Tennessee residents with a substance use disorder have access to a vast network of free and low-cost treatment options, regardless of their financial situation. Across the state, rehab centers funded through federal and state grants, Medicaid, nonprofit organizations, and private donations provide professional addiction care to those who need it most. Cost alone should never be a reason someone goes without help.
Free treatment centers in Tennessee offer services such as medical detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, mental health support, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare planning. The facilities listed below have been selected based on quality of care, accreditation, and their commitment to serving Tennessee residents regardless of their ability to pay.
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Clarksville, Tennessee
#1 Buffalo Valley
Buffalo Valley was incorporated in 1979 as a small, community-based alcohol and drug abuse treatment center. It has since expanded its services to include a continuum of care and supportive services such as housing assistance for people with disabilities and people with low incomes.
Along with addiction treatment services, Buffalo Valley offers psychological evaluations, self-esteem-enhancement training, and life skills counseling.
Show MoreBuffalo Valley was incorporated in 1979 as a small, community-based alcohol and drug abuse treatment center. It has since expanded its services to include a continuum of care and supportive services such as housing assistance for people with disabilities and people with low incomes.
Along with addiction treatment services, Buffalo Valley offers psychological evaluations, self-esteem-enhancement training, and life skills counseling.
The facility in Clarksville offers partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient treatment, standard outpatient care, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The PHP is for clients who have completed a live-in level of care but still require structured treatment while they live at home.
The IOP is offered via morning or evening sessions lasting approximately three hours. There are usually three sessions per week, but more can be scheduled if needed. This level of care includes group sessions, family education, individual therapy, 12-step meetings, clinical case management, random drug screens, and relapse prevention.
Louisville, Tennessee
#2 Cornerstone Of Recovery
Cornerstone of Recovery has been helping people overcome drug and alcohol abuse since 1989. Many of the professional treatment providers here have experienced addiction first-hand and can therefore better relate to clients.
Treatment options include various levels of care, incorporating evidence-based and holistic therapies. Options include residential treatment, outpatient programs, extended care programs, and detox services.
Show MoreCornerstone of Recovery has been helping people overcome drug and alcohol abuse since 1989. Many of the professional treatment providers here have experienced addiction first-hand and can therefore better relate to clients.
Treatment options include various levels of care, incorporating evidence-based and holistic therapies. Options include residential treatment, outpatient programs, extended care programs, and detox services.
Residential clients receive care on a sprawling 24-acre campus, offering amenities such as comfortable semi-private accommodations and nutritious dining options. A 15,000-square-foot gymnasium, a ropes course, and a yoga studio enable clients to engage in daily recreational activities.
Specialized programs cater to specific groups such as healthcare, legal, and business professionals, active-duty military personnel and veterans, railroad and aviation professionals, people living with chronic pain, and adolescents.
Memphis, Tennessee
#3 First Step Recovery Centers
First Step Recovery Centers welcomes all people, regardless of the challenges or problems they face. The facility provides wellness-enhancing recovery options, including integrated services for alcohol and drug addiction and other behavioral health issues.
First Step Recovery Centers will conduct a comprehensive screening for all clients to determine treatment needs and the appropriate level of care. The treatment center views each disorder (alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and mental illness) as primary, with treatment services provided with this philosophy in mind.
Show MoreFirst Step Recovery Centers welcomes all people, regardless of the challenges or problems they face. The facility provides wellness-enhancing recovery options, including integrated services for alcohol and drug addiction and other behavioral health issues.
First Step Recovery Centers will conduct a comprehensive screening for all clients to determine treatment needs and the appropriate level of care. The treatment center views each disorder (alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and mental illness) as primary, with treatment services provided with this philosophy in mind.
First Step offers an intensive outpatient program, with treatment lengths based on client progress, along with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for clients with opioid use disorders. Clients will be referred to a local medical provider for prescription medications such as Suboxone and Vivitrol.
Memphis, Tennessee
#4 Grace House Of Memphis
Grace House of Memphis was founded in 1976 by Pat Stokes, who had a vision of establishing a safe home for women in the community. In its more than 47 years of service, Grace House has never turned a woman away because of an inability to pay for treatment.
Long-term residential treatment addresses alcohol and drug addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, trauma, family issues, and more.
Show MoreGrace House of Memphis was founded in 1976 by Pat Stokes, who had a vision of establishing a safe home for women in the community. In its more than 47 years of service, Grace House has never turned a woman away because of an inability to pay for treatment.
Long-term residential treatment addresses alcohol and drug addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, trauma, family issues, and more.
Each client is treated individually and holistically using an integrated care model that offers many treatments and supportive services. The safe, home-like environment offers clients the opportunity to participate in the day-to-day functioning of a home and learn self-care.
Long-term rehabilitation can last from three to six months. The halfway house program can last from three months to a year.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
#5 Helen Ross McNabb Center
The McNabb Center is one of the region’s leading providers of mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and supportive services. Established in 1948, the McNabb Center is dedicated to delivering care to residents with the greatest needs and the fewest resources. The facility delivers support to more than 45,000 people throughout east Tennessee each year.
Alcohol and drug addiction treatment options offered here include residential programs for both adults and adolescents, intensive outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Show MoreThe McNabb Center is one of the region’s leading providers of mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and supportive services. Established in 1948, the McNabb Center is dedicated to delivering care to residents with the greatest needs and the fewest resources. The facility delivers support to more than 45,000 people throughout east Tennessee each year.
Alcohol and drug addiction treatment options offered here include residential programs for both adults and adolescents, intensive outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
In addition to standard mental health and substance abuse services, the center extends support through social services, veterans treatment, and more. The McNabb Center’s Military Services program is accessible to military personnel, their family members, and their caregivers. Specially trained therapists are available to aid active military personnel and veterans, with services provided at no cost.
Nashville, Tennessee
#6 Samaritan Recovery Community
Samaritan Recovery Community has been serving the middle Tennessee community since 1964. Over the years, this rehab center has become a recognized leader in the chemical dependency field by offering quality addiction treatment programs.
The highly structured residential program is available to both men and women facing substance use disorders, with the typical person who attends the program being in his or her late-20s to mid-30s. Treatment modalities and activities include individual and group counseling, 12-step programs, and health and nutritional counseling.
Show MoreSamaritan Recovery Community has been serving the middle Tennessee community since 1964. Over the years, this rehab center has become a recognized leader in the chemical dependency field by offering quality addiction treatment programs.
The highly structured residential program is available to both men and women facing substance use disorders, with the typical person who attends the program being in his or her late-20s to mid-30s. Treatment modalities and activities include individual and group counseling, 12-step programs, and health and nutritional counseling.
Clients attend 12-step meetings at Samaritan as well as in the community, and attend step workshops conducted at the facility by agency staff and invited speakers.
Clients also engage in educational lectures, lifestyle management classes, leisure-time activities, and other group facilitation.
Ways To Access Free Drug Rehab Programs In Tennessee
There are usually a few ways to get free or low-cost addiction treatment in Tennessee. However, not all rehab centers accept these types of funding, so it’s important to ask when you call.
Federal Grants
In 2023, Tennessee received more than $126 million in grants from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). These grants help pay for addiction treatment across the state.
SAMHSA’s block grants go to all 50 states and include:
- the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant
- the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant
These grants can help cover some or all of your treatment costs if you qualify. The rehab center you choose will help you figure out if you’re eligible for this funding.
Tennessee Medicaid
Tennessee’s Medicaid program is called TennCare, and it covers drug rehab treatment for people with low incomes.
You might qualify for TennCare if you:
- receive Supplemental Security Income
- are a parent living with your minor child
- are pregnant
- meet other low-income requirements
Are There Other Low-Cost Drug Rehab Options In Tennessee?
If you don’t qualify for free treatment, you still have options. First, check if your health insurance covers addiction treatment. Many insurance plans are required to cover these services. You can also look into getting a personal loan from a bank or lending company. Finally, many rehab centers offer payment plans that let you pay over time, or they use sliding scale fees based on how much money you make.
How To Get Free Treatment In Tennessee
Tennessee received more than $126 million in federal addiction treatment funding in 2023, which means resources are out there for residents who need them. The challenge for many people is not the availability of help but knowing how to access it. The process is more straightforward than most people expect.
Here are some ways to get started:
- Apply for TennCare if you have not already done so. Applications can be submitted online at tenncare.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Department of Human Services office.
- Contact treatment centers directly and ask specifically about grant-funded openings, sliding scale fees, or state-funded program availability. Many facilities have financial assistance options that are not listed on their websites.
- Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA’s) free helpline, which is available around the clock to connect Tennessee residents with local treatment resources regardless of income or insurance status.
- Check with your existing insurance provider if you have coverage, as most plans are legally required to cover substance use disorder treatment at parity with other medical conditions.
- Ask about payment plans or sliding scale fees at facilities that do charge, as many Tennessee rehab centers will work with clients to make treatment financially possible.
One phone call to a treatment center or SAMHSA is often all it takes to get the process moving. Tennessee has the funding and the facilities to help anyone who is ready to seek treatment.
FAQs About Free Drug Rehab Centers
View the frequently asked questions below if you have questions about free drug rehab centers.
Do Free Drug Rehab Centers Offer Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab refers to living in the facility during treatment, and some free rehab centers offer this level of care. Most free drug rehab centers also offer outpatient services.
Does Tennessee Offer State-Funded Treatment?
Yes. There are several rehab centers in Tennesse that are funded by the state. These programs are for those who may not be able to afford treatment on their own.
Do Free Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers Offer Aftercare?
Some do, but not all. When choosing a free treatment facility, it is important to ask if aftercare is provided, such as transitional living options and other ongoing care for recovery support.
Find additional free Tennessee rehab centers in a city near you:
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- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Find Treatment
https://findtreatment.gov/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Tennessee Summaries FY 2022
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grants-dashboard?f%5B0%5D=by_award_fy%3A2022&f%5B1%5D=by_state%3ATennessee - Tennessee Department of Health — Data Dashboard
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/pdo/pdo/data-dashboard.html