Substance abuse is seen across the state of Massachusetts. Despite the need for treatment, many people don’t consider the possibility of rehab because of the cost of treatment.
For those who don’t have the money to pay for treatment that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars, drug and alcohol rehab can look unrealistic.
But there are several low-cost and free treatment programs that are specially designed to help people who need help 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 rehab centers in Massachusetts often provide:
- outpatient rehab
- detox program
- inpatient rehab
- residential treatment
- support groups
- partial hospitalization program (PHP)
How Can I Get Free Treatment In Massachusetts?
Free 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 rehab center itself. You can apply for certain government programs to cover the cost of a recovery program.
Using Medicaid To Cover The Cost Of Rehab
Several rehab centers in Massachusetts accept Medicaid (MassHealth) as a form of payment for addiction treatment.
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.
Massachusetts State 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.
You may also obtain a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA offers a block grant called the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) to help individuals struggling with addiction get the care they need.
The SABG grant is targeted at:
- pregnant women
- women with dependent children
- those who use intravenous drugs
- those 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 accreditation, client testimonials, and other selection criteria.
1. Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
This is a nonprofit organization that accepts Medicaid. For some patients, services may be available at no cost or reduced cost through special grants or free-care programs.
Fenway Health is backed by:
- a 4.2-star Google rating
- Joint Commission accreditation
- being named an LGBT Healthcare Equality Leader in the HRC’s annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI)
- recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH)
A few of the addiction treatment services available here include:
- individual and group counseling
- relapse prevention
- Suboxone Group
Location and contact information:
1340 Boylston St.
7th Floor
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 927-6202
2. Gándara Mental Health Center, Multiple Locations
The Gándara Center provides services in the Hispanic community with bilingual behavioral health, substance use, and preventative services. This rehab center is funded through donations.
Top qualities of this substance use disorder rehab include:
- accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA)
- positive client testimonials
A range of addiction services is offered here, such as:
- residential recovery homes
- recovery support housing
- outpatient treatment
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- group therapy
Location and contact information:
33 Arch St.
Springfield, MA 1107
(413) 781-2234
3. Jeremiah’s Inn, Worcester, Massachusetts
Residential rehab is available here for just $10 a day. While the program is not completely free, participants contribute a small fee to cover housing, meals, clothing, and more.
For those who can’t afford the cost of residence, food stamps may be accepted as a form of payment.
Jeremiah’s Inn also offers a resident work program for further assistance with program fees.
Top qualities of Jeremiah’s Inn include:
- a 4.8-star Google rating
- positive client testimonials
Location and contact information:
1059 Main St.
Worcester, MA 01603
(508) 755-6403
4. Phoenix House, Multiple Locations
This is a drug abuse treatment center with 97 programs across 10 states. Their Massachusetts locations are in Springfield, Dorchester, and Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Phoenix House accepts Medicaid and offers funding to help with the cost of treatment. Scholarships and a sliding fee scale are also available for those who need it.
The drug rehab center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and offers:
- outpatient rehab
- a residential program
- transitional support
- family support
- long-term recovery treatment for women and their children
5. Victory Programs, Multiple Locations
This is a nonprofit organization that offers free substance abuse services to at-risk populations.
Services are available in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury, and Boston. Victory Programs features positive client testimonials and high Google ratings.
Here, options in addiction recovery include:
- a 30- to 90-day stabilization program
- residential treatment programs for men and women
- a 14- to 28-day treatment and transitional support services program
Location and contact information:
29 Stanhope St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1012
Pros And Cons Of Massachusetts Rehab Centers
If you’re trying to decide whether to choose a free or private rehab center for addiction treatment services, there are a few things you should consider.
Pros of free rehab:
- 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
Cons of free rehab:
- free rehab usually doesn’t use holistic therapies
- long waitlists of weeks or months
- fewer resources
- fewer options for treatment services
There are also many pros and cons of choosing a private rehabilitation center for addiction treatment.
Pros of private rehab:
- a wider range of treatment options available, including holistic methods, behavioral therapies, and more
- private rehab often features better care
- more individualized treatment plans
- private centers are usually more comfortable
- these centers accept multiple private health insurance plans
Cons of private rehab:
- private rehab can be expensive without the help of insurance
- waitlists can also be long, depending on the rehab center
- it may be less accessible for certain groups or further away from home
What Financing Options Are There For Rehab In Massachusetts?
To finance your stay at a recovery center, you can choose between a few different options aside from a free rehab program.
Some of the payment options at different rehab centers include:
- a sliding fee scale
- scholarships
- private health insurance
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- government programs and grants
Free Rehab Centers In Massachusetts FAQs
If you’re searching for free substance abuse treatment in Massachusetts, there are a few factors to consider. Use the information below to narrow your search for the right rehab center.
What Type Of Drug Addiction Treatment Is Available At A Free Rehab Center In Massachusetts?
Free rehab centers offer services like detoxification, opioid treatment, MAT, OP, aftercare, and other evidence-based treatment practices.
What Are The Benefits Of A Free Drug Rehab Program?
Free Massachusetts drug rehab programs are affordable and accessible to people of all backgrounds.
Those in need of treatment can get the basic level of care they need to recover effectively.
These rehab centers usually have special programs for different groups, such as the homeless, single mothers, low-income families, and others who need assistance.
What Is The Typical Length Of Stay At A Free Drug Rehabilitation Facility In Massachusetts?
The length of stay varies based on the program. Some rehab centers offer a few days of treatment, others offer weeks or months.
Some programs have extended treatment available, such as a year-long sober home or long-term residency for certain groups of people.
Find Free Drug And Alcohol Treatment In Massachusetts
For so many people, the cost of addiction treatment is intimidating and keeps them from pursuing sobriety. Free and low-cost rehab options can change that.
Call our helpline today to speak with one of our treatment specialists about free addiction rehab options in Massachusetts.
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
