Rehab Cost in Georgia: 2026 Treatment Cost Guide
Georgia’s addiction crisis has escalated rapidly, driven by a dramatic surge in fentanyl. The state recorded approximately 2,569 drug overdose deaths in 2023, with fentanyl involved in 65% of all fatalities and opioids overall in 73.2%. Most alarming, Georgia saw a 308% increase in fentanyl-involved deaths from 2019 to 2022 — one of the sharpest rises in the nation. Preliminary 2024 data shows a 22% decline, consistent with national trends.
Georgia faces unique treatment access challenges. With the 5th highest uninsured rate in the nation at 12.9% and only a limited Medicaid expansion (the “Pathways to Coverage” waiver has enrolled just 4,900 people), millions of Georgians lack insurance coverage for addiction treatment. Despite this, the state’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) funds community service boards across all 159 counties. Georgia also ranks as the 8th most affordable state nationally for residential rehab. This guide breaks down what treatment costs, what insurance covers, and how to access care in Georgia.
Rehab Costs in Georgia: 2026 Overview
| Treatment Type | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | $2,000 – $8,000 | $800 – $3,500 | 5-14 days |
| Inpatient Rehab (Standard) | $15,000 – $22,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | 30 days |
| Inpatient Rehab (Mid-Tier) | $22,000 – $35,000 | $10,000 – $16,000 | 30 days |
| Luxury/Executive Programs (Atlanta) | $35,000 – $70,000+ | $14,000 – $30,000 | 30 days |
| Partial Hospitalization (PHP) | $4,000 – $14,000 | $1,500 – $6,000 | per month |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | $3,000 – $10,000 | $1,200 – $4,500 | per month |
| Standard Outpatient | $1,500 – $5,000 | $400 – $2,000 | per month |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment | $200 – $750/month | $20 – $200/month | ongoing |
| Sober Living (Georgia) | $500 – $2,500/month | typically not covered | ongoing |
Source: National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse; Georgia facility-reported data aggregated by ClearCostRecovery, 2026.
Georgia treatment costs rank 3rd most affordable in the Southeast and 8th nationally for residential care, reflecting the state’s lower cost of living compared to Florida and coastal states. Atlanta and its affluent northern suburbs command premium pricing, while cities like Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and Columbus offer more moderate rates. Rural Georgia facilities are the most budget-friendly.
Georgia’s Treatment Landscape
Georgia’s addiction treatment system is coordinated through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), which oversees approximately 500 treatment facilities statewide. DBHDD funds community service boards across all 159 counties, ensuring a baseline of treatment access even in rural areas — though service capacity varies significantly by region.
Distribution of Treatment Facilities by Region
Metro Atlanta (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton): The largest treatment market in the state with approximately 200+ facilities. Mix of luxury private programs (Buckhead, Alpharetta), hospital-based services (Emory, Grady, Piedmont), and community providers. DeKalb County recorded 217 overdose deaths in 2023, reflecting the crisis’s urban concentration.
Savannah/Coastal Georgia (Chatham, Glynn, Camden): Approximately 40 facilities. Growing treatment market with both private and publicly-funded options. Coastal setting attracts some out-of-state treatment seekers.
Augusta/East Georgia (Richmond, Columbia, Burke): Approximately 35 facilities. Strong medical infrastructure through Augusta University Medical Center. Serving communities along the South Carolina border.
Macon/Middle Georgia (Bibb, Houston, Peach): Approximately 30 facilities. Regional hub for Central Georgia treatment services with DBHDD-funded community programs.
Columbus/West Georgia (Muscogee, Harris, Troup): Approximately 25 facilities. Serving communities near the Alabama border with both military-connected and civilian treatment programs (Fort Moore/Fort Benning area).
North Georgia/Mountains (Hall, Whitfield, Bartow): Approximately 30 facilities. Growing market driven by methamphetamine and opioid crisis in Appalachian communities.
Rural South Georgia: Limited treatment infrastructure across large agricultural counties. Residents often travel 50-100+ miles for residential care. Telehealth and mobile services have expanded access, but gaps remain significant.
Key Georgia Treatment Regulations
DBHDD Oversight: DBHDD licenses and monitors addiction treatment facilities, distributes state and federal behavioral health funding, and operates the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL). Community service boards in each county serve as the local delivery system for publicly-funded services.
Community Service Boards: Georgia’s 22 community service boards cover all 159 counties, providing:
- Outpatient addiction counseling
- Crisis stabilization
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Case management and peer support
- Residential referrals for qualifying individuals
Georgia Pathways to Coverage: The state’s limited Medicaid expansion (launched July 2023) covers adults below the poverty level who work or volunteer 80+ hours/month. However, enrollment has been extremely low (approximately 4,900 as of late 2024) due to restrictive work requirements and complex enrollment processes.
Mental Health Parity: Georgia Department of Insurance enforces federal parity requirements for commercial insurance plans.
Insurance Coverage in Georgia
Georgia has the 5th highest uninsured rate in the nation at 12.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023), with approximately 1.4 million residents lacking health insurance. About 15% of Black Georgians and 31% of Latinx Georgians are uninsured.
Major Insurance Carriers in Georgia
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield — Major carrier with extensive Georgia network. Strong coverage for residential and outpatient addiction treatment.
UnitedHealthcare — Large employer and Medicare Advantage presence. Optum manages behavioral health benefits.
Aetna — Strong PPO coverage with national network. Covers residential treatment at 70-80% after deductible.
Cigna — Significant employer plan market share. Evernorth manages behavioral health.
Kaiser Permanente — Integrated system with growing Atlanta metro presence. Comprehensive behavioral health services for members.
Ambetter (Peach State Health Plan) — Major Healthcare.gov marketplace carrier. Essential health benefit coverage includes addiction treatment, though networks are more limited.
CareSource Georgia — Medicaid managed care plan serving qualifying low-income residents.
What Insurance Covers in Georgia
Under federal law and the ACA, your Georgia health insurance must cover:
- Inpatient/residential treatment (all ASAM levels)
- Medical detoxification
- Partial hospitalization (ASAM Level 2.5)
- Intensive outpatient (ASAM Level 2.1)
- Standard outpatient therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (Suboxone, methadone, naltrexone)
- Psychiatric care for co-occurring disorders
- Family therapy and counseling
- Recovery support services
Georgia’s Coverage Gap
Georgia’s decision not to fully expand Medicaid created a significant coverage gap:
Who Qualifies for Georgia Medicaid:
- Pregnant women
- Children under 19 (PeachCare for Kids)
- Parents with dependent children (very low income limits)
- Elderly (65+) and disabled individuals
- Pathways to Coverage: Adults below poverty level with 80+ hours/month work (limited enrollment)
Who Does NOT Qualify:
- Most childless adults, regardless of income
- Adults above very low income thresholds without qualifying conditions
- Approximately 25% of uninsured adults who would qualify under full expansion have mental illness or substance use disorders
For Those in the Coverage Gap:
- DBHDD-funded community service boards (free/sliding scale)
- Healthcare.gov marketplace with subsidies (if income 100-400% FPL)
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (sliding scale)
- Faith-based free programs
- Facility charity care and scholarships
Free and Low-Cost Treatment Options in Georgia
DBHDD-Funded Community Service Boards
Georgia’s 22 community service boards provide publicly-funded behavioral health services across all 159 counties:
- Free or sliding-scale outpatient counseling
- Crisis stabilization services
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Case management and peer support
- Referrals to residential treatment
How to Access: Call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225 (24/7, free and confidential).
Faith-Based and Nonprofit Programs
Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers — Free 6-12 month residential programs in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. Work-therapy model with vocational training.
Atlanta Mission — Faith-based recovery programs providing free residential treatment, transitional housing, and job training in metro Atlanta. Multiple locations serving men, women, and families.
The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center — Free residential addiction treatment in Atlanta.
MARR (Men’s and Women’s Recovery Residences) — Nonprofit long-term residential treatment in Atlanta. Sliding-scale fees with financial assistance available.
Positive Impact Health Centers — Community-based services in Atlanta with addiction treatment integrated with primary care. Sliding-scale fees.
Community Health Centers
Georgia has 35+ FQHCs offering addiction services on sliding fee scales:
- Good Samaritan Health Center (Atlanta)
- Saint Joseph’s/Candler Community Health Centers (Savannah)
- East Georgia Healthcare Center (Swainsboro, Augusta area)
- Community Health Care Systems (Middle Georgia)
- Mercy Care (Atlanta)
Detox Costs in Georgia
Alcohol Detox: $350-$800 per day ($2,450-$11,200 for 7-14 days). Alcohol withdrawal requires 24/7 medical monitoring for seizure risk and delirium tremens.
Opioid Detox: $250-$700 per day ($1,750-$7,000 for 7-10 days). With fentanyl involved in 65% of overdose deaths, extended buprenorphine induction protocols are increasingly standard.
Benzodiazepine Detox: $350-$800 per day ($4,900-$11,200+ for 14+ days). Slow taper protocols required with prolonged seizure monitoring.
Stimulant Detox: $200-$500 per day ($1,000-$3,500 for 5-7 days). Psychiatric monitoring essential for depression during withdrawal.
Most insurance covers medical detox at 80-100%. DBHDD-funded providers offer state-funded detox for uninsured individuals through community service boards.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Costs in Georgia
Suboxone/Buprenorphine:
- Without insurance: $300-$700/month
- With insurance: $25-$175/month
- Georgia has 2,500+ licensed buprenorphine prescribers, concentrated in Atlanta metro
Methadone:
- Without insurance: $250-$500/month
- With insurance: $50-$200/month
- Approximately 45 licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs)
Naltrexone/Vivitrol:
- Oral naltrexone: $50-$150/month without insurance, $10-$50 with insurance
- Vivitrol injection: $1,300-$1,700/month without insurance, $0-$300 with insurance
Among those with opioid addiction, people covered through Medicaid are more than twice as likely as those with private insurance or no insurance to receive treatment — underscoring the importance of coverage expansion for treatment access.
Choosing the Right Rehab in Georgia
With approximately 500 facilities, careful evaluation matters:
Verify State Licensing: Confirm DBHDD licensing status before admission.
Accreditation: Look for Joint Commission, CARF, or COA accreditation beyond state licensing.
Evidence-Based Practices: Quality programs offer CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and MAT when clinically appropriate.
Call GCAL: The Georgia Crisis & Access Line (1-800-715-4225) provides free guidance on finding appropriate treatment.
Insurance Verification: Request written benefits verification before admission.
Georgia Addiction Crisis by the Numbers
Overdose Trends:
- 2019: 1,641 deaths (pre-fentanyl surge)
- 2022: ~2,800 deaths (pandemic-era peak)
- 2023: ~2,569 deaths (fentanyl at 65%, opioids at 73.2%)
- 2024: ~22% preliminary decline
Fentanyl Surge:
- 392 fentanyl deaths in 2019
- 1,601 fentanyl deaths in 2022 (308% increase)
- 2,649 fentanyl cases in 2023
- Overdose death rate increased 79% since 2018
Substances of Concern:
- Fentanyl/synthetic opioids: 65% of all overdose deaths
- Cocaine: Significant presence, often mixed with fentanyl
- Methamphetamine: Rising sharply, particularly in North Georgia
- Heroin: Declining as fentanyl dominates
- Alcohol: Most common substance use disorder statewide
Georgia Addiction Resources
Crisis Hotlines:
- Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL): 1-800-715-4225
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
State Agencies:
- GA DBHDD: dbhdd.georgia.gov
- GA Dept of Public Health (Drug Surveillance): dph.georgia.gov
- Healthcare.gov Georgia: healthcare.gov
Recovery Support:
- AA Georgia: Multiple intergroups with thousands of meetings
- NA Georgia: Active chapters statewide
- SMART Recovery: Multiple Georgia locations
- Georgia Council on Substance Abuse (GCSA)
Sources
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Drug Surveillance Data, 2023.
- Georgia Attorney General’s Office, Opioid Abuse Data, 2023.
- Cook County/DeKalb County Medical Examiner Data, 2023-2024.
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator, Georgia, 2026.
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
- Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, Medicaid Expansion Fast Facts, 2024.
- National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 2025.
You May Qualify for Coverage That Pays for treatment in Georgia
Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover addiction treatment as an essential health benefit. Monthly premiums for a PPO plan that covers rehab typically range from $350 to $700 — a fraction of the cost of paying out of pocket.
A licensed insurance specialist can help you find the right plan, check for qualifying life events, and get covered — often within days.
Talk to an Insurance Specialist — Free & ConfidentialGeorgia Crisis Resources
Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL): 1-800-715-4225
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD): https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does rehab cost in Georgia?
Rehab in Georgia costs between $15,000 and $45,000 for a 30-day inpatient program without insurance, with residential treatment averaging $610 per day or approximately $55,475 for a 13-week stay. With PPO insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $5,000 to $18,000. Georgia ranks as the 3rd most affordable state in the Southeast and 8th nationally for residential addiction treatment, making it a cost-effective option compared to neighboring Florida and coastal states.
How much does a full rehab program cost in Georgia?
A complete treatment episode in Georgia including all phases costs $20,000-$65,000 without insurance. This typically includes medical detox ($2,000-$8,000 for 5-14 days), inpatient rehab ($15,000-$45,000 for 30 days), intensive outpatient ($3,000-$10,000 for 8-12 weeks), and standard outpatient therapy ($1,500-$5,000 for 3-6 months). With insurance, out-of-pocket costs range from $5,000-$18,000. Georgia's lower cost of living translates to more affordable treatment than nearby Florida.
Does insurance cover drug rehab in Georgia?
Yes. All health insurance plans sold in Georgia must cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit under the ACA. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurers to cover addiction treatment at the same level as medical/surgical benefits. However, Georgia has the 5th highest uninsured rate in the nation at 12.9%, meaning roughly 1.4 million Georgians lack health insurance coverage. Georgia's limited Medicaid expansion (Pathways to Coverage) has enrolled only about 4,900 people as of late 2024.
Does Georgia Medicaid cover drug rehab?
Georgia Medicaid covers drug rehab for eligible beneficiaries, but Georgia has not fully expanded Medicaid under the ACA. The state's limited 'Pathways to Coverage' program requires 80 hours/month of work and covers adults below the poverty level, but only 4,900 people had enrolled as of late 2024. Traditional Georgia Medicaid is limited to pregnant women, children, elderly, and disabled individuals. For eligible beneficiaries, Medicaid covers outpatient counseling, MAT, and some residential treatment. Uninsured adults must seek DBHDD-funded community services.
How much is inpatient rehab in Georgia?
Inpatient rehab in Georgia ranges from $15,000 to $45,000+ for 30 days without insurance, or $600-$1,000+ per day. Atlanta and its northern suburbs (Buckhead, Alpharetta, Roswell) charge $25,000-$45,000+. Mid-tier programs in Savannah, Augusta, and Macon run $18,000-$30,000. Rural Georgia programs and faith-based residential facilities offer the most affordable options at $15,000-$22,000. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $5,000-$18,000.
Are there free rehabs in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia has multiple free and low-cost options. DBHDD funds community service boards across all 159 counties that provide free or sliding-scale behavioral health services including addiction treatment. Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers offer free programs in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. The Atlanta Mission provides faith-based residential recovery at no cost. Many DBHDD-contracted providers offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured individuals. Call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225 for free referrals.
How long is inpatient rehab in Georgia?
Standard inpatient rehab in Georgia lasts 28-30 days, the most common program length covered by insurance. Extended programs of 60-90 days are available and recommended for better outcomes. Long-term residential programs (6-12 months) are offered through therapeutic communities and faith-based organizations. Insurance typically authorizes 28-30 days initially with continued stay reviews every 7-14 days for possible extensions based on medical necessity.
How bad is Georgia's overdose crisis?
Georgia's overdose crisis has escalated dramatically. In 2023, the state recorded approximately 2,569 drug overdose deaths, with opioids involved in 73.2% (1,881 deaths) and fentanyl in 65% of all overdose deaths. Georgia saw a 308% increase in fentanyl-involved deaths from 2019 to 2022, jumping from 392 to 1,601 deaths. However, 2024 preliminary data shows a 22% decline in overdose deaths — consistent with national improvement trends. The overdose death rate increased 79% since 2018.
How much does outpatient rehab cost in Georgia?
Outpatient rehab in Georgia averages $1,978 for a 30-day program without insurance, or about $66 per day. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) run $3,000-$10,000 per month, or $100-$500 per day. Standard outpatient therapy costs $1,500-$5,000 per month. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs drop to $400-$2,000 per month. DBHDD-funded community service boards offer free or sliding-scale outpatient services for uninsured and underinsured Georgians.
How much does alcohol rehab cost in Georgia?
Alcohol rehab in Georgia costs $15,000-$45,000 for 30 days of inpatient treatment without insurance. Alcohol detox adds $2,000-$8,000 (5-14 days) due to seizure risk requiring 24/7 medical monitoring. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs are typically $5,000-$18,000 for inpatient including detox. Outpatient alcohol programs cost $1,500-$5,000 per month without insurance. Many Georgia programs offer FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder (naltrexone, Antabuse, Campral).
What is DBHDD and how does it help with rehab?
DBHDD (Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities) is Georgia's state agency overseeing mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental disability services. DBHDD funds and oversees community service boards across all 159 Georgia counties, operates state hospitals, and coordinates publicly-funded addiction treatment. DBHDD-contracted providers serve uninsured and underinsured individuals with free or reduced-cost treatment. The Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225 is operated by DBHDD.
How much does detox cost in Georgia?
Medical detox in Georgia costs $250-$800 per day depending on substance and facility. Alcohol detox runs $350-$800/day ($2,450-$11,200 for 7-14 days). Opioid detox costs $250-$700/day ($1,750-$7,000 for 7-10 days). Benzodiazepine detox is $350-$800/day ($4,900-$11,200+ for 14+ days). Most insurance covers medical detox at 80-100%. DBHDD-funded providers offer state-funded detox for uninsured individuals.
How much does sober living cost in Georgia?
Sober living homes in Georgia cost $500-$2,500 per month, with Atlanta-area homes averaging $800-$2,500/month depending on location and amenities. These costs typically include housing, utilities, drug testing, and house meetings but are generally not covered by insurance. More structured transitional living programs with clinical support cost $1,500-$3,500/month. Some DBHDD-funded programs offer transitional housing support at reduced or no cost.