A Detailed Guide to Drug, Alcohol or Mental Health Rehab Costs Without Insurance

The cost of drug and mental health rehab is hard to pin down. On one end of the spectrum, you have bare-bones outpatient programs where you see the doctor or a therapist a few times a week. On the other end are luxury rehab centers that are more like resorts, with saunas, pools, alternative therapies, and homeopathic options.

When selecting a rehab center, the price point is often a big consideration. So today, we’re covering what kind of costs you can expect for each type of drug and mental health rehab.

How Expensive Is a 30-day Drug or Alcohol Rehab Program?

A 30-day treatment program can take a variety of forms, and your overall cost will largely be determined by two factors: Your level of care (for example, outpatient vs. a residential program) and the amenities provided by the rehab center.

Here are the general ranges we’ve seen for the four standard levels of care:

• Outpatient: In an outpatient program, you visit the center about five days a week for just a short time to see your counselor and take any medications you’ve been prescribed. While there are free programs out there, in general, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $10,000 for an outpatient program, depending on the treatment offerings.
• Intensive outpatient: At the next level up, an intensive outpatient program allows you to continue your normal daily schedule, but you’ll spend a few hours at the center several days a week. A typical program will cost somewhere between $3,500 and $11,000.
• Partial hospitalization: In a partial hospitalization program, you’ll spend at least three days a week at the center for about five hours each day, taking part in therapy, developing coping skills, and learning about addiction. A partial hospitalization program might run between $7,000 and $20,000.
• Residential: As an inpatient, you’ll be living full-time at the recovery center and have all of your meals provided. Inpatient programs vary the most depending on the type of facility. A basic inpatient rehab program might only cost a few thousand while a luxury program could cost $25,000 or more.

How Expensive Is Mental Health Treatment?

Mental health treatment can take a variety of forms, and your overall cost will largely be determined by two factors: Your level of care and if you go to an in-state or out-of-state facility.

Here are the general ranges we’ve seen for the four standard levels of care.

• Acute inpatient: Acute inpatient programs are intensive and short-term as they are meant for those experiencing crisis or are in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others. Length of stay can average from a few days to weeks and the cost of an acute inpatient program can range between $5,000 and $20,000.
• Subacute inpatient: At the next level, subacute inpatient programs are less intensive and your stay can last longer depending on your condition. You’ll work with licensed therapists and medical staff to learn tools and habits for managing daily challenges and improving your mental health. The cost of a subacute inpatient program might run between $5,000 and $20,000.
• Outpatient therapy: Outpatient therapy occurs outside of inpatient settings. This kind of treatment can include one-on-one counseling and group therapy. The cost of outpatient therapy can range from $100 and $500 per session.
• Long-term residential care: As an inpatient, you’ll live full-time at the recovery center and receive around-the-clock care and support. On average, residents stay for weeks, but this can vary based on individual treatment plans. The cost of long-term residential care can run between $12,000 and $60,000. 

Additional Costs To Be Aware Of

In addition to the 30-day drug or alcohol rehab and mental health treatment costs, there are several other charges that will likely come up during treatment. Here are the other costs to keep on your radar:

Admission fees

Many recovery centers will charge an admission fee of roughly $3,000 to $4,000.

Detox

Detoxis the first step of recovery that comes before your treatment program. Detox can cost anywhere from $300 to $800 a day. At an average of five days, you can expect to pay $1,500 to $4000 for drug or alcohol detox. However, this number goes up drastically if it’s an emergency detox.

Pharmacotherapy

Many rehab centers today prescribe medication to assist during both detox and recovery. If you encounter complications during detox, you may also need other medication or further medical attention.

Longer stay

The average prices listed above are for a standard 30-day program, but many people choose to enter into a longer program. This will be an additional cost.

Paying for Addiction Rehab or Mental Health Treatment Without Insurance

Lack of health insurance or not having enough coverage shouldn’t keep you from getting the mental health treatment you need. The Recovery Village offers private pay options to accommodate those seeking recovery in such situations.

If our treatment center isn’t the right fit for you, our admissions team can refer you to other rehab facilities that can take your insurance or better meet your financial needs. These facilities can help you navigate Medicaid coverage, payment plans, medical loans and government grants.

Aftercare

After treatment, it’s important to continue taking steps to rebuild your life by maintaining sobriety and stronger mental health. Many people take part in free 12-step programs like Alcoholic Anonymous. Others find sober living housing, where you live in a community focused on staying clean. Like any other housing, sober living environments can vary drastically in price depending on the type of home. Many people also participate in regular individual or group therapy sessions, mental health check-ins and medication management after completing their mental health treatment program.

Is The Cost Worth It?

You have to look at the whole picture. In the short term, an addition rehab or mental health treatment program can be a huge investment. But without it, you’ll likely pay even more. The cost of addiction is no small amount. Right now, you might be paying for alcohol or drugs. Over time, though, you’ll likely have some more costs on your hands.

For example, medical bills will come in as the substance takes its toll on your body, and you may find yourself in a car accident. Have an accident on the job? You could easily lose your income as most states allow companies to give you a drug test following a workplace accident. Then there’s relationship problems, relationship counseling costs, and potentially divorce fees.

At the end of the day, if you spend time fighting treatment and never accepting the benefits of it, you’ve wasted your investment. But if you come out on the other end sober and prepared to live a life without addiction or poor mental health ruling your mind, it’s money well spent.

Find a Rehab Program That Fits Your Situation

At The Recovery Village, we offer treatment at all levels of care so you can find the solution that works best for you. Learn more about our addiction treatment programs and mental health services.