The high cost of addiction treatment prevents countless people in Atlanta from getting the help they desperately need to overcome drug and alcohol abuse. Many individuals and families simply can’t afford the thousands of dollars that private rehab programs charge, leaving them feeling trapped and hopeless. Fortunately, Atlanta offers numerous free and low-cost treatment options that make recovery accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Free rehab services in Atlanta are made possible through various funding sources including Georgia Medicaid, federal and state grants, non-profit organizations, and faith-based programs. Depending on which payment method or program you qualify for, you may receive completely free treatment or only need to pay a small co-pay. These facilities provide comprehensive addiction care including residential inpatient programs, medical detox, outpatient counseling, day treatment, sober living housing, case management, and aftercare services.
Learn more about finding free rehab centers in Georgia
Advertisers from our partners may appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
Atlanta, Georgia
#1 Ascensa Health Family Care Center
Ascensa Health is open to anyone seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. This facility is free of cost for clients.
Show MoreAscensa Health is open to anyone seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. This facility is free of cost for clients.
Atlanta, Georgia
#2 Empowerment Resource Center
This non-profit rehab facility can be paid for with funds provided through Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance. Payment assistance is also available for qualifying clients.
Show MoreThis non-profit rehab facility can be paid for with funds provided through Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance. Payment assistance is also available for qualifying clients.
Atlanta, Georgia
#3 Grady Health System
Grady Health System’s behavioral health department offers a range of evidence-based addiction recovery treatments. Services here can be paid for using funds from Medicare and Medicaid.
Show MoreGrady Health System’s behavioral health department offers a range of evidence-based addiction recovery treatments. Services here can be paid for using funds from Medicare and Medicaid.
Atlanta, Georgia
#4 MARR Addiction Treatment Centers
MARR offers substance abuse treatment services for men, women, and recovering professionals in the Atlanta area. This facility is free, no payment is needed.
Show MoreMARR offers substance abuse treatment services for men, women, and recovering professionals in the Atlanta area. This facility is free, no payment is needed.
Atlanta, Georgia
#5 WestCare Georgia
WestCare is a non-profit organization that offers free treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness.
Show MoreWestCare is a non-profit organization that offers free treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness.
How Can I Get Free Drug Or Alcohol Treatment In Atlanta
Atlanta residents with addiction have multiple pathways to access free or affordable treatment services.
Georgia Medicaid Coverage
Georgia Medicaid provides free healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents throughout the state. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements such as having a household income below specific limits, being pregnant, having children under 18, being elderly (65 or older), or having a disability. Once approved for Georgia Medicaid, you can use your coverage to access addiction treatment services at participating rehab facilities throughout Atlanta.
If you think you might qualify, you can apply online through the Georgia Gateway website or visit your local Division of Family and Children Services office for assistance with the application process.
Read more about using Georgia Medicaid to pay for drug and alcohol treatment
State And Federal Grants
Georgia offers several grant-funded programs that help people pay for addiction treatment when they don’t have insurance or can’t afford care. One valuable option is the Access to Recovery (ATR) voucher program, which provides vouchers that cover the cost of treatment at participating facilities. These vouchers give you the freedom to choose your own treatment provider from a list of approved programs rather than being assigned to a specific facility.
Another major funding source is the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Each year, Georgia receives millions of dollars through this grant, which is then distributed to treatment facilities throughout the state. Rehab centers that receive SABG funding can use this money to provide free or reduced-cost services to people who lack insurance.
Non-Profit And Faith-Based Treatment Centers
Many addiction treatment facilities in Atlanta operate as non-profit or faith-based organizations that provide free or low-cost care regardless of ability to pay. These centers receive funding through charitable donations, private grants, religious organizations, and community fundraising efforts that allow them to offer services at no cost or for minimal fees.
Non-profit secular organizations focus purely on evidence-based treatment without religious components. Both types are committed to helping anyone who needs addiction treatment, and many operate on a “no one turned away” policy for people who truly cannot pay.
Sliding Fee Scales And Payment Assistance
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid or grant programs but still can’t afford full-price treatment, many Atlanta rehab centers offer sliding fee scales based on your income and family size. With a sliding scale, the amount you pay is adjusted to match what you can reasonably afford. People with lower incomes pay less, while those who earn more contribute more. You’ll typically need to provide proof of income such as pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to qualify.
Some facilities also offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months or even years, or scholarship funds for people in extreme financial hardship.
Free Rehab Centers In Atlanta FAQs
Still have questions about free rehab in Atlanta? See the frequently asked questions below to help narrow your search.
❓ Who Can Get Free Rehab In Atlanta?
✔️ To get free rehab you will likely have to qualify for Medicaid or a government-awarded grant for addiction treatment. Most centers will also have income requirements for their no-cost programs.
❓ What Other Financing Options Are There For Rehab In Atlanta?
✔️ Some rehab centers in Atlanta are funded entirely through donations. These facilities typically offer their services completely free, with little to no out-of-pocket cost to you.
❓ How Long Is A Stay At A Free Rehab Center In Atlanta?
✔️ The time frame depends on the extent of care you need to achieve sobriety, such as whether you need detoxification and short-term or long-term care.
Typically, recovery programs offer stays for at least 30-days, depending on the severity of the drug addiction. Some people may need additional months or even years in sober living to recover.
❓ What’s The Benefit Of Free Rehab In Atlanta?
✔️ Free rehab costs you nothing. A treatment facility may request a small fee for boarding costs, but it will still be far more affordable than for-profit facilities.
Another benefit is the evidence-based treatment plans available in free rehab. These practices are proven to create the best outcomes for long-term success.
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.
- Georgia Medicaid — Basic Eligibility
https://medicaid.georgia.gov/how-apply/basic-eligibility - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Grants
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Find Treatment Locator
https://findtreatment.gov/locator
