthcare marketing/advertising, including telehealth providers and pharmacies, making sure they meet compliance and safety standards.