Substance abuse is seen across the state of Massachusetts. Despite the need for treatment, many people don’t seek addiction healthcare because of the cost.
For those who don’t have the money to pay for treatment that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars, substance abuse treatment can look unrealistic.
However, there are several low-cost and free treatment programs that can help people who need treatment but can’t afford costly programs.
View our list of the best free rehab centers in the U.S. to find treatment near you.
Is There Free Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts?
There are dozens of free and low-cost options for behavioral health services in Massachusetts.
Free drug abuse treatment centers in Massachusetts often provide:
- medical detoxification (detox)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- inpatient treatment programs
- residential treatment programs
- partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- standard outpatient treatment programs (OP)
- individual and group therapy
- support groups
- modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- transitional support services
- dual diagnosis care
How Can I Get Free Substance Abuse Treatment In Massachusetts?
Free substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities are either donation-based or government-funded.
If you choose a program that offers free services, you should be able to get treatment at no cost based on those sources of funding.
However, there are other ways to obtain free treatment that are not dependent on the treatment center itself. For instance, you can apply for certain government programs to cover the cost of a recovery program.
Using Medicaid To Cover The Cost Of Rehab
Several treatment centers in Massachusetts accept Medicaid (MassHealth), which is a government-funded health insurance program for people who make a low income.
A person seeking treatment can get free care by using Medicaid. There may be a copay that’s capped at a certain amount, but this cost is very low.
Using Government Grants For Addiction Treatment
Massachusetts offers a few grants for substance abuse and behavioral health services. A recovering individual can use the money from a grant to cover the cost of addiction treatment.
Many government grant funds come from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA offers a block grant called the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUBG) to help people experiencing addiction get the care they need.
The SUBG program prioritizes:
- pregnant women
- women with dependent children
- people who use intravenous drugs
- people who need tuberculosis services
- early intervention services for HIV/AIDS
- primary prevention services
List Of Free Rehab Centers In Massachusetts
There are several free treatment options for addiction recovery in Massachusetts.
We’ve chosen five for this list based on marks of quality care including:
- accreditation
- client testimonials
- certifications
- other selection criteria
1. Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
Fenway Health is a nonprofit treatment organization. Thanks to government grants and free care programs, some clients may receive care at little or no cost.
Trusted features:
- 4.2-star Google rating
- Joint Commission accreditation
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognized practice
Levels of care:
- outpatient program (OP)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Treatment services:
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- support groups
Payment options:
- Medicaid
- commercial insurance
- self-pay
Location and contact information:
1340 Boylston St.
7th Fl.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 927-6202
2. Gándara Mental Health Center, Multiple Locations
The Gándara Center serves the Hispanic community with bilingual behavioral health, substance use, and preventative services. This treatment center is funded through donations.
Trusted features:
- Council on Accreditation (COA) accreditation
- client testimonials
Levels of care:
- residential program
- outpatient program (OP)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Treatment services:
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- support groups
- recovery coaching
- transitional housing
Payment options:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- other state health insurance
- government funding
Location and contact information:
33 Arch St.
Springfield, MA 1107
(413) 781-2234
3. Jeremiah’s Inn, Worcester, Massachusetts
Jeremiah’s Inn is a nonprofit, men’s residential treatment program that offers care for $10 per day.
Jeremiah’s Inn also offers a resident work program for further assistance with program fees.
Trusted features:
- 5-star Google rating
- client testimonials
Levels of care:
Treatment services:
- counseling
- recovery coaching
- support groups
- holistic therapy
- harm reduction services
- sober living
Payment options:
- self-pay
- free/low-cost
Location and contact information:
1059 Main St.
Worcester, MA 01603
(508) 755-6403
4. Phoenix House, Multiple Locations
Phoenix House has 97 programs across 10 states, with Massachusetts locations in Springfield, Dorchester, and Holyoke.
Phoenix House offers scholarships, and a sliding fee scale is also available for those who need it.
Trusted features:
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation
Levels of care:
- residential program
- outpatient program (OP)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Treatment services:
- case management
- counseling
- group therapy
- support groups
- pregnant women’s addiction treatment
Payment options:
- Medicaid
- commercial health insurance
- self-pay
Location and contact information:
5 Madison Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 733-2178
5. Victory Programs, Multiple Locations
Victory Programs is a nonprofit organization that offers free substance abuse services to at-risk populations.
Services are available in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury, and Boston.
Trusted features:
- state licensure
Levels of care:
- residential program
Treatment services:
- case management
- individual counseling
- group counseling
- dual diagnosis treatment
Payment options:
- Medicaid
- other state health insurance
Location and contact information:
29 Stanhope St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1012
Pros And Cons Of Free Rehab Centers
If you’re trying to decide whether to choose a free or private treatment center for addiction services, there are a few factors to consider.
Pros of free addiction treatment include:
- these programs are accessible to diverse groups of people
- you’ll be guaranteed evidence-based practices
- the treatment program will be free or very affordable with small fees
Drawbacks include:
- treatment plans usually doesn’t include holistic therapies
- free rehab centers often have long waitlists of weeks or months
- free rehab centers usually have fewer resources overall than private rehab centers, including fewer options for treatment services
What Financing Options Are There For Drug Rehab Centers In Massachusetts?
To finance your stay at a recovery center, you can choose between a few different options aside from a free treatment program.
Some of the payment options at different treatment centers include:
- a sliding fee scale
- scholarships
- private health insurance
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- TRICARE military insurance
- government programs and grants
Free Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers In Massachusetts FAQs
If you’re searching for free substance abuse treatment in Massachusetts, the information below may help you narrow your search for the right treatment center.
What Type Of Drug Addiction Treatment Is Available At A Free Rehab Center In Massachusetts?
Free addiction programs offer services such as detoxification, opioid addiction treatment, MAT, inpatient rehab, OP, aftercare, and other evidence-based treatment practices.
What Are The Benefits Of A Free Drug Rehab Program?
Free drug addiction treatment programs are affordable and accessible to people of all backgrounds.
People in need of treatment can get the basic level of care they need to recover effectively.
These treatment centers usually have special programs for different groups, such as unhoused people, single mothers, low-income families, and others who need assistance.
What Is The Typical Length Of Stay At A Free Rehab Facility In Massachusetts?
The length of stay at any rehab center varies based on the program. Some treatment providers offer a few days of treatment, while others offer weeks or months.
Some programs have extended treatment available, such as a year-long sober home or long-term residency for clients who benefit from these options.
Find Drug And Alcohol Treatment In Massachusetts
Addiction is a complex mental health disorder, but treatment options are available, and long-term recovery is possible.
If you or a loved one need addiction treatment in Massachusetts, contact Detox Rehabs today for more information.
Select a city below to find a Free Drug Rehab Center near you:
Article Sources- Benefits.gov—Massachusetts MassHealth (Medicaid)
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1282 - Mass.gov—Information for MassHealth Applicants
https://www.mass.gov/information-for-masshealth-applicants - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/block-grants/sabg