Trust · Policy
Non-Discrimination Policy
Healing Sands provides equal access to care without discrimination based on race, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
This commitment applies from admission through treatment and discharge planning at our Palm Springs facility, including access to medication-assisted treatment.
- EQUAL ACCESS
The same standard of care for every client.
Every person who reaches out to Healing Sands deserves the same standard of care. This commitment applies from the first admissions conversation through treatment and discharge planning.
Our non-discrimination policy shapes admission decisions, treatment planning, and how clients are treated throughout their care.
01
Background does not determine access to care.
Healing Sands does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, or ancestry.
These protections apply across the services we provide, including detox, residential treatment, and step-down care.
02
Identity does not change the standard of treatment.
Healing Sands does not discriminate based on religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, or gender expression.
Sexual orientation, marital status, and age are also protected under this policy.
03
Clinical needs are considered without discrimination.
Disability, medical condition, and veteran status are protected.
Clients with disabilities may also request reasonable accommodations so they can participate meaningfully in treatment.
04
How treatment is paid for doesn't determine care quality.
Source of payment is covered by this policy. Once admitted, a client's insurance type or payment method does not change the clinical standard of care they receive.
This policy also covers other statuses protected under applicable federal and California law.
ADMISSION & TREATMENT
Clinical need determines the level of care.
Admission decisions are based on whether a person's needs match what Healing Sands can safely and appropriately provide.
Factors such as withdrawal risk, substance use history, and co-occurring mental health needs guide clinical decisions not a person's identity or other protected characteristics.
Clinical Appropriateness
Admission starts with clinical fit.
Applicants are evaluated based on their treatment needs and whether Healing Sands can safely provide the appropriate level of care.
Withdrawal risk and co-occurring mental health concerns are considered as part of this assessment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT alone isn't a reason for denial.
A client receiving medication-assisted treatment is not denied admission solely for that reason.
Clients on MAT are evaluated for clinical fit like other applicants, provided their medication and treatment needs can be safely supported within the program.
Insurance & Payment
Coverage doesn't change the clinical standard.
Insurance type or payment method does not determine the quality of treatment a client receives after admission.
Billing and insurance considerations are handled separately from clinical treatment decisions.
Immigration & Citizenship
Immigration status isn't a barrier to care.
Immigration or citizenship status does not determine admission or treatment.
Clients are evaluated according to their clinical needs and whether the program can safely provide appropriate care.
ACCESSIBILITY
Care should be understandable and accessible.
Clients may have accessibility or communication needs that affect how they participate in treatment.
Healing Sands works with clients during intake to identify reasonable accommodation and language-access needs so those concerns can be addressed as part of care planning.
Reasonable accommodations can be requested.
Clients with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations during treatment in accordance with applicable law.
Needs may involve physical accessibility or adjustments to how information is communicated.
Specific accommodation needs can be discussed during intake so the team can understand what support may be required before treatment begins.
Treatment information should be understood.
Clients who are more comfortable communicating in a language other than English can ask about language assistance during intake and treatment.
The goal is to help clients understand important clinical information, consent materials, and treatment planning.
CONCERNS & SUPPORT
Questions or concerns about equal access.
A client, family member, or staff member who believes this policy has been violated can raise the concern directly with Healing Sands facility leadership.
Good-faith concerns about discrimination can be raised without retaliation.
Concerns can be raised during treatment.
If you believe discrimination has occurred, you can raise the concern with facility leadership.
You do not need to wait until treatment or discharge to speak up. Concerns can be raised while care is ongoing so they can be reviewed by someone in a position to respond.
Retaliation against someone for raising a good-faith discrimination concern is prohibited.
Ask before treatment begins if something is unclear.
If you have questions about how this policy applies to you or someone you care about, contact Healing Sands before treatment begins.
Our Palm Springs team can explain how these protections apply to admission, treatment, accessibility, medication-assisted treatment, and other aspects of care.
- POLICY FAQ
Common questions about equal access to care.
Does having Medicaid or limited insurance affect the level of care someone receives?
No. Once admitted, the clinical standard of care does not change based on how treatment is paid for.
Billing and insurance matters are handled separately from clinical decisions, and source of payment is covered by this policy.
Can someone be denied admission for being on Suboxone or another MAT medication?
Not solely for that reason.
Clients receiving medication-assisted treatment are evaluated based on clinical fit like other applicants. MAT is considered part of a client's overall care rather than an automatic barrier to admission.
Are LGBTQ+ clients treated differently in any part of the program?
No. Sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are protected under this policy.
Treatment and daily programming follow the same clinical standard regardless of these characteristics.
Does immigration status affect admission?
No. Immigration or citizenship status does not determine admission or treatment decisions.
Applicants are evaluated based on clinical need and whether Healing Sands can safely provide the appropriate level of care.
What happens if a client feels they were discriminated against?
A concern can be raised directly with facility leadership at any point during treatment.
Clients do not need to wait until discharge. Good-faith concerns should be reviewed appropriately, and raising a concern does not reduce the standard of care the client receives.
Does this policy cover staff and job applicants too?
Yes. The supplied policy also applies to employment decisions and workplace treatment, including hiring, promotion, and treatment of staff.
If you're in immediate danger, call 911. For mental-health crisis support, call or text 988.
Every conversation is confidential — protected by HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
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