Expert Insights
One of the most disturbing things you’ll see go hand-in-hand with drug addiction is homelessness. And nowhere is that on display quite like it is in Los Angeles. For those who aren’t “used to” seeing encampment areas like LA’s “skid row,” to say it’s a culture shock is an understatement. Tents line the sidewalks as far as the eye can see in either direction, and those tents are usually occupied by residents who are severely struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The ultimate question is what can we do to help these people access treatment and come in off the streets for good?
~ Natalie Baker
How Expensive is Rehab in Los Angeles?
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles varies from program to program and depends on several influences, such as:
- Treatment setting (inpatient vs. outpatient)
- Features and amenities (such as upscale offerings)
- Duration of program (30 vs. 90 days)
- Which insurance providers and plans the program accepts
- Government funding
- Location (city vs. mountains)
Typically, you can expect inpatient facilities to be more expensive than outpatient since you are paying for room and board. Likewise, because of the upscale offerings like spa treatment or massage therapy, executive and luxury rehabs will run you much more than a standard inpatient program.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in California?
California is ranked 23rd nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,654 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $139,673
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in California costs an average of $49,994
- Outpatient addiction treatment in California costs an average of $8,307
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,381
Los Angeles is a relatively high cost of living compared to the average in California, meaning you can expect costs to be on the higher side of these averages.
Does Insurance Cover Rehab Center Costs?
Insurance will help keep your costs down since most plans provide at least partial, if not full, coverage. You’ll just want to make sure you find Los Angeles drug rehabs that are in-network with your provider, whether they are private insurance, Medi-Cal, or Medicaid. You can do that by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.
Of the more than 1,500 treatment programs across the state:
875 accept private health insurance
314 accept Medi-Cal insurance
587 accept Medicaid insurance
1,244 accept cash or self-payment
Resources
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2019). Costs of alcohol and other drug abuse/abuse. Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) Brief.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). MAT Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions.
- California Legislative Information. (2021). Bill Text.
