Understanding the cost of drug and alcohol rehab, especially how insurance, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses work, can make seeking treatment feel far more manageable.
Rehab is an investment in your health, safety, and future. And like any medical care, rehab costs vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of substance abuse treatment program you choose, how long you stay, and how your health insurance coverage applies [1].
Cost of rehab centers
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab depends on the level of care and services included in your treatment plan. Below are common national averages to help you understand what rehab costs typically look like in the U.S. before insurance is applied.
Average rehab cost before insurance by treatment type
| Type of Treatment | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Medical Detox | $250–$800 per day |
| Inpatient Rehab (30 days) | $6,000–$30,000+ |
| Residential Treatment Programs (60–90 days) | $12,000–$60,000+ |
| Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) | $350–$450 per day |
| Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) | $500–$650 per day |
| Standard Outpatient Programs | $1,000–$10,000+ |
These figures reflect average costs across treatment centers nationwide, but rehabilitation costs vary significantly based on location, medical needs, mental health support, and the intensity of care provided [2,3].
What matters most isn’t the price, but if the program can provide the structure, support, and evidence-based treatments needed for sustained recovery.
Related: How to Determine if a Loved One Needs Addiction Rehab, and What to Do Next
If cost concerns are holding you back from treatment, call our expert team today to learn about your options.
How much does rehab cost with insurance?
Health insurance can dramatically reduce rehab costs. Under the Affordable Care Act, substance use disorder and mental health treatment are considered essential health benefits, meaning most insurance plans must provide coverage [1].
That said, insurance coverage is not one-size-fits-all.
Your actual rehab cost with insurance depends on:
- Your insurance provider and plan type
- Whether the rehab facility is in-network or out-of-network
- Your deductible, copay, and coinsurance
- Length of stay and level of care
With insurance, many people pay a portion of the total cost, rather than the full amount. For example, inpatient rehab may require a daily copay, while outpatient services often involve lower out-of-pocket costs spread over time [4].
Insurance plans commonly cover:
- Medical detox and inpatient care
- Outpatient rehab and intensive outpatient programs
- Group therapy and individual counseling
- Medication assisted treatment when clinically appropriate
Verifying your benefits ahead of time helps you understand what your insurance plan will pay and what your personal responsibility may be.
Related: Understanding Insurance for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
Will insurance pay for rehab?
In most cases, yes, insurance will pay for rehab, but there can be limitations. While insurers cannot deny coverage based on a substance use disorder diagnosis, they may restrict:
- Number of covered treatment days
- Types of programs approved
- Requirements for medical necessity documentation
This is why working with admissions teams and insurance providers before attending rehab is so important. It prevents unexpected medical bills and allows you to plan financially with clarity [1,4].
How much does rehab cost without insurance?
If you don’t have health insurance, rehab may feel financially overwhelming, but treatment is still possible.
Without insurance, out-of-pocket costs generally reflect the full program price shown in the table above. However, many rehab facilities offer payment plans, financial assistance options, or access to state funded programs to reduce the financial burden [3,5].
Some people qualify for:
- State funded addiction treatment programs
- Medicaid or Medi-Cal (in California)
- Sliding-scale fees or scholarships
- Structured payment options spread over time
Not having insurance does not mean you have no options. Understanding available resources can make seeking treatment far more accessible.
Why does drug rehab cost so much?
Drug and alcohol rehab involves more than therapy sessions. Costs reflect round-the-clock care, licensed medical professionals, and comprehensive treatment services designed to address addiction and mental health together.
Rehab costs often include:
- Medical detox and withdrawal monitoring
- Inpatient care with 24/7 clinical oversight
- Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy
- Evidence based treatments such as CBT and DBT
- Relapse prevention strategies and aftercare planning
These services are essential for addressing drug or alcohol addiction safely and effectively, particularly for co-occurring mental health conditions [2].
How long is a typical drug rehab stay?
Medical Detox
Medical detox typically lasts 5–10 days or more, depending on the substance used, severity of dependence, physical health factors, and medical necessity. Detox services focus on safety and stabilization before entering ongoing treatment [2].
Related: What is Alcohol and Drug Detox Treatment and Why Is It So Important?
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab programs commonly last 30, 60, or 90 days. Longer stays are often recommended for severe substance use disorders, prior relapse history, or complex mental health needs [3].
Related: Why 30-Day Rehab for Drugs and Alcohol is Not Enough for Long-Lasting Recovery
Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs
Outpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programs allow you to live at home while attending structured therapy sessions multiple days per week. These programs often continue for 8–12 weeks or longer, depending on progress and recovery goals [4].
Treatment length plays a significant role in rehab cost, but longer engagement is strongly associated with better recovery outcomes.
Related: How Long is Rehab for Drugs and Alcohol?
How does paying for rehab work?
Paying for rehab usually involves a combination of insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and payment options. Many treatment centers help you:
- Verify health insurance coverage
- Understand copays and deductibles
- Explore payment plans
- Identify financial assistance programs
At Clear Behavioral Health, we take this a step further by working with you one-on-one to make treatment as accessible and affordable as possible. If insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of care, our team can help review payment plan options that allow you to spread expenses over time rather than paying everything upfront. This approach helps reduce financial stress and removes common barriers to seeking treatment, so you can focus on starting recovery with clarity and confidence.
This process helps reduce confusion and allows you to focus on recovery rather than finances.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Speaking with addiction treatment professionals can help you understand costs, coverage, and next steps with confidence.
Rehab is an investment in your recovery journey
While rehab costs can feel intimidating, untreated substance abuse often leads to far greater long-term costs, including medical bills, legal fees, job loss, and increased risk of drug overdose deaths [2].
At Clear Behavioral Health, we help you understand the cost of rehab and provide expert drug addiction treatment services, including medical detox when needed. Our programs offer individualized care using evidence-based therapies, group therapy, family therapy, CBT, DBT, and holistic approaches such as mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, soundbaths, and physical activity, all designed to support lasting recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab programs in the Los Angeles, CA area, including convenient rehabs in Redondo Beach and Gardena, CA. We’ll be with you every step of the way on your journey to recovery.
References
- Mental health and substance abuse health coverage options. (n.d.). HealthCare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/
- Hanson, M. (2024, May 2). Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2023]: by Type, State & More. NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/cost-of-rehab/
- CAADC, J. B. M. L. (2025, December 16). How Much is Rehab? American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/rehab-cost
- Gill, K. (2025, September 9). How can I pay for treatment? 6 ways to afford mental health and addiction care. Recovery.com. https://recovery.com/resources/cost-of-rehab-and-insurance-coverage-faqs/
- Department of Health Care Services. (n.d.). Drug_Medi-Cal_Overview. https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/adp/Pages/default.aspx