Going to Treatment While Employed
How leave usually works, and how we help with the paperwork. General information, not legal advice
- FMLA can protect your job while you're away
- Help with FMLA and leave paperwork
- Morning or evening IOP if you keep working
Admissions will call you to go over your coverage, usually within minutes during admissions hours. If it's urgent, call (720) 807-9847.
Licenses and accreditations
Measured outcomes46% improvement in overall recovery after 4 weeks of treatment, compared with a 37% national average (TRAC9, 2025). See all five outcome measures.
Three ways to take time for treatment
"Will I lose my job?" is one of the most common worries we hear. These are the usual routes. Your HR team can confirm what applies to you.
Up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year for a serious health condition, which can include addiction treatment, if you and your employer qualify. Your health coverage continues while you're away.
Some policies pay part of your income while you're in treatment. Whether yours covers it depends on the policy, so check with HR or your insurer.
Many employers offer medical leave, paid time off or both. HR can tell you what applies, and you only need to share what the request requires.
Help with the paperwork, and the way back
- Help with FMLA paperwork
Admissions can help you start FMLA or leave forms, and our team completes the provider sections once you're admitted.
- Dates of treatment
With your written consent, we can confirm when you started and when you're expected back, nothing more.
- A plan for going back
Before you leave, your team plans your step-down to PHP or IOP so your return to work is gradual.
What your employer can and can't see
Addiction treatment records have some of the strongest privacy protections in federal law. We share information only with your written consent, and only what you agree to.
- That you're on medical leave
- Your leave dates
- What the leave forms require
- Your treatment records
- What you talk about in therapy
- Details of your diagnosis or care
Programs built around a work week
Many people take leave for detox or residential care, then step down to outpatient care as they go back to work.
Weekdays during the day. Usually means time off, but you sleep at home or at Ascent.
IOP · LAKEWOODIntensive outpatientThree to four days a week, with morning or evening groups, so many people keep working.
VIRTUAL IOPFrom homeThe same IOP structure by secure video, for people who can't get to Lakewood.
Referred by your employer or an EAP? Call admissions with your program's details and we'll coordinate with them, with your consent. See our page for professional referrals.
Admissions will call you to go over your coverage, usually within minutes during admissions hours. If it's urgent, call (720) 807-9847.
Insurance we accept
In network with these plans. Admissions confirms your benefits before you come in.
Admissions will call you to go over your coverage, usually within minutes during admissions hours. If it's urgent, call (720) 807-9847.
What clients and families say
I spent 33 days at base camp And was able to detox And learn about my disease and the skills I need to keep moving forward. I am currently In my 2nd month at IOP in Lakewood I love the meetings and the community It has been so helpful and I would recommend it to anybody
I've struggled a few times through the last couple years. Red Rock has been consistent and caring with my recovery. I 100% recommend anyone struggling for the care and focus they provide. Plus the after-program care is top notch
If your loved one is facing addiction, this is the place to be. The entire staff is professional and caring. My son is now in a Red Rocks sober living facility and has been drug and alcohol free for almost three weeks. He is excited about being apart of this program and is embracing his sobriety.
Bre my case worker was amazing in finding me help after treatment . The whole staff was caring and understanding during a hard time . So thankful for all them ! !
This was my first time getting help for my addictions. I learned a lot from group sessions and really appreciated the schedule and staff. I’ve taken a lot of things I’ve learned from base camp with me after. I would 100% recommend Red Rocks to anyone struggling with addiction.
I decided that I couldn’t handle my addiction on my own and contacted Red Rock Recovery Center. They changed my life. From day one, I realized I was in a place where I was genuinely being cared for, by both the staff and the other people in my group. They offer peer support groups and endless sober meetups after you graduate. You’re never left alone. You’re provided with every resource imaginable and are supported for the rest of your life. I’m beyond thankful for RRRC, for their care and for their never ending support. You’re not alone out there. Promise. There is a community out there committed to your wellbeing.
Red Rock has a solid foundation w people who actually care about others at the core of it. I’m extremely grateful to the staff and community of this place and I will always talk highly about the program and most of the therapists. 10/10 would recommend
Absolutely life changing. My kids will never have to live with a drunk mommy and I feel so in control of my own life decisions now that I’m sober. I’m so grateful that I get to live a sober life for and with my children
Questions about work and leave
Can I use FMLA for rehab?
Many people do. FMLA can provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for treatment of a serious health condition, including substance use disorder, if you and your employer qualify. Check eligibility with HR. Admissions can help with the paperwork; see how to start admissions.
Will you help with FMLA paperwork?
Yes. Admissions can help you get started, and once you're admitted our team completes the provider sections of FMLA or leave forms. Tell admissions on your first call that you'll need them. See how to start admissions.
Will my employer find out why I'm out?
Your employer only receives what's needed for the leave paperwork. Details of your treatment stay private under federal law, and we share information only with your written consent. Your health plan doesn't share treatment details with your employer either; see the insurance we accept.
Can I keep working during treatment?
Often, in IOP. It runs three to four days a week with morning or evening groups, and a virtual option is available. Detox, residential and PHP usually need time off. Read about our intensive outpatient program.
Does short-term disability cover rehab?
Some policies do. Coverage depends on your employer's plan or your own policy, so check with HR or your insurer before you start. Admissions can talk through timing with you. Read about cost and payment.
Can I check work email during residential?
Not really. Laptops aren't allowed, and your phone is put away for your first three days and limited after that, so arrange cover at work before you arrive. Read what to expect.
My employer sent me through an EAP. What now?
Call admissions with your employee assistance program (EAP) details. With your consent, we coordinate with your EAP on the referral, your benefits and your return to work. Read our page for professional referrals.
Do you offer evening IOP?
Yes. IOP groups run in the morning or evening, three to four days a week, so you can choose the schedule that fits your job. Virtual IOP is another option. Read about our intensive outpatient program.
