California recognizes that addiction affects people from all walks of life, including those who may not have health insurance or the financial resources to pay for expensive private treatment programs. The state has a network of free drug and alcohol rehab centers specifically designed to serve residents who face economic barriers to getting help. These facilities understand that addiction doesn’t discriminate based on income level, and everyone deserves access to quality treatment regardless of their ability to pay.
These free drug treatment facilities offer a full range of services to meet different needs and stages of recovery, including medical detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, inpatient rehab programs for intensive care, outpatient treatment for those who need flexibility, and other specialized treatment options. Many of these centers are funded through a combination of federal grants, state funding, and community partnerships, allowing them to provide the same level of care as private facilities without charging people. This ensures that financial hardship doesn’t become a barrier between someone battling addiction and their path to recovery.
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San Diego, California
#1 Community Resources And Self Help (CRASH)
CRASH was started in 1970 to help California residents overcome chemical dependency and now offers four rehabilitation centers in San Diego that treat opioid addiction, alcohol use disorder, and other forms of substance abuse.
Located in the Golden Hill area of San Diego, CRASH’s Golden Hill House II is an intensive residential program for men and women. This facility affords quick and easy access to downtown and to public transportation. The focus at Golden Hill House II is on individual responsibility for recovery and productive re-entry into the community. Offering a modified therapeutic community model dedicated to helping people change their lives, the program offers individualized, evidence-based treatment.
Show MoreCRASH was started in 1970 to help California residents overcome chemical dependency and now offers four rehabilitation centers in San Diego that treat opioid addiction, alcohol use disorder, and other forms of substance abuse.
Located in the Golden Hill area of San Diego, CRASH’s Golden Hill House II is an intensive residential program for men and women. This facility affords quick and easy access to downtown and to public transportation. The focus at Golden Hill House II is on individual responsibility for recovery and productive re-entry into the community. Offering a modified therapeutic community model dedicated to helping people change their lives, the program offers individualized, evidence-based treatment.
Clients participate fully in their individual recovery planning, counseling, group problem-solving exercises, vocational services, alcohol and other drug education, and workshops on relapse prevention.
Family night, supervised parent-child visitation, and recreational and social activities are also important elements of the program design.
Fresno, California
#2 Delta Care
Delta Care is committed to engaging families facing addiction in a collective process of healing, growth, and change. The facility is located close to public transportation bus lines 9, 28, and 30 in Fresno for people’s convenience.
The facility offers clients individualized treatment plans while allowing them to maintain life responsibilities like work and school. Drug and alcohol abuse education provided at Delta Care helps clients begin recovery, with classes available Monday through Friday and on Saturdays by appointment only.
Show MoreDelta Care is committed to engaging families facing addiction in a collective process of healing, growth, and change. The facility is located close to public transportation bus lines 9, 28, and 30 in Fresno for people’s convenience.
The facility offers clients individualized treatment plans while allowing them to maintain life responsibilities like work and school. Drug and alcohol abuse education provided at Delta Care helps clients begin recovery, with classes available Monday through Friday and on Saturdays by appointment only.
Many other substance abuse recovery tools are offered by this facility, including relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, behavioral therapy, and conflict resolution skills.
Clients who have Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) and private insurance are accepted at this facility. However, Delta Care will not turn anyone away based on their inability to pay, offering low-cost outpatient treatment services to people without health insurance.
San Francisco, California
#3 HealthRIGHT 360 Womens Hope
HealthRIGHT 360 was started in the 1960s as the first free medical clinic in the country, offering San Francisco communities integrated medical care, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Locations today include Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and more.
The residential treatment program is called Acceptance Place and offers live-in care services designed to serve male individuals identifying as gay, bisexual, or transgender and experiencing substance use disorders. The program runs 24/7 for 90 days and offers individual and group therapy, individualized case management, treatment planning, drug and alcohol counseling, medication support services, and crisis intervention.
Show MoreHealthRIGHT 360 was started in the 1960s as the first free medical clinic in the country, offering San Francisco communities integrated medical care, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Locations today include Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and more.
The residential treatment program is called Acceptance Place and offers live-in care services designed to serve male individuals identifying as gay, bisexual, or transgender and experiencing substance use disorders. The program runs 24/7 for 90 days and offers individual and group therapy, individualized case management, treatment planning, drug and alcohol counseling, medication support services, and crisis intervention.
Treatment here helps clients address addiction and related issues, develop coping skills, manage stressors, connect to supportive services, and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Los Angeles, California
#4 L.A. Centers For Alcohol And Drug Abuse (LACADA)
L.A. Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) offers comprehensive addiction treatment options for people of all ages. Locations throughout Los Angeles include Sante Springs, Pasadena, and Long Beach.
The organization is dedicated to providing client-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services by a team of caring, qualified professionals. A range of treatment options and services cover a wide continuum of care, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential programs.
Show MoreL.A. Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) offers comprehensive addiction treatment options for people of all ages. Locations throughout Los Angeles include Sante Springs, Pasadena, and Long Beach.
The organization is dedicated to providing client-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services by a team of caring, qualified professionals. A range of treatment options and services cover a wide continuum of care, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential programs.
These options are available for adults ages 18 and over. Additionally, L.A. CADA offers outpatient services for adolescents ages 12 to 17.
In addition to its core programs, L.A. CADA provides various specialized counseling services. These include drug education/diversion, parenting education, anger management, and domestic violence survivor counseling.
To ensure accessibility, L.A. CADA accepts most private insurance plans and has funding available for eligible participants under Medi-Cal and Cal-WORKs.
Hayward, California
#5 MedMark Treatment Centers
Since 2006, MedMark has grown from three programs in northern California to more than 50 locations across the country. In California, locations include Fairfield, Fresno, Hayward, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Stockton, and Vallejo.
MAT services here are offered in three phases: induction, stabilization, and maintenance. This three-pronged approach helps clients slowly wean off drugs and alcohol.
Show MoreSince 2006, MedMark has grown from three programs in northern California to more than 50 locations across the country. In California, locations include Fairfield, Fresno, Hayward, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Stockton, and Vallejo.
MAT services here are offered in three phases: induction, stabilization, and maintenance. This three-pronged approach helps clients slowly wean off drugs and alcohol.
In the first phase, the first dose of methadone or buprenorphine is administered. Clients may be started on a larger dose right away, or choose to increase the dose over a period of time. The stabilization phase typically sees clients experiencing fewer cravings, allowing them to engage in counseling and other support services. In the maintenance phase, clients work with their treatment team to achieve a healthy medication dose and create an aftercare plan.
Redwood City, California
#6 Our Common Ground
Our Common Ground (OCG) provides inpatient and outpatient services and has helped over 3,000 people with behavioral health disorders in the San Mateo County and greater San Francisco Bay areas since 1988.
This location offers outpatient programs, with treatment that is evidence-based and individualized to account for each client’s specific strengths and needs. Programs involve a minimum of one group session per week and two individual sessions per month, which may involve counseling, behavioral therapy, and education. Trauma-informed services are also available.
Show MoreOur Common Ground (OCG) provides inpatient and outpatient services and has helped over 3,000 people with behavioral health disorders in the San Mateo County and greater San Francisco Bay areas since 1988.
This location offers outpatient programs, with treatment that is evidence-based and individualized to account for each client’s specific strengths and needs. Programs involve a minimum of one group session per week and two individual sessions per month, which may involve counseling, behavioral therapy, and education. Trauma-informed services are also available.
Staff aims to create a warm, supportive, and familial environment and helps clients create boundaries in their lives, increase their self-esteem, develop a sense of assertiveness, and repair relationships and spiritual well-being.
Other OCG locations offer 30-day residential treatment, day treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare programs.
Salinas, California
#7 Sun Street Centers
Since 1968, Sun Street Centers has been providing substance abuse education, prevention, and recovery services. Relying on a proven social model developed by its founders, Martin and Nancy Dodd, Sun Street Centers makes compassion a key component of its treatment plans.
This state-licensed recovery program is located in downtown King City and provides a supportive environment for men and women seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. Counselors are on hand 24/7 and can help clients incorporate the principles of the social model of recovery, which is a peer-oriented, mutual-help system that views clients as students, not patients.
Show MoreSince 1968, Sun Street Centers has been providing substance abuse education, prevention, and recovery services. Relying on a proven social model developed by its founders, Martin and Nancy Dodd, Sun Street Centers makes compassion a key component of its treatment plans.
This state-licensed recovery program is located in downtown King City and provides a supportive environment for men and women seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. Counselors are on hand 24/7 and can help clients incorporate the principles of the social model of recovery, which is a peer-oriented, mutual-help system that views clients as students, not patients.
Clients participate in a full schedule of recovery-based classes with focuses including recovery planning, communication skills, and relapse awareness, while also attending 12-step meetings and connecting with a sponsor.
Sacramento, California
#8 WellSpace Health
WellSpace Health has provided care and support to individuals and families throughout the Sacramento region since 1953. The organization offers 14 locations in Sacramento, two in Citrus Heights, two in Roseville, one in North Highlands, one in Galt, one in Folsom, and one in Jackson.
The services offered at the J Street Community Health Center include counseling, primary care, integrated behavioral health, psychiatry, medication-assisted treatment, and relapse prevention. This facility is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Show MoreWellSpace Health has provided care and support to individuals and families throughout the Sacramento region since 1953. The organization offers 14 locations in Sacramento, two in Citrus Heights, two in Roseville, one in North Highlands, one in Galt, one in Folsom, and one in Jackson.
The services offered at the J Street Community Health Center include counseling, primary care, integrated behavioral health, psychiatry, medication-assisted treatment, and relapse prevention. This facility is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A psychiatrist, a physician, a family nurse, and a counselor are available to assist clients at J Street. These medical professionals specialize in specific areas related to substance abuse, including addiction prevention and recovery counseling, primary care, and behavior modification.
Ways To Access Free Drug Rehab Services In California
There are a few different ways people can access free or low-cost addiction treatment in the state of California. Read on to learn more.
California Medicaid (Medi-Cal)
California Medicaid, commonly known as Medi-Cal, is a state and federally funded health insurance program that provides drug rehab coverage for eligible residents. A person qualifies for Medi-Cal if their income falls below certain federal poverty level guidelines, making it an essential resource for low-income individuals and families who need addiction treatment but cannot afford private insurance or out-of-pocket costs. This program serves as a vital safety net, ensuring that financial limitations don’t prevent Californians from accessing life-saving substance abuse treatment services.
They will also be eligible for California Medicaid if they are:
- pregnant
- under age 21
- blind
- disabled
- over age 65
- on refugee status
- living in certain types of assisted living homes
- a caregiver to an eligible child
Government Grant Funding In The State Of California
Government grants provide an important pathway for people to receive free or low-cost addiction treatment in California. These grants are specifically designed to help high-risk groups and communities that might not otherwise have access to affordable treatment options, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent people from getting the help they need.
All states, including California, receive funding through the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUBG) program, which is a federal initiative that helps high-risk populations access addiction treatment services. This program allows California to distribute resources to treatment centers and programs throughout the state, making it possible for more people to receive quality care regardless of their ability to pay for treatment.
State-Run Rehab Programs
State-funded rehab centers extend these benefits to residents of the state who don’t have health insurance coverage or live on low incomes.
Programs at state-run rehab facilities in California are usually at least partially discounted based on a person’s income.
Are There Other Low-Cost Drug Rehab Options In California?
Even if a person does not meet the requirements for free alcohol and drug abuse treatment, they still have a few options for affordable recovery programs in California.
Non-Profit Organizations
Sometimes, you can find free treatment at rehab centers that are also non-profit organizations. Many times, these recovery centers are funded by local churches.
Sliding Scales
Many drug and alcohol rehab centers charge people based on sliding fee scales, a payment option that is based on the client’s income.
Other Payment Options
While not all rehab centers offer financial assistance programs, there are some that do. These programs are usually based on a person’s income and may involve reimbursement after a program is completed.
FAQs About Free Drug Rehab Centers In California
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding free drug rehab programs.
Should I Only Attend A Free Rehab Center That Is Accredited?
It is always a good idea to choose a rehab center that is accredited, because you know that you can trust the quality of the services provided there.
Do Free Rehab Centers Offer Outpatient Treatment?
Most free drug rehabilitation centers offer outpatient treatment services.
Other substance abuse treatment programs offered may include:
- residential treatment
- transitional living
- support groups and 12-step programs
- treatment for co-occurring disorders
Do Free Drug Rehab Centers Accept Pregnant Women?
Some free rehab centers in California accept pregnant women, as well as women with children. Some rehab centers are even for women and children specifically.
Check with the rehab center you are considering to learn if they offer gender-specific or specialized care.
Find additional free California rehab centers in a city near you:
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Medicaid.gov — Medicaid & CHIP in California
https://www.medicaid.gov/state-overviews/stateprofile.html?state=California - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Find Treatment
https://findtreatment.gov - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Grant Awards By State
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grants-dashboard
