8 Free Or Low-Cost Massachusetts Rehab Centers

Massachusetts is home to several free drug and alcohol rehab centers designed to help people of lesser financial means get the help they need.

Free treatment programs may include services such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups.

Whether you’re looking for yourself or a loved one, free rehab facilities in Massachusetts will provide the evidence-based care required to achieve long-term sobriety.

List Of Free Rehab Facilities In Massachusetts

The free rehab centers listed below were chosen based on accreditation status, Google ratings, positive feedback from past clients, and other accolades.

1. Column Health, Arlington, Massachusetts

Clients seeking addiction recovery in Arlington, MA can find evidence-based care at Column Health. Treatment services include CBT, MAT, relapse prevention, and counseling services.

Free treatment can be accessed at Column Health through MassHealth Medicaid coverage, which has $0 co-pays.

This addiction treatment center is backed by:

• Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation
• LegitScript certification
• positive testimonials from past clients

Here, people may attend virtual group therapy sessions anonymously or see a treatment specialist in person if they choose to.

2. Eleanor Health, Waltham, Massachusetts

This outpatient program in Waltham, MA offers free and low-cost care when clients have Medicaid or Medicare health insurance coverage.

Drug and alcohol treatment options include:

• medically monitored detox
• day treatment and partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• aftercare services
• MAT
• CBT

The top qualities of this program include accreditation from CARF and verification from Psychology Today.

3. Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC), Woburn, Massachusetts

HCRC Woburn offers free and low-cost treatment plans for opioid addiction. This facility specializes in MAT using methadone in an outpatient setting.

Free care can be accessed at HCRC through government-issued grants, MassHealth coverage, and other state-financed health insurance plans other than Medicaid.

The best features of this treatment facility include backing from the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) and CARF accreditation.

4. Institute For Health And Recovery (IHR), Boston, Massachusetts

At this addiction recovery center in Boston, MA clients can find free treatment options through MassHealth coverage.

Treatment options for drug abuse include trauma-related counseling, telehealth therapy, relapse prevention services, and more.

IHR is backed by CARF accreditation, excellent client testimonials, and a federal partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

5. Phoenix House Transitional Support Services, Holyoke, Massachusetts

Phoenix House is a free residential rehab center in Holyoke, MA that offers a range of services including CBT, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and more.

Once a client completes residential treatment at Phoenix House, they may transition to the sober living program where they can continue their recovery journey.

The top features of this treatment center include positive client testimonials and CARF accreditation.

To receive free treatment at Phoenix House, clients need to enroll in MassHealth or Medicare health insurance.

6. Spectrum Health Systems, Framingham, Massachusetts

People with substance use disorders can find an array of treatment services at Spectrum Health Systems for little to no cost.

This rehabilitation program in Framingham, MA accepts state-issued insurance such as MassHealth, federal insurance programs such as Tricare (military insurance), and other government health insurance plans.

The best qualities of Spectrum Health Systems include CARF accreditation, positive feedback from past clients, and a 4.2-star Google rating.

7. Square Medical Group, Watertown, Massachusetts

This behavioral health program in Watertown, MA provides people with addiction treatments such as detox, MAT, and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP).

Square Medical Group is backed by:

• excellent testimonials from past clients
• a 3.7-star Google rating
• an array of evidence-based treatment options

Clients may receive free and low-cost services here when they’re covered with MassHealth state insurance and Medicare.

8. VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts

Veterans and eligible military dependents can find substance abuse treatment in Bedford, MA at the VA Bedford Healthcare System.

To receive free treatment at the VA, veterans must first apply for benefits at the facility or through the VA.gov website. The VA also accepts Tricare and Medicare insurance coverage.

Drug addiction treatment programs include:

• detox centers
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
• case management services
• support groups for alcohol addiction
• short-term residential care

This facility features high reviews on Google and offers evidence-based treatment services such as detox and MAT in an inpatient or outpatient treatment setting.

Ways To Access Free Rehab In Massachusetts

There are several ways to access free rehab services in Massachusetts if you can’t afford to pay out of pocket or you don’t have a private health insurance plan.

Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth)

MassHealth is a health insurance program that covers people with low and medium-incomes in Massachusetts.

Health care benefits are paid for by the state and offer different types of coverage based on your age, disability status, parental status, and more.

To be eligible for MassHealth, you must be one or more of the following:

• a Massachusetts resident
• your financial situation must be characterized as low-income or very low income
• a parent living with your children younger than 19 years old
• disabled or taking care of a disabled person
• a breast or cervical cancer patient
• pregnant

If you qualify for MassHealth insurance, a rehab program may be completely free of charge provided they accept MassHealth coverage.

Government Grant Funding In The State Of Massachusetts

Below you can find some of the federal grant funds available for substance use disorder treatment programs in Massachusetts.

Federal funding for rehab centers include:

• Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) — The SABG block grant is distributed to all states in the U.S. The grant targets groups at high risk for substance abuse.
• Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) — The MHBG program targets adults with serious mental illnesses and children with emotional disturbances.

Rehab facilities that receive federal grant money must use the funds to provide treatment for people in at-risk populations.

State-Run Rehab Programs

State-run rehab centers in Massachusetts are facilities that are partially or entirely funded through the state.

People in need of addiction treatment can get free care at a state-run program if they meet certain income thresholds.

Are There Other Low-Cost Drug Rehab Options In Massachusetts?

Sometimes, people may make too much money or don’t meet the eligibility requirements to attend a program with no out-of-pocket costs.

For people in this predicament, there are an array of other options that can help make the stay at a rehab center affordable.

Non-Profit Organizations

Another option for affordable and free drug rehab is attending a donation-based or faith-based facility.

These addiction treatment services are entirely funded through donations, and may require clients to pay a small fee upon admissions to help cover boarding costs for inpatient treatment.

Sliding Scales

Many rehabilitation centers in Massachusetts offer a sliding fee scale based on a person’s income. This payment system allows people to pay only what they can afford.

You will typically need to provide pay stubs, bills, and other personal financial information to be eligible for a sliding fee scale.

Other Payment Options

Payment plans are available at many rehab centers in the state. You may be eligible to receive financing directly through the rehab program and pay for the cost of treatment in installments.

Find Free Addiction Recovery Programs In Massachusetts

There are several rehab centers in Massachusetts for people of little to no income. These evidence-based programs can help you or your loved one reach long-term recovery.

Call our helpline today for more information. Our team can assist you in finding a treatment provider, or provide a referral for medical advice.

Updated on June 24, 2022

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff