What rehab actually costs.
Anyone giving you a precise number before checking your insurance is guessing — or selling. Here are real ranges and what changes the number.
Out-of-pocket by level of care
Estimated patient responsibility after insurance. Ranges, not quotes.
| Level | Private PPO | Private HMO | Medicaid | Self-pay | No insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox (3–7 days) | $0–$2,500 | $500–$3,500 | $0 | $1,500–$10,000 | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Residential (30 days) | $0–$8,000 | $2,000–$10,000 | $0 (state-funded) | $15,000–$60,000 | $5,000–$60,000 |
| PHP (4 weeks) | $0–$4,000 | $1,500–$5,000 | $0 | $7,000–$20,000 | $2,500–$20,000 |
| IOP (8–12 weeks) | $0–$3,000 | $1,000–$3,500 | $0 | $3,000–$10,000 | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Outpatient (per month) | $20–$200 | $40–$300 | $0 | $300–$1,500 | $100–$1,500 |
Sources: SAMHSA cost surveys, NIDA treatment cost data, public state Medicaid fee schedules. Ranges reflect typical national variation; your number may fall outside.
What actually moves the price
Geography
A 30-day program in rural Tennessee can cost a third of one in coastal California.
Amenities
Private room, gym, equine therapy, chef-prepared meals — these add real money. They don't add real outcomes.
Length of stay
Most insurance approves 14 days at a time. Longer stays mean repeated reauthorizations or out-of-pocket.
In- vs. out-of-network
Out-of-network at the same facility can be 2–4x the patient responsibility.
Co-occurring conditions
Dual-diagnosis programs cost more but get better results when mental health is part of the picture.
Medication-assisted treatment
Suboxone, Vivitrol, methadone — adds $100–$1,500/mo. Almost always worth it for opioid use disorder.
No insurance, can't pay cash?
You still have options. State-funded programs, sliding-scale fees, scholarships from larger facilities, and SAMHSA grant-funded centers all exist. They don't advertise. They have waitlists. They're real.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 — they refer to free and low-cost programs in your area.
- Your state Department of Health website usually has a treatment locator and a list of state-funded providers.
- Faith-based programs (Salvation Army ARC, Teen Challenge, etc.) are free or near-free, with stricter rules.
- Community mental health centers offer sliding-scale outpatient and IOP.
Want to know your real number?
We can run a benefits check and tell you what your specific plan covers at the centers you're considering. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Informational, not a quote. Final pricing depends on your plan's deductible, copay, coinsurance, in-network status, prior authorization, and length of stay.