The cost of rehab programs can vary depending on the type of treatment, location, and length of stay. Understanding these costs can help you plan financially and find the right treatment option for your needs.

In the following sections, you will learn about the general cost of rehab, what insurance may cover, and which expenses you might have to pay out of pocket. 

General Cost of Rehab Programs

Rehab programs can be expensive, but the cost depends on different factors. 

Why Rehab Costs Vary

Some are cheaper because they provide only the basics, while others charge more for extra care and comfort. Here are some reasons why prices can be different:

• Type of Rehab – Inpatient programs (where you stay at the facility) usually cost more than outpatient programs (where you visit for treatment and go home).
• Length of Stay – The longer you stay, the more you will pay. Some people only need a few weeks, while others need months of treatment.
• Location – Rehab centers in big cities or high-end areas often charge more than those in smaller towns.
• Services Provided – Some rehab centers include extra therapies, private rooms, or special treatments, which can increase costs.

Average Costs of Rehab

If you’re wondering how much rehab might cost, here are some numbers to give you an idea based on the data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics:¹

• Medical Detox: The cheapest medical detox programs start at around $1,750. This is the first step in treatment for people who need to remove drugs or alcohol from their system safely.
• Inpatient Rehab: If you choose inpatient rehab, where you stay at the facility, the cheapest options cost about $6,000 per month. Some high-end programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
• Outpatient Rehab: For a three-month outpatient rehab program, you might pay around $5,000.

Treatment is an investment in your health and future. Some insurance plans cover part of the cost, and there are ways to find financial help if you need it.

What to Expect as Coverage by Insurance

What your insurance covers depends on your plan. Some plans pay for most of the treatment, while others only cover certain parts.

Here’s what you might expect:

• Medical Detox Coverage – Many insurance plans cover medical detox because it is a necessary first step in treatment. But you may still have to pay some costs yourself, like co-pays or deductibles.
• Inpatient Rehab Coverage – Some plans cover inpatient rehab, but they may only pay for a certain number of days. If you need a longer stay, you might have to pay the extra cost.
• Outpatient Rehab Coverage – Insurance usually covers outpatient programs, but how much they pay depends on the type of treatment and how often you attend sessions.
• Medication and Therapy – Some insurance plans cover addiction-related medications and counseling, but not all do. It’s important to check your plan’s details.

How to Check Your Coverage

Before starting rehab, call your insurance company and ask:

• What types of rehab programs do you cover?
• How much will I have to pay out-of-pocket?
• Do I need approval before starting treatment?

Some rehab centers, like OceanRock Health, accept insurance from:

• Aetna covers various rehab services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, but coverage depends on your specific plan.
• Cigna offers coverage for addiction treatment, including detox, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment, with changing costs based on your policy.
• Tricare provides rehab coverage for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families, often covering both inpatient and outpatient care.
• Blue Shield California includes addiction treatment in many plans, but coverage levels and approved facilities may vary.
• United Healthcare covers substance abuse treatment, but the extent of coverage depends on your plan type and provider network.

If you’re unsure about coverage, rehab centers often have staff who can help you understand your benefits. Understanding your insurance benefits can help you plan for rehab costs and avoid surprises. 

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Insurance doesn’t always cover everything in rehab. These are called out-of-pocket expenses. The amount you pay depends on your insurance plan and the type of treatment you choose. Some things you might have to pay for yourself include:

• Luxury or Private Rehab Centers – If you choose a high-end facility with private rooms, gourmet meals, or extra activities like yoga or massage therapy, insurance usually won’t pay for it.
• Extended Stays – If your treatment lasts longer than your insurance allows, you may have to pay for the extra days yourself.
• Alternative Therapies – Some rehab centers offer special treatments like acupuncture, art therapy, or outdoor therapy. These may not be covered by insurance.

Medication Costs During and After Rehab

Many people in rehab need medication to help with withdrawal symptoms or ongoing treatment. While some insurance plans cover these costs, you might still have to pay for:

• Prescription Co-Pays – Even if your insurance covers the medication, you may have to pay a small fee each time you pick up your prescription.
• Uncovered Medications – Some medications, especially newer or brand-name drugs, may not be covered at all.
• Long-Term Medication Costs – If you need medication for months or years after rehab, these costs can add up.

Additional Therapy or Aftercare Costs

Rehab doesn’t end when you leave the facility. Many people continue therapy or other support programs, which may not be fully covered by insurance. You might have to pay for:

• Ongoing Counseling – Costs for individual or group therapy sessions depend on the therapist and location. Group therapy sessions are generally more affordable, with costs varying by state. For example, in California, the average cost is $152 per session.² Also, a 2020 study says online therapy lowers costs without reducing success rates.³
• Sober Living Homes – If you choose to live in a sober home after rehab, you will have to cover rent and other living expenses.
• Support Groups – Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are usually free, but some programs charge membership fees.

Before starting rehab, ask about any costs you might have to pay yourself. If insurance doesn’t cover enough, there are other ways to get help, like payment plans or financial aid programs.

Planning can make the cost of rehab programs more affordable. The important thing is to take that first step toward your healing and recovery.

Find outpatient & virtual services at OceanRock Health.

Sources:

1. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2022). Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2022]: by Type, State & More. NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/cost-of-rehab/
2. Cost of group therapy by state | Sidecar Health. (n.d.). Cost.sidecarhealth.com. https://cost.sidecarhealth.com/c/group-therapy-cost
3. Thase, Michael E., McCrone, P., Barrett, Marna S., Eells, Tracy D., Wisniewski, Stephen R., Balasubramani, G. K., Brown, Gregory K., & Wright, Jesse H. (2020). Improving Cost-effectiveness and Access to Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression: Providing Remote-Ready, Computer-Assisted Psychotherapy in Times of Crisis and Beyond. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 89(5), 307–313. https://doi.org/10.1159/000508143