Key Takeaways
- The cost of rehab in California varies widely, ranging from $250 per day for detox to $30,000 or more for a 30-day residential program, depending on the facility and amenities.
- Most health insurance plans are legally required to cover substance abuse treatment under the Affordable Care Act, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for Californians.
- Medi-Cal covers addiction treatment for qualifying low-income residents, including detox, residential care, and outpatient programs at no cost.
- Sliding scale fees, state-funded programs, and nonprofit treatment centers offer viable alternatives for individuals without insurance or with limited financial resources.
- The long-term cost of untreated addiction, including healthcare expenses, lost income, and legal fees, far exceeds the cost of professional treatment.
- Trust SoCal offers free insurance verification and works with most major plans to minimize your financial burden while maximizing quality of care.
Understanding the Cost of Rehab in California
The cost of rehab in California is one of the most common concerns for individuals and families considering addiction treatment. Financial uncertainty should never prevent someone from getting the help they need, yet many people delay treatment because they assume it is unaffordable. The reality is that California offers a wider range of treatment options and financial assistance programs than almost any other state in the nation.
Rehab costs in California depend on several variables, including the level of care required, the length of stay, the facility's location and amenities, and whether you have insurance. A luxury residential program in Malibu will cost significantly more than a state-funded outpatient program in Fountain Valley. However, the clinical outcomes often depend more on the quality of the therapeutic team and the treatment modalities used than on the price tag.
This guide provides a transparent breakdown of what you can expect to pay at each level of care, how insurance and public programs can reduce your costs, and practical strategies for making treatment affordable. At Trust SoCal, we believe that financial barriers should never stand between a person and recovery.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, every dollar invested in addiction treatment yields a return of $4 to $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft. When healthcare savings are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1.
Average Cost of Rehab in California by Level of Care
Treatment costs vary dramatically depending on the intensity and setting of care. California offers every level on the American Society of Addiction Medicine continuum, from brief outpatient counseling to medically managed inpatient treatment. Understanding these tiers helps you match your clinical needs with your budget.
Medical Detoxification: $250 to $800 Per Day
Medical detox is typically the first step for individuals with physical dependence on substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. In California, the cost of medically supervised detox ranges from $250 to $800 per day, with most programs lasting three to seven days. This places the total cost of detox between $750 and $5,600 depending on the substance, severity of withdrawal, and facility type.
Hospital-based detox programs tend to cost more due to the higher overhead of acute medical settings. Freestanding detox facilities and residential programs that include detox services are generally more affordable while still providing 24-hour medical supervision and medication management.
Residential Treatment: $10,000 to $30,000 Per 30 Days
Residential or inpatient rehabilitation provides around-the-clock structured care including individual therapy, group counseling, medical monitoring, and holistic activities. Standard residential programs in California typically cost between $10,000 and $30,000 for a 30-day stay. Luxury and executive programs can range from $30,000 to $80,000 or more per month.
The wide cost range reflects differences in accommodation quality, staff-to-client ratios, specialized programming, and geographic location. Coastal facilities in Orange County and Los Angeles tend to carry higher price points, while inland programs may be more affordable. However, insurance can cover the majority of residential treatment costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses to a fraction of the sticker price.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): $350 to $450 Per Day
Partial hospitalization programs offer five to seven hours of structured treatment daily, five to seven days per week, while allowing clients to return home or to sober living in the evenings. PHP costs in California typically range from $350 to $450 per day, translating to roughly $7,000 to $13,500 per month depending on the program duration.
PHP serves as an effective step-down from residential treatment or as a primary treatment option for individuals whose clinical needs do not require 24-hour supervision but who benefit from an intensive daily schedule.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): $200 to $300 Per Day
Intensive outpatient programs provide nine or more hours of structured treatment per week, typically spread across three to five sessions. IOP costs in California range from $200 to $300 per day, with total program costs between $5,000 and $10,000 for a standard eight-to-twelve-week program.
IOP is the most flexible level of clinical care, allowing individuals to maintain work, school, or family commitments while receiving evidence-based treatment. Many insurance plans provide strong coverage for IOP, making it one of the most financially accessible treatment options.
How Insurance Reduces the Cost of Rehab in California
Insurance is the single most effective tool for reducing rehab costs. Under the Affordable Care Act, substance use disorder treatment is classified as an essential health benefit, meaning most health plans must cover it. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act further requires that coverage for addiction treatment be comparable to coverage for other medical conditions.
In practical terms, insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket cost for a $25,000 residential program to between $500 and $5,000 depending on your plan's deductible, copayment structure, and out-of-pocket maximum. Many individuals who have met their annual deductible may pay nothing at all for treatment.
California's SB 855 strengthens these protections by requiring insurers to use evidence-based criteria, specifically the ASAM guidelines, when making medical necessity determinations. This means insurers cannot arbitrarily deny coverage based on proprietary criteria that conflict with established clinical standards.
Request a free insurance verification before committing to any treatment program. Trust SoCal's admissions team can contact your insurer, obtain a detailed benefits breakdown, and provide a clear estimate of your expected out-of-pocket costs within hours.
Medi-Cal Coverage for Addiction Treatment
Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, provides comprehensive addiction treatment coverage at no cost for qualifying low-income residents. Through the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System, eligible individuals can access detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, opioid treatment programs, and medication-assisted treatment without paying out of pocket.
Eligibility for Medi-Cal is based on income and household size. Single adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, approximately $20,783 per year in 2026, generally qualify. The application process can be completed online through Covered California or at local county social services offices.
While Medi-Cal covers a broad range of services, the availability of residential treatment beds can be limited, and wait times may apply. Some individuals choose to explore private-pay or PPO insurance options for faster access to residential care. Trust SoCal primarily accepts PPO insurance plans and can help clients understand all available coverage options.
Alternative Ways to Pay for Rehab in California
For individuals without insurance or with limited coverage, several alternative funding mechanisms exist to make treatment accessible. California invests more in public substance abuse treatment than most states, and numerous nonprofit and faith-based organizations offer reduced-cost or free services.
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs that provide free short-term counseling and referrals for substance abuse treatment. Check with your HR department to learn about available EAP benefits that may cover initial assessment and treatment coordination.
Sliding Scale and Scholarship Programs
Many treatment centers offer sliding scale fees based on income and ability to pay. These programs adjust the cost of treatment proportionally, ensuring that lower-income individuals can access quality care. Some facilities also offer scholarship funds or hardship waivers that can cover a portion or all of the treatment cost for qualifying applicants.
State-Funded Treatment Programs
California's Department of Health Care Services funds substance abuse treatment programs throughout the state. These programs are administered through county behavioral health departments and offer free or low-cost services including outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and in some cases residential care. Contact your county behavioral health department for information on available programs in your area.
SAMHSA Grants and Federal Funding
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides grants to treatment facilities that serve uninsured and underinsured populations. Facilities receiving SAMHSA grants are required to provide services regardless of ability to pay. The SAMHSA treatment locator at findtreatment.gov can help you identify grant-funded programs in Southern California.
The True Cost of Not Getting Treatment
When evaluating the cost of rehab in California, it is essential to consider the alternative: the cost of continued active addiction. Research consistently demonstrates that untreated addiction generates expenses that dwarf the cost of even premium residential treatment programs.
The average person with an untreated substance use disorder incurs approximately $25,000 to $50,000 per year in direct costs including substances purchased, medical emergencies, legal fees, and lost productivity. Over a five-year period, these costs can exceed $125,000 to $250,000, not accounting for the incalculable toll on relationships, mental health, and quality of life.
Treatment, by contrast, interrupts this cycle and provides a foundation for sustained recovery. A single 30-day residential program costing $15,000 to $25,000 can save hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime when it leads to lasting sobriety. The investment in treatment is among the highest-return decisions a person or family can make.
At Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley, we are committed to making quality addiction treatment accessible. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day to help you understand your options, verify your insurance, and develop a financial plan that works for your situation. Call (949) 280-8360 to begin your free, confidential consultation today.
Madeline Villarreal, Counselor
Counselor
