Many drug abuse treatment centers charge high prices for detox, residential treatment, and other programs, which is a major barrier to many who need addiction treatment.
In Boston, those with substance use disorders can find free and low-cost treatment at many rehab centers.
Free treatment can be attained through government assistance programs, charities, faith-based organizations, grants, and more.
Learn more about free treatment centers in Massachusetts
Free Rehab Centers In Boston, MA
There are several free and low-cost options in the city of Boston.
These rehab centers offer payment assistance, accept Medicaid, or fund their programs through outside sources so participants can access free addiction treatment options.
The treatment facilities below were selected for:
- accreditation
- Google ratings and client reviews
- use of evidence-based treatment
- other important selection criteria
1. Bay Cove Human Services, Boston, Massachusetts
Here, MassHealth covers the cost of addiction treatment services.
Bay Cove provides seven different treatment programs for those overcoming addiction, including aftercare services, counseling, and treatment for opioid addiction.
Support for Bay Cove includes:
- a 4.3-star Google rating
- evidence-based treatment
Location and contact information:
66 Canal St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 371-3000
2. Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
The Adolescent Substance Use & Addiction Program (ASAP) provides treatment for substance abuse in children, including treatment for vaping.
Free treatment can be obtained through MassHealth coverage (only select plans accepted).
This healthcare center is backed by the following qualifications:
- recognition from U.S. News and World Report as one of the best children’s hospitals
- a 4.4-star Google rating
Location and contact information:
300 Longwood Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
3. The Dimock Center, Boston, Massachusetts
For those who have Massachusetts Medicaid, or MassHealth, services are fully covered with no out-of-pocket costs.
There are several residential substance abuse treatment programs here, which include group therapy and sober living arrangements.
The Dimock Center is supported by:
- a 3.3-star Google rating
- evidence-based therapy
- success stories from past clients
Location and contact information:
55 Dimock St.
Boston, MA 02119
(617) 442-8800
4. Fenway Community Health Center Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Boston, Massachusetts
This is a public health and wellness facility offering medical and behavioral health services.
Fenway offers free one-on-one sessions for tobacco cessation. Other services, such as group therapy and Suboxone treatment, are covered under MassHealth.
Top qualities of Fenway include:
- Joint Commission accreditation
- recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH)
Location and contact information:
1340 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-0900
How Can I Get Free Drug Or Alcohol Treatment In Boston?
You have multiple options for financial assistance for behavioral health services.
Here are some of the ways you might obtain free treatment at a drug rehab center:
Medicaid Coverage
One of the best ways to get free treatment is through Medicaid coverage. This is a government-funded medical assistance program for individuals and families.
If you earn 200% of the federal poverty level and make $25,764 per year or less, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage.
There are a few copayments for Massachusetts Medicaid, but these charges are very small, and many people are exempt from copays.
Learn more about using your Medicaid program to pay for drug rehab in Massachusetts
State And Federal Grants For Boston Free Drug Rehab
Another way you might find free treatment at a drug or alcohol rehab center is with government grants dedicated to helping those with addiction to find treatment.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG).
This grant is aimed at helping pregnant women, women with children, people who use intravenous drugs, and other groups.
Several state grants offer substance abuse assistance to organizations and individuals.
Nonprofit And Faith-Based Organizations
Nonprofits and faith-based organizations are usually donation-based or funded through the government.
Because of this, many of these organizations can offer free services to those in need of assistance.
What Other Financing Options Are There For Rehab In Boston?
You may not qualify for a free treatment program, but there are plenty of other funding sources to reduce your cost to a low payment or $0.
Consider the following options:
Private Health Insurance
Many people have health insurance but don’t know that their insurance provider covers nearly the full cost of treatment. Verify which programs your provider covers, and see if private health insurance is an option.
Medicaid
In Massachusetts, Medicaid covers detox programs, behavioral therapy, inpatient treatment, and more. If you’re a low-income resident of Massachusetts, Medicaid is available to cover substance abuse services.
Sliding Fee Scales
Organizations and rehabs that take Medicaid also usually offer a sliding fee payment scale that’s adjusted based on a person’s income.
This will ensure a reasonable level of payment based on what you can afford with your current income.
Scholarships
A rehab program may also offer scholarships to assist with the cost of your treatment plan. Scholarships can cover expenses for most, if not all, of treatment services.
Free Rehab Centers In Boston FAQs
When it comes to finding free addiction treatment, it’s difficult to sift through what’s truly free and what’s not.
To offer assistance in differentiating between free rehabs in Boston, we’ve answered a few common questions.
❓ How Does Boston Free Drug Rehab Work?
✔️ You may be asked a series of questions or to show proof that you are in need of free or cost-adjusted services.
If you’re using Medicaid to cover the cost of an addiction treatment center, you’ll need to bring your member ID to the recovery center.
Once you’ve worked everything out with the rehab, you can begin treatment and stay as long as the program allows for free services.
❓ Who Can Get Free Rehab In Boston?
✔️ Low-income children, young adults, and adults can get free addiction recovery services in Boston.
Treatment centers generally require certain qualifications to be met before extending free services, and Medicaid is available for residents of the Massachusetts who meet income limits.
❓ How Long Can I Stay At A Free Rehab Center In Boston?
✔️ Most of the free treatment programs are short-term, lasting up to 30 days. It is possible to stay in treatment longer, depending on your financial assistance or the rehab center.
Find Free Drug And Alcohol Rehab In Boston
Do you or a loved one need free addiction treatment? The cost of rehab can be intimidating, but we’re here to provide another way.
When you call our helpline, you’ll learn about what rehabs are available, treatment programs you can enroll in, and much more.
Call us today to speak with a treatment specialist about the next steps toward recovery.
Published on September 15, 2021
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.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/block-grants/sabg - Mass.gov — MassHealth
https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth