FAQ — Fair Haven Recovery Road Companions

Question 1

What is a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS)?

Accepted Answer

A Certified Recovery Specialist is a credentialed professional trained to provide structured, non-clinical support to individuals in addiction or mental health recovery. CRS certification is issued through state-recognized credentialing bodies and requires documented lived experience in recovery, formal training hours, supervised practice, and a written examination. It is a professional credential — not a peer support role.

Question 2

How do I verify my companion's credentials?

Accepted Answer

Before your engagement begins, we provide a written companion profile that includes their CRS certification number, any clinical licensure (RN, LCSW, etc.), and background check documentation. You are welcome to independently verify any credential through the issuing body. We encourage it.

Question 3

Are companions background-checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every companion undergoes a comprehensive background check prior to placement, including criminal history, sex offender registry, and professional license verification. Background checks are renewed annually. We do not place any companion whose background check reveals a disqualifying finding.

Question 4

Do companions provide clinical services?

Accepted Answer

No. Recovery companions provide structured non-clinical support — accountability, emotional regulation assistance, logistics management, and crisis de-escalation within their credentialed scope. They do not provide therapy, prescribe or administer medication, or act as a licensed clinical provider. For medical escort engagements, we can provide companions with RN credentials who offer clinically informed support, but this is distinct from active medical treatment.

Question 5

Is my information protected under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fair Haven operates as a HIPAA-covered business associate. All intake information, trip documentation, and communications are handled in compliance with HIPAA privacy and security rules. We do not share your information with any third party without your explicit written authorization.

Question 6

How do I book a companion?

Accepted Answer

Every engagement begins with a free, confidential consultation — by phone or video — where we learn about your travel needs, recovery history, and the specific support you are looking for. After the consultation, we identify the right companion match and send you a written proposal within 24 hours. There is no commitment until you sign the engagement agreement.

Question 7

How far in advance do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend at least two weeks for standard engagements. This allows adequate time for companion matching, pre-trip planning, and coordination with your care team if applicable. For urgent situations — a sudden family event, an unexpected discharge, or a last-minute professional obligation — contact us directly. We maintain a network of available companions and can often accommodate shorter timelines, though availability cannot be guaranteed.

Question 8

Do you provide companions for international travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support domestic and international travel. International engagements require additional lead time for logistics planning, and pricing reflects the extended duration and complexity. Contact us to discuss your specific destination and itinerary.

Question 9

Can I meet or speak with my companion before committing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After we identify a match, we offer an optional introductory call between you and your prospective companion before you sign the engagement agreement. Many clients find this call significantly reduces pre-trip anxiety. If the fit does not feel right, we will identify an alternative.

Question 10

Can my family or treatment provider be involved in the planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with your written consent. We can coordinate directly with your therapist, sponsor, case manager, or family members at any stage — intake, pre-trip planning, during travel, or post-trip debrief. Many clients find that involving their existing support network in the planning phase significantly reduces anxiety for everyone involved.

Question 11

Does insurance cover companion travel services?

Accepted Answer

We do not bill insurance directly. However, some clients have successfully sought reimbursement through their treatment programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or private insurance policies with behavioral health benefits. We provide detailed invoices and clinical documentation — including a letter of medical necessity if applicable — to support your reimbursement request. We recommend contacting your insurer or EAP administrator before your trip to understand your coverage.

Question 12

How and when is payment collected?

Accepted Answer

A deposit is collected upon signing the engagement agreement. The remaining balance is due prior to departure. We accept major credit cards and ACH bank transfer. Payment plans may be available for extended engagements — ask during your consultation.

Question 13

What is included in the quoted rate?

Accepted Answer

Our quoted rates are all-inclusive: companion fees, travel expenses (flights, ground transportation, lodging where applicable), and all pre-trip and post-trip coordination. There are no hidden fees. Your written proposal itemizes every cost before you commit.

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations made more than 14 days before the engagement start date receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations between 7 and 14 days prior receive a 50% refund of the deposit. Cancellations within 7 days of departure are non-refundable, as companion scheduling and travel arrangements have been committed. We understand that circumstances in recovery can change suddenly — contact us as early as possible and we will work with you.

Question 15

Can I reschedule my trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rescheduling requests made more than 7 days before departure are accommodated at no charge, subject to companion availability. Rescheduling within 7 days may incur a change fee depending on travel commitments already made. Contact us as soon as you know a change is needed.

Question 16

What happens if the trip needs to be cut short?

Accepted Answer

If a trip is cut short due to a medical or recovery emergency, we prioritize your safety above all else. Your companion will assist with safe transport home and coordinate with your care team. Refunds for unused days are handled on a case-by-case basis. If the trip is cut short for non-emergency reasons, the full engagement fee applies.

Question 17

What does travel day actually look like?

Accepted Answer

Your companion meets you at your home, hotel, or facility — wherever your journey begins. They manage check-in, navigate the airport or transit hub with you, and remain present throughout the journey. They are not intrusive; they follow your lead on how much interaction you want at any given moment. Their role is to be a calm, steady presence — available when you need them, unobtrusive when you don't.

Question 18

Do I have to tell anyone why my companion is with me?

Accepted Answer

No. Your companion is a professional colleague or travel associate as far as anyone else is concerned. We never disclose your recovery status to hotels, airlines, event staff, family members, or colleagues without your explicit written consent. Confidentiality is absolute.

Question 19

What happens if there is a crisis or relapse during the trip?

Accepted Answer

Your companion is trained in crisis de-escalation and relapse response. If a crisis occurs, they follow a pre-established protocol developed during your pre-trip planning — which may include contacting your therapist, a crisis line, or emergency services depending on the situation. Your safety is the only priority. A relapse does not end the engagement; your companion will support you through it and help you return home safely.

Question 20

Is this service appropriate for someone in early recovery?

Accepted Answer

Early recovery is exactly when this service is most valuable. Our companions are specifically trained to support individuals in the first year of recovery, when travel-related triggers carry the highest risk. We will be honest with you during the consultation if we believe a particular trip is inadvisable given where you are in your recovery — your long-term wellbeing comes before any single trip.

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