How to find rehab in Massachusetts

Overdose deaths in Massachusetts numbered 2,241 in 2018, a time when the mortality rate was 32.8.[1] To help reverse this trend, American Addiction Centers continues to focus on its mission to help people find treatment regardless of whether or not it is at one of our facilities.

This page is a comprehensive resource of information about addiction treatment in Massachusetts. We detail the different types of rehab in Massachusetts, how to pay for private rehab, how to find state-funded resources, and where to look for accreditation information. 

Types of Rehab Available In Massachusetts

There are three different types of treatment for those seeking help with substance abuse: detox, inpatient care, and outpatient care.

People struggling with addiction are vulnerable to the dangers associated with withdrawal. Detox is often the first step before moving to longer-term treatment options.[2] Detox includes medical support and guidance for an individual who is in withdrawal so they can physically stabilize before engaging in long-term, therapy-based treatment. Inpatient care involves a residential setting where patients receive around-the-clock care. Outpatient care is for those who have already completed inpatient care or for people who may not be able to take time away from work obligations or family responsibilities. 

The table below showcases the number of rehab facilities in Massachusetts that offer each level of care:

Type of Care, by number and percent
	Facilities
	No.	%
Outpatient	283	68.36%
Regular	239	57.73%
Intensive	77	18.60%
Day Treatment/Partial Hospitalization	41	9.90%
Detoxification	42	10.14%
Methadone/buprenorphine maintenance or naltrexone treatment	171	41.30%
Residential (non-hospital)	133	32.13%
Short Term	45	10.87%
Long Term	99	23.91%
Detoxification	12	2.90%
Hospital Inpatient	37	8.94%
Treatment	28	6.76%
Detoxification	37	8.94%
Total	414	100.00%

Paying for Treatment in Massachusetts

The expense of paying for individual treatment can be daunting for people seeking enrollment in an addiction treatment program, especially for those who do not have health insurance coverage. Most people in Massachusetts attending treatment either use private or state insurance plans.

Addiction treatment can be costly. Projections anticipate that healthcare costs will rise to $6 trillion by 2027.[3] In 2018, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed H4742 into law that requires all prescribers to convert to secure electronic prescriptions (including Schedule II drugs) by 2020, create new pathways to treatment in the emergency department, and expand the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).[4]

How much treatment costs depends on several factors: the type of care required, whether it is inpatient or outpatient, the type of facility, the amenities, and more. Costs also depend on the type of treatment centers you choose, either state-funded or privately-funded.

State-Funded vs. Private Treatment in Massachusetts

Private treatment is the best option for people with private insurance coverage through an employer. Those with independent financial security may also choose private treatment as well.

For people without employer-based insurance or who cannot otherwise afford private treatment, state-funded treatment is an option. These facilities are funded by several sources, including federal grants, state grants, or reimbursement through Medicaid.[5] Some offer sliding scale payments based on a person’s income. In many cases, prospective patients are placed on a waitlist with the most severe addiction cases being admitted first. Individuals may want to research how to qualify for these public rehab programs to determine if they will be able to receive immediate treatment. 

Among the two options, private treatment is ideal considering the challenges that often arise seeking government-run addiction treatment programs,

The following table breaks down the number of facilities in Massachusetts by whether they are private non-profit, private for-profit, locally funded, state-funded, or federally funded. 

 

Facility Operation, by number and percent
	Facilities
	No.	%
Private Non-Profit	275	66.43%
Private for Profit	125	30.19%
Local, county, or community government	4	0.97%
State government	4	0.97%
Federal Government	6	1.45%
Tribal Government	0	0.00%
Total	414	100.00%

 

As you can see, there is double the number of private non-profit treatment centers in Massachusetts than private for-profit, which is good news for people for whom affordability is an issue. 

Treatment in Massachusetts by Payment Option

While 317 of the total 414 treatment facilities accept private insurance, 353 also accept cash or self-payment. At least 313 of the 414 accept state-financed health insurance and 181 accept federal military insurance plans. In 2018, more than 2.8 million people in Massachusetts were uninsured.[6] While not having a private insurance plan might limit your options, always remember that there are several treatment facilities that will serve your needs regardless.

The table below breaks down the typical payment methods used and how many facilities in Massachusetts accept each payment type. 

Facility Payment Options, by Number and percent
	No.	%
Cash or self-payment	358	86.47%
Private Health Insurance	317	76.57%
Medicare	254	61.35%
Medicaid	333	80.43%
State-financed Health insurance	313	75.60%
Federal military insurance	181	43.72%
No payment accepted (free treatment for all clients)	16	3.86%
IHS/Tribal/Union (ITU) funds	8	1.93%
Other payments	0	0.00%
Sliding fee scale	224	54.11%
Treatment at no charge or minimal payment for clients who can’t pay	213	51.45%
Total	414	100.00%

 

Treatment is possible in Massachusetts for those with the least resources. Cash represents the majority (86 percent) of payment options in Massachusetts, followed by Medicaid (80 percent) and private health insurance (77 percent). For clients who struggle with their finances, a little over half of the treatment centers (54 percent) accept patients on a sliding fee scale and another half (51 percent) provide treatment at no charge or for minimal payment.

Treatment Center Accreditations in Massachusetts

Now that you understand the types of care available, the differences in facility types, and how to pay for treatment, the last thing you’ll want to consider about a facility is its accreditation. Reviewing accreditations can be a helpful way to determine which treatment provider is best. In Massachusetts, the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) oversees the statewide system of prevention, treatment, intervention, and recovery support services.[7]

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredits operators worldwide at the request of health and human service providers and can be a good reference point when looking for accredited drug and alcohol treatment facilities. The Joint Commission Accreditation for Addiction Treatment Providers (often referred to simply as the Joint Commission) also provides accreditation to service providers.[8]

Below is a table outlining the typical types of accreditations or licenses so you can understand what number of facilities have these and how common they are.

Facility Licensing, Certification, or Accreditation, by number and percent
	No.	%
Any listed agency/organization	403	97.34%
State substance abuse agency	366	88.41%
State mental health department	104	25.12%
State department of health	343	82.85%
Hospital licensing authority	33	7.97%
The Joint Commission	112	27.05%
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)	139	33.57%
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)	20	4.83%
Council on Accreditation (COA)	22	5.31%
Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP)	3	0.72%
Other national organization or federal, state or local agency	12	3.14%
Total	414	100.00%

 

The good news is that there are a number of reputable providers with accreditations serving the state of Massachusetts. Almost all agencies (97 percent) have some kind of accreditation while almost all (88 percent) are accredited state substance abuse agencies. Eighty-three percent are even accredited by the state department of health. You can rest assured there are many reputable options available no matter your individual circumstance

Are You looking for Detox in Massachusetts?

Struggling with Withdrawal can be the most difficult part of achieving sobriety. It can also be the most dangerous. At American Addiction Centers, our mission is to help people achieve sobriety safely and effectively. As a leading provider of addiction treatment, we operate facilities all across the nation. Several of which are in New England.

If you are looking for help and aren’t sure where to start, give our confidential helpline a call. You’ll speak with one of our admissions navigators. Their purpose is to answer your questions and help you find treatment either at one of our facilities or educate you on where you may be able to find treatment if we are not a fit.