Rehab Cost in Pennsylvania: 2026 Treatment Cost Guide
Pennsylvania faces one of the most devastating addiction crises in the nation. In 2023, 4,719 Pennsylvanians died from drug overdoses — approximately one death every two hours — with fentanyl involved in 77% of these fatalities and opioids overall in 83%. Philadelphia alone accounted for 1,315 of those deaths, giving the city one of the highest overdose rates of any major metro area in the country.
Despite this crisis, Pennsylvania has invested heavily in treatment access. The state was ranked among the top 10 for substance use disorder treatment access and investments in 2023 through its Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). With Medicaid expansion, a robust Single County Authority (SCA) system for publicly-funded treatment, and approximately 800 licensed facilities, Pennsylvania offers more treatment options than most states. This guide breaks down what treatment costs, what insurance covers, and how to access care in Pennsylvania.
Rehab Costs in Pennsylvania: 2026 Overview
| Treatment Type | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | $2,500 – $10,000 | $1,000 – $4,500 | 5-14 days |
| Inpatient Rehab (Standard) | $18,000 – $28,000 | $6,000 – $14,000 | 30 days |
| Inpatient Rehab (Mid-Tier) | $28,000 – $42,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 | 30 days |
| Luxury/Executive Programs | $42,000 – $80,000+ | $16,000 – $35,000 | 30 days |
| Partial Hospitalization (PHP) | $5,000 – $16,000 | $2,000 – $7,000 | per month |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | $4,000 – $12,000 | $1,500 – $5,000 | per month |
| Standard Outpatient | $1,500 – $6,000 | $400 – $2,000 | per month |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment | $250 – $850/month | $25 – $225/month | ongoing |
| Sober Living (Pennsylvania) | $700 – $3,500/month | typically not covered | ongoing |
Source: National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse; Pennsylvania facility-reported data aggregated by ClearCostRecovery, 2026.
Pennsylvania treatment costs rank mid-range nationally (26th) and 4th in the Mid-Atlantic region. Philadelphia and suburban Main Line communities command the highest prices, while Central PA, the Poconos, and Western PA provide more affordable options. Outpatient care is particularly affordable at just $59/day on average — among the lowest in the region.
Pennsylvania’s Treatment Landscape
Pennsylvania operates a robust addiction treatment system through its Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), which licenses and monitors approximately 800 treatment facilities statewide. The state’s unique Single County Authority (SCA) system ensures every county has a designated agency coordinating publicly-funded treatment services.
Distribution of Treatment Facilities by Region
Philadelphia Metro (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Chester): Largest treatment market in the state with approximately 250 facilities. Philadelphia has the highest concentration of providers, including academic medical center programs (Penn, Temple, Jefferson) and community-based providers. The Kensington neighborhood crisis has driven significant investment in harm reduction and treatment capacity.
Pittsburgh Metro (Allegheny, Westmoreland, Butler, Washington): Approximately 130 facilities serving Western Pennsylvania. Strong hospital-based treatment programs through UPMC and Allegheny Health Network. Competitive pricing below Philadelphia levels.
Lehigh Valley/Poconos (Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Carbon): Approximately 60 facilities. Growing treatment market with both community programs and retreat-style residential facilities in the Pocono Mountains.
Central Pennsylvania (Dauphin, Lancaster, York, Cumberland): Approximately 80 facilities. More affordable treatment options with strong community-based programming. State capital (Harrisburg) has multiple publicly-funded programs.
Northeast Pennsylvania (Lackawanna, Luzerne, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre): Approximately 50 facilities. Serving communities hard hit by the opioid crisis with both private and publicly-funded programs.
Rural Pennsylvania (Northern Tier, Appalachian counties): Limited treatment infrastructure. Residents often travel 50-100+ miles for residential care. Telehealth has expanded access, and mobile MAT units serve some rural communities.
Key Pennsylvania Treatment Regulations
DDAP Licensing: All substance use disorder treatment facilities must be licensed by DDAP. The department enforces standards for staffing, treatment protocols, physical plant requirements, and patient rights.
Treatment Atlas: Pennsylvania’s innovative Treatment Atlas platform (81% facility participation) allows individuals to search and compare facilities based on evidence-based practices, services offered, and insurance accepted — a tool unique among states.
Single County Authorities (SCAs): Pennsylvania’s 47 SCAs (serving all 67 counties) are the backbone of publicly-funded treatment. Each SCA:
- Receives and distributes state and federal treatment funding
- Coordinates care for uninsured and underinsured individuals
- Contracts with treatment providers in their jurisdiction
- Provides case management and referral services
- Administers prevention and intervention programs
Act 106 (2024): Strengthened mental health parity enforcement in Pennsylvania, ensuring insurers comply with federal parity requirements for substance use disorder treatment.
Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a relatively low uninsured rate of approximately 5.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023), bolstered by Medicaid expansion and a strong employer insurance market.
Major Insurance Carriers in Pennsylvania
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield — Largest carrier in Western PA with millions of members. Strong network of addiction treatment providers across the region.
Independence Blue Cross — Dominant carrier in Philadelphia and Southeast PA. Extensive behavioral health network including most licensed treatment facilities.
UPMC Health Plan — Major carrier in Western PA with integrated health system. Covers addiction treatment through its extensive provider network.
Geisinger Health Plan — Significant presence in Central and Northeast PA. Integrated health system with behavioral health services.
Aetna — Strong employer plan presence statewide. Covers residential treatment at 70-80% after deductible with broad national network.
UnitedHealthcare — Major employer and Medicare Advantage presence. Optum manages behavioral health benefits.
AmeriHealth Caritas — Major Medicaid managed care plan. Covers all levels of addiction treatment for qualifying members.
What Insurance Covers in Pennsylvania
Under federal and Pennsylvania state law, your 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
- Case management and peer support
Act 106 and federal MHPAEA require addiction treatment benefits to match medical/surgical benefits in cost-sharing, visit limits, and authorization requirements.
Pennsylvania Medicaid Coverage
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2015, covering adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Approximately 3.5 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in Medicaid, making it a significant payer for addiction services.
What Medicaid Covers:
- All DDAP-licensed treatment levels
- Medical detox
- Inpatient and residential rehabilitation
- Outpatient counseling (individual and group)
- Medication-assisted treatment (all FDA-approved medications)
- Recovery support services
- Peer support and care coordination
How to Apply: Visit compass.state.pa.us or call the PA Department of Human Services at 1-866-550-4355.
Free and Low-Cost Treatment Options in Pennsylvania
Single County Authority (SCA) System
Pennsylvania’s 47 SCAs coordinate publicly-funded treatment for uninsured and underinsured individuals across all 67 counties. Services include:
- Free or sliding-scale assessment and referral
- State-funded outpatient and residential treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Case management
- Recovery support services
How to Access: Contact your county’s SCA directly. Find your local SCA at pa.gov/agencies/ddap or call the DDAP helpline.
Faith-Based and Nonprofit Programs
Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers — Free 6-12 month residential programs in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie, and other cities. Work-therapy model with vocational training.
Teen Challenge Pennsylvania — Faith-based long-term residential care (12-15 months) at minimal cost. Multiple locations across the state.
Gaudenzia — One of Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit treatment providers with 30+ locations across the state. Sliding-scale fees with many programs accepting uninsured individuals.
Pyramid Healthcare — Multi-site treatment provider with locations throughout PA. Accepts Medicaid and offers financial assistance.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Pennsylvania has 45+ FQHCs offering addiction services on sliding fee scales:
- Public Health Management Corporation (Philadelphia)
- Esperanza Health Center (Philadelphia)
- Primary Health Network (Western PA)
- Hamilton Health Center (Harrisburg)
- Community Health Net (Erie)
Detox Costs in Pennsylvania
Alcohol Detox: $350-$900 per day ($2,450-$12,600 for 7-14 days). Alcohol withdrawal is medically dangerous and requires 24/7 monitoring. Pennsylvania has extensive hospital-based detox capacity, particularly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Opioid Detox: $250-$800 per day ($1,750-$8,000 for 7-10 days). Given fentanyl dominance (77% of overdose deaths), extended buprenorphine induction protocols are increasingly standard. Many programs transition patients to ongoing MAT.
Benzodiazepine Detox: $350-$900 per day ($4,900-$12,600+ for 14+ days). Slow taper protocols required with prolonged monitoring for seizure risk.
Stimulant Detox: $200-$550 per day ($1,000-$3,850 for 5-7 days). Psychiatric monitoring for depression and suicidal ideation during withdrawal.
Most insurance covers medical detox at 80-100% under medical benefits. Medicaid covers detox with minimal or no copay. State-funded detox is available through SCAs for uninsured individuals.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Costs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has invested heavily in MAT access:
Suboxone/Buprenorphine:
- Without insurance: $350-$800/month
- With insurance: $25-$200/month
- Pennsylvania has 4,500+ licensed buprenorphine prescribers
Methadone:
- Without insurance: $300-$550/month
- With insurance: $50-$200/month
- Approximately 80 licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) statewide
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
Pennsylvania Medicaid covers all FDA-approved MAT medications, and the state’s Centers of Excellence (COEs) integrate MAT with behavioral health and primary care for comprehensive treatment.
Choosing the Right Rehab in Pennsylvania
With approximately 800 licensed facilities, selecting the right program requires informed evaluation:
Use Treatment Atlas: Pennsylvania’s Treatment Atlas (available through DDAP) allows you to search and compare facilities by location, services, insurance accepted, and evidence-based practices used.
Verify DDAP Licensure: Only use DDAP-licensed providers. Confirm licensing status through the DDAP provider directory.
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 integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.
Contact Your SCA: Your local Single County Authority can help navigate treatment options, verify insurance coverage, and connect you with appropriate providers.
Pennsylvania Addiction Crisis by the Numbers
Overdose Trends:
- 2019: 4,377 deaths (pre-COVID)
- 2021: 5,350 deaths (pandemic-era peak)
- 2023: 4,719 deaths (77% fentanyl, 83% opioid-involved)
- Approximately 1 death every 2 hours
Philadelphia Crisis:
- 1,315 overdose deaths in 2023 (28% of state total)
- 79% involved fentanyl
- Kensington neighborhood: national epicenter of opioid crisis
- Racial disparities widening in overdose death rates
Substances of Concern:
- Fentanyl/synthetic opioids: 77% of overdose deaths
- Other opioids (heroin, prescription): Additional 6% involvement
- Cocaine: Often mixed with fentanyl
- Methamphetamine: Rising in rural communities
- Xylazine: Emerging presence in Philadelphia drug supply
- Alcohol: Most common substance use disorder statewide
Pennsylvania Addiction Resources
Crisis Hotlines:
- PA Get Help Now Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
State Agencies:
- PA DDAP: pa.gov/agencies/ddap
- PA Department of Health (Opioid Data): pa.gov/agencies/health
- PA Insurance Department: insurance.pa.gov
Recovery Support:
- AA Pennsylvania: Regional intergroups with thousands of meetings
- NA Pennsylvania: Active chapters statewide
- SMART Recovery: Multiple Pennsylvania locations
- PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations): Statewide peer support network
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Drug Overdose Data, 2023.
- CDC WONDER, National Vital Statistics, 2023.
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator, Pennsylvania, 2026.
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023.
- National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 2025.
- Pennsylvania DDAP, Treatment Access and Investments Report, 2023.
- PA Open Data Portal, Pennsylvania Opioids Dashboard, 2024.
You May Qualify for Coverage That Pays for treatment in Pennsylvania
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 & ConfidentialPennsylvania Crisis Resources
PA Get Help Now Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ddap
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does rehab cost in Pennsylvania?
Rehab in Pennsylvania costs between $18,000 and $55,000 for a 30-day inpatient program without insurance, with residential treatment averaging $624 per day or approximately $56,708 for a 13-week stay. With PPO insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $6,000 to $20,000. Pennsylvania ranks 26th nationally for residential affordability and 4th in the Mid-Atlantic region. Philadelphia programs tend to be the most expensive, while rural and central PA facilities offer more affordable options.
How much does a full rehab program cost in Pennsylvania?
A complete treatment episode in Pennsylvania including all phases costs $25,000-$80,000 without insurance. This typically includes medical detox ($2,500-$10,000 for 5-14 days), inpatient rehab ($18,000-$55,000 for 30 days), intensive outpatient ($4,000-$12,000 for 8-12 weeks), and standard outpatient therapy ($1,500-$6,000 for 3-6 months). With insurance, out-of-pocket costs range from $7,000-$22,000 for the complete continuum. Opioid addiction treatment costs approximately 20% more due to medication-assisted therapy components.
Does insurance cover drug rehab in Pennsylvania?
Yes. All health insurance plans sold in Pennsylvania must cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit under the ACA. Pennsylvania's Act 106 (2024) strengthened mental health parity enforcement, and the state's Insurance Department actively monitors compliance. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurers to cover addiction treatment at the same level as medical/surgical benefits in cost-sharing, visit limits, and authorization requirements.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid cover drug rehab?
Yes. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2015, covering adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. PA Medicaid (Medical Assistance) covers all levels of addiction treatment including inpatient rehab, outpatient counseling, medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support services. Approximately 3.5 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in Medicaid, making it a major payer for addiction treatment. Medicaid managed care plans contract with DDAP-licensed facilities throughout the state.
How much is inpatient rehab in Pennsylvania?
Inpatient rehab in Pennsylvania averages $624 per day, ranging from $18,000 to $55,000+ for 30 days without insurance. Programs in Philadelphia and the Main Line charge $30,000-$55,000+. Mid-tier programs in Pittsburgh, Allentown, and suburban areas run $22,000-$38,000. Rural programs in Central PA and the Poconos offer more affordable options at $18,000-$28,000. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $6,000-$20,000 depending on deductible and coinsurance.
Are there free rehabs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania has multiple free and low-cost options. Single County Authorities (SCAs) coordinate publicly-funded treatment for uninsured and underinsured individuals in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties — contact your local SCA for referral. Medicaid covers treatment with minimal copays for qualifying individuals. Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers offer free programs in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other cities. Additionally, 6 facilities in PA offer completely free treatment, and many others use sliding-scale fees.
How long is inpatient rehab in Pennsylvania?
Standard inpatient rehab in Pennsylvania lasts 28-30 days, which is the most common program length covered by insurance. Extended programs of 60-90 days are available and show significantly better outcomes for chronic substance use disorder. Long-term residential programs (6-12 months) are offered through therapeutic communities and faith-based organizations. Insurance typically authorizes 28-30 days initially with clinical reviews every 7-14 days for extensions based on medical necessity.
What is DDAP and how does it help with rehab?
DDAP (Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs) is Pennsylvania's state agency overseeing addiction prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. DDAP licenses and regulates treatment facilities, distributes state and federal funding through Single County Authorities (SCAs), and operates the Treatment Atlas platform where 81% of licensed facilities have submitted evidence-based practice data. DDAP was ranked among the top 10 states for substance use disorder treatment access and investments in 2023.
How much does outpatient rehab cost in Pennsylvania?
Outpatient rehab in Pennsylvania averages $1,760 for a 30-day program without insurance, or about $59 per day — making it one of the most affordable in the Mid-Atlantic region. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) run $4,000-$12,000 for a standard 8-12 week course. Standard outpatient therapy costs $1,500-$6,000 per month. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs drop to $400-$2,000 per month for standard outpatient and $1,500-$5,000 for IOP.
How bad is the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has one of the worst opioid crises in the nation. In 2023, the state recorded 4,719 overdose deaths — approximately one Pennsylvanian dying every 2 hours from a drug overdose. Fentanyl was involved in 77% of these deaths and opioids overall in 83%. Philadelphia alone accounted for 1,315 overdose deaths (28% of the state total). The overdose death rate of 36.3 per 100,000 residents significantly exceeds the national average. Racial disparities are widening, with BIPOC communities experiencing higher and more persistent overdose rates.
How much does alcohol rehab cost in Pennsylvania?
Alcohol rehab in Pennsylvania costs $18,000-$55,000 for 30 days of inpatient treatment without insurance. Alcohol detox adds $2,500-$10,000 (5-14 days) due to medical complexity and seizure risk. Alcohol addiction treatment costs average 15% more than baseline due to extended detoxification periods, bringing the average to approximately $65,151 for full treatment. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs are typically $6,000-$20,000. Outpatient alcohol programs cost $1,500-$6,000 per month without insurance.
How much does detox cost in Pennsylvania?
Medical detox in Pennsylvania costs $250-$900 per day depending on substance and facility. Alcohol detox runs $350-$900/day ($2,450-$12,600 for 7-14 days). Opioid detox costs $250-$800/day ($1,750-$8,000 for 7-10 days). Benzodiazepine detox is $350-$900/day ($4,900-$12,600+ for 14+ days). Most insurance covers medical detox at 80-100% under medical benefits. State-funded detox is available through Single County Authorities for uninsured individuals.
What is Philadelphia's overdose crisis like?
Philadelphia has the highest overdose death rate of any major U.S. city. In 2023, 1,315 people died of drug overdoses in Philadelphia — 28% of all Pennsylvania overdose deaths concentrated in one city. Fentanyl was present in 79% of these deaths. The Kensington neighborhood has become nationally known as an epicenter of the opioid crisis, with open-air drug markets and concentrated homelessness. The city has responded with expanded harm reduction, naloxone distribution, and treatment access programs.