How to Get Started at The Dawn
Taking the first step toward treatment can feel overwhelming, and we want to make it as straightforward as possible. Our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through every stage of the process – from your very first call to the moment you arrive at our centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In over 50% of cases, clients arrive at The Dawn within 14 days of their initial contact, and many begin treatment within just seven days. Whether you are reaching out for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, we will work around your timeline to get you the help you need as quickly as possible.
Step 1
Initial contact
Your journey begins with a confidential conversation. You can reach our admissions team by phone or email, and we welcome calls from both clients and their families. During this initial conversation, we will take the time to understand your situation, explain how our programme works, and answer any questions you may have about treatment at The Dawn. There’s no pressure and no obligation – this is simply an opportunity for us to learn how we can best support you.
Step 2
Clinical Assessment
Following your initial contact, one of our clinical team members will arrange a follow-up call to conduct a preliminary assessment of your mental health and medical history. This assessment helps us determine whether The Dawn is the right fit for your needs and allows us to begin shaping a personalised treatment plan before you even arrive. All information shared during this call is treated with the strictest confidence.
Step 3
Assessment Results and Admission Decision
Our admissions team will contact you by phone to discuss your assessment results and confirm whether we are able to serve your treatment needs. At this stage, we will also outline the prerequisites for admission so you know exactly what to expect. If The Dawn isn’t the right fit, we will do our best to point you toward an appropriate alternative.
Prerequisites for Admission:
All clients at The Dawn are required to be physically and mentally able to participate in the centre’s daily activities. Clients must be willing to follow their individualised treatment plan and abide by the centre’s guidelines. We also ask that you share your complete medical history prior to arrival so our clinical team can prepare accordingly.
Step 4
Payment
An initial deposit of US$2,000 is required to secure your accommodation and space on your specific clinical programme. The remaining balance must be settled prior to arrival at the centre. Our admissions team can walk you through payment options and answer any questions about the financial side of treatment.
Step 5
Visa and Travel Arrangements
Once your admission is confirmed, our experienced team will help you arrange everything you need to travel to Thailand – including visa guidance, flight bookings, and airport transfers. Our clients come from all over the world, so no question is too big or too small.
Visa Requirements
The visa you will need depends on your country of origin and the length of your treatment programme. Our team will advise you on the best option, but here’s a general overview:
For shorter programmes (up to 60 days) – many nationalities can enter Thailand using a visa exemption (30–45 day visa-free stay) or a Tourist Visa, which allows a 60-day stay with the option to extend for an additional 30 days while in the country. A Special Tourist Visa (STV) covers stays of up to 90 days and can be renewed twice, making it suitable for extended treatment.
For longer programmes – we recommend the Non-Immigrant O-A (Medical) visa. This visa is specifically designed for medical treatment purposes and requires a medical confirmation letter, proof of financial stability, and documentation of your appointment at The Dawn. Our admissions team will provide the necessary documentation and guide you through the application process.
For the most current visa requirements, we recommend checking the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy or the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your country. Our team is always available to help you navigate this process.
Your Travel Process
Once your visa is in order, your journey to The Dawn will follow four simple steps:
1. Finalise your travel plan – Our team will coordinate your schedule based on your treatment start date.
2. Visa application – We will guide you through the process if a visa is needed for your stay.
3. Book your flight – You will arrange your flight to Chiang Mai, with assistance from our team, if needed.
4. Arrival and transfer – A member of The Dawn’s support team will meet you at Chiang Mai airport and transport you directly to the centre by private car.
Step 6
Arrival and Medical Assessment
When you arrive at The Dawn, you will be welcomed into a calm, supportive environment. After settling into your room, one of our clinical staff will sit down with you for a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment. This is used to identify any co-occurring conditions and to finalise your individualised treatment plan. Within the first few days, you will also receive a full health check, and if medically supervised detox is needed, our certified medical team is on-site 24/7 to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process.
Step 7
Beginning Your Treatment
With your assessment complete and treatment plan in place, you will begin your programme at The Dawn. Our Treatment Roadmap is structured across three phases – from stabilisation and managed withdrawal through to skills-building, trigger management, and deep therapeutic work addressing the root causes of your condition. Every element of your programme is tailored to your individual recovery goals, and our multidisciplinary team is with you every step of the way.
What We Expect from Our Clients
The Dawn is designed as a place of treatment, healing, and personal growth. To protect the recovery environment for everyone, we ask that all clients actively participate in the centre’s daily activities to the best of their ability, follow the guidelines set by staff and outlined in our written policies, and demonstrate commitment to working toward their individual treatment goals. These expectations exist to give every client the best possible chance of lasting recovery.
Ready to Take the First Step? Fill out the form or email us at [email protected]