Expert Insights
There are undeniable results that come with living in a border state, especially in 2023. With fentanyl pouring across the border in record numbers, you can’t ignore a spike in the number of news stories announcing something like “border agents seize thousands of pounds of deadly fentanyl.” Knowing that our law enforcement agents are doing their job tends to make us feel a lot safer, at least it used to. It’s important to understand just how much fentanyl is being illegally smuggled into the United States at this point. While lives are certainly being saved when agents stop these drugs from finding their way onto the streets, the cartels could lose multiple daily shipments weighing thousands of pounds and never miss a beat.
How We Rank Listings
Every facility listed on this page is sourced from publicly available licensing records, the SAMHSA treatment locator, and direct verification with providers. We confirm each facility’s address, phone number, and the levels of care it offers before publishing. Listings are not paid placements, and we do not accept fees in exchange for higher ranking.
To help families compare options quickly, we organize listings around four practical signals:
- Levels of care offered, from medical detox through long-term outpatient and aftercare
- Accreditation and oversight, including The Joint Commission, CARF, LegitScript, and NAATP membership
- Insurance and payment options accepted, including Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, and sliding-scale fees
- Specialty programs for women, men, LGBTQ+ adults, veterans, young adults, and older adults
When facility information changes, listings are updated. If you find an error or believe a facility no longer meets these standards, contact our editorial team and we will review.
Rehab in Houston: What to Know
Houston anchors the largest metropolitan area in Texas and serves as the population, healthcare, and economic center of Harris County. With 122 facilities offering substance use treatment across the city, Houston has one of the deepest networks of care in the state, including 47 detox programs, 54 inpatient rehabs, and 100 outpatient clinics. Most people searching for treatment in Houston will also encounter facilities listed in surrounding suburbs and unincorporated parts of Harris County, all of which feed into the broader regional system tracked by the Texas state directory.
The local treatment landscape is shaped by a mix of public, nonprofit, and private providers. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is the state-designated local mental health authority for the county and operates a 24/7 crisis line at 713-970-7000, a Substance Use Disorder Outreach Program, and outpatient services across more than 80 sites. The Council on Recovery, founded in 1946 and headquartered in the Heights, is the city’s largest nonprofit outpatient provider and serves people regardless of ability to pay. Public hospital systems such as Harris Health and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center provide medically managed detox and medication-assisted treatment for the populations they serve, and a wide network of private inpatient and outpatient programs rounds out the picture. For context on how these settings fit together, see our overview of addiction treatment options.
Substance use trends in Houston track the broader Texas opioid and stimulant crisis but with notable local intensity. Harris County has led the state in illicit fentanyl-related deaths in recent reporting periods, and the county’s substance-involved death count has roughly doubled since 2018. Local agencies have responded with expanded naloxone distribution through Harris County Public Health and the Texas Targeted Opioid Response, and Harris County operates an alternative-sentencing STAR (Success Through Addiction Recovery) Drug Court that places non-violent participants in 18 to 24 months of treatment-based supervision instead of incarceration. People considering treatment for opioid use should also review fentanyl addiction and overdose risk to understand current realities of the local drug supply.
Geographic accessibility is a real factor in Houston. The metro area covers more than 600 square miles, and treatment access varies significantly between the urban core, the suburban ring inside Beltway 8, and outlying communities in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria counties. Many residents commute 30 to 60 minutes for outpatient care, and inpatient placement often depends on bed availability rather than proximity. Calling ahead to confirm intake hours and insurance acceptance can save days of back and forth.
Cost of Rehab in Houston
Rehab costs in Houston fall in line with broader Texas averages, with significant variation by level of care, length of stay, and the type of facility. Statewide, medical detox is by far the most expensive single service per episode of care, while standard outpatient counseling is the most affordable. Most Houston residents do not pay the full sticker price because insurance, Medicaid, sliding-scale fees, and scholarship funding offset a large share of total cost for those who qualify.
Because Houston is the largest metro in Texas, day rates at private inpatient programs in the city tend to sit at or above the statewide average, particularly at facilities offering private rooms or executive amenities. Public, nonprofit, and Medicaid-funded programs in Harris County typically cost a fraction of those figures, and some, such as The Council on Recovery, do not turn people away based on inability to pay.
Several factors drive cost differences from one Houston facility to the next:
How to Pay for Rehab in Houston
Among the 122 facilities serving Houston, 110 accept self-payment, 73 are in-network with at least one private health insurance plan, 51 accept Texas Medicaid, and 27 accept Medicare. An additional 34 offer sliding-scale fees, 30 offer some form of financial assistance, and 6 provide free treatment to qualifying clients. The mix of payment options is broader in Houston than in most Texas cities, which can make verification of benefits the single most important step before admission.
Below is how each of the most-used payment options works locally, along with the steps to confirm coverage before you commit to a program.
Medicare
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans both cover medically necessary substance use disorder treatment, including inpatient detox, residential rehab when delivered in a hospital setting, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, standard outpatient counseling, and FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder. Coinsurance, deductibles, and prior authorization rules vary by plan, and Medicare Advantage plans often require in-network providers. For a deeper walk-through of how Medicare and other insurance work for addiction treatment, see how Medicare covers addiction treatment.
Medicaid
Texas Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment through several plan types, including STAR, STAR+PLUS, STAR Kids, STAR Health, and Traditional Medicaid. Covered services include outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization, residential treatment (up to 35 days per episode of care with prior authorization), and medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Texas has not expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, so adults without dependents or a qualifying disability often do not qualify for the program even with low income. For those who do qualify, medication-assisted treatment is covered with limited cost-sharing.
Military Benefits and TRICARE
Veterans enrolled with the VA can access free substance use treatment at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, which offers outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and referrals to higher levels of care. Active-duty service members, retirees, and eligible dependents can use TRICARE benefits at the 14 Houston-area facilities that are in-network. Additional resources for veterans and military families are summarized in our guide to rehab resources for veterans and military.
Insurance and Private Pay
Most national and regional carriers operating in Texas are accepted at Houston-area facilities. Before scheduling intake, ask the facility’s admissions team to verify your benefits and request a written estimate of out-of-pocket costs. The major carriers most commonly accepted by Houston rehab providers are:
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Cigna
- Community Health Choice
- Humana
- Magellan
- Molina
- Superior HealthPlan
- UnitedHealthcare
Other Low-Cost Options
The 34 Houston facilities offering sliding-scale fees and the 30 offering structured financial assistance can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs for residents who are uninsured or underinsured. Some employers operating in Houston, including hospital systems and large refining and energy companies, also offer Employee Assistance Programs that cover short-term counseling and referrals at no cost to the employee.
Free Treatment Programs
Six Houston facilities provide free treatment to qualifying clients, and several additional nonprofits including The Council on Recovery and Cenikor accept clients who cannot pay, drawing on state grants, county contracts, and private donations. Faith-based options such as Open Door Mission and Salvation Army Houston also operate no-cost recovery programs. People who need help but cannot pay should also explore free rehab through scholarships, which can cover all or part of treatment at participating facilities.
Levels of Care Available in Houston
Houston facilities cover the full continuum of substance use care: 47 detox programs, 54 inpatient rehabs, 9 partial hospitalization programs, 3 intensive outpatient programs, 100 standard outpatient clinics, 75 dual-diagnosis programs for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and 13 sober living homes.
Medical Detox
Detox is typically the first step for people with physical dependence on alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. In a medical detox program, a clinical team monitors withdrawal around the clock and uses medications to manage symptoms and prevent dangerous complications. Most Houston detox programs run between three and seven days depending on the substance and the person’s medical profile.
Inpatient and Residential Treatment
After detox or as a starting point for people who do not need medical withdrawal management, inpatient rehab provides 24-hour structured care in a residential setting. Most programs run 28, 60, or 90 days and combine individual and group therapy, medication management, family involvement, and discharge planning. Houston has both standard residential programs and a smaller number of executive and higher-amenity options.
Partial Hospitalization
A partial hospitalization program offers full-day clinical services, usually five days a week, while the client lives at home or in sober housing. PHP fits people who need substantial structure but can safely sleep outside a treatment facility, and it is often used as a step down from inpatient care.
Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient
Houston’s 100 standard outpatient clinics and 3 dedicated intensive outpatient programs together carry the largest treatment caseload in the city. Intensive outpatient programs typically meet three to five times a week for several hours per session, while standard outpatient care may involve weekly individual counseling, group therapy, or medication management. Outpatient is the most flexible option for people who need to keep working or caring for family during treatment.
Dual Diagnosis and Therapy
Of Houston’s 122 facilities, 75 offer integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. Integrated care is particularly important locally given how often substance use overlaps with co-occurring anxiety disorders and trauma histories. Most programs incorporate evidence-based addiction therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management.
Sober Living and Aftercare
The 13 sober living homes in the Houston area provide drug- and alcohol-free housing for people transitioning out of more intensive treatment. Most sober living homes are not licensed as treatment facilities themselves and instead serve as recovery-supportive housing alongside outpatient care or 12-step meetings. Stable housing during the first year after treatment is one of the strongest predictors of sustained recovery, and most clinicians recommend a structured rehab aftercare plan that combines housing, outpatient counseling, and peer support.
Specialty Programs in Houston
Houston’s size supports an unusually deep set of specialty tracks within its treatment network. Beyond standard adult programs, providers in the city offer dedicated services for women, men, LGBTQ+ adults, veterans, young adults, and older adults, as well as substance-specific programs for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
If a specialty designation matters to you, ask the facility how that specialty shapes the day-to-day program. A program described as women’s-specific may run a separate residential unit and women-only group therapy, or it may simply admit women into a mixed-gender setting with one weekly women’s group. The same variation applies to veterans tracks, LGBTQ+ programming, and substance-specific clinical pathways.
Free and Low-Cost Rehab Resources in Houston
The following resources can help Houston residents access immediate support, screening, and referrals at no cost. Crisis lines are available 24/7. For non-crisis referrals into the public treatment system, the OSAR (Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral) program at The Harris Center is the primary access point for Harris County.
Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support for people in suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis. See additional suicide prevention resources and crisis support.
- The Harris Center Crisis and Access Line — 713-970-7000, 24/7, the local mental health authority’s crisis line for Harris County residents.
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), 24/7 free, confidential treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish.
- Texas 211 — Dial 211 for help finding local social services, including substance use treatment and recovery housing.
County Health and Behavioral Health
- The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD — 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074. Main: 713-970-7000. OSAR (treatment screening and referral): 713-970-4400, option 6. Toll-free: 866-970-4770. Provides outpatient assessment, detox referral, and case management. theharriscenter.org
- Harris County Public Health Substance Use Prevention — Operates the local Overdose Data to Action program, distributes naloxone, and publishes a public overdose surveillance dashboard. publichealth.harriscountytx.gov
- Houston Recovery Center — 150 N. Chenevert St., Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: 713-236-7800. Operates a 24/7 sobering center as an alternative to jail for people under the influence, with referrals to ongoing treatment. houstonrecoverycenter.org
Community and Nonprofit Providers
- The Council on Recovery — 303 Jackson Hill St., Houston, TX 77007. Phone: 713-942-4100. Treatment programs: 713-914-0556. Houston’s oldest nonprofit outpatient provider, offering assessments, IOP, family services, and recovery coaching, with services available regardless of ability to pay. councilonrecovery.org
- Cenikor Foundation – Houston — Nonprofit provider offering long-term residential and outpatient treatment in Houston and across Texas, including programs that accept Medicaid and uninsured clients. cenikor.org
- Justice Forward (STAR Drug Court support) — Provides transitional housing, counseling, and scholarship support for participants in Harris County’s 18 specialty courts, including the STAR Drug Court. justiceforwardtx.org
Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention
- Harris County Public Health Naloxone Distribution — Free naloxone (Narcan) is available to community members through HCPH’s Overdose Data to Action program and partner organizations. Request via publichealth.harriscountytx.gov.
- NEXT Distro — Mail-based naloxone and harm reduction supplies for Texas residents who cannot access in-person programs. nextdistro.org
VA and Military
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center – Substance Disorders Treatment Program — 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030. Main: 713-791-1414. Outpatient substance use treatment, MAT, and dual diagnosis care for enrolled veterans. va.gov/houston-health-care
- Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, for 24/7 confidential crisis support.
Government and Medicaid
- Texas Health and Human Services – Substance Use Disorder Services — Statewide information on covered services and how to apply for Medicaid coverage of treatment. hhs.texas.gov
- Texas Medicaid (YourTexasBenefits) — Apply for STAR, STAR+PLUS, STAR Kids, STAR Health, or Traditional Medicaid coverage. yourtexasbenefits.com
Faith-Based and Recovery Housing
- Open Door Mission — 5803 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011. Phone: 713-921-7520. Long-term residential recovery program for men experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder.
- Salvation Army Houston Adult Rehabilitation Center — 2407 N. Main St., Houston, TX 77009. Phone: 713-869-3551. Free six-month residential recovery program.
Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics in Houston
Substance use deaths in Harris County have climbed sharply over the past several years, driven primarily by the spread of illicit fentanyl. Public health data show that the local picture is more severe than statewide averages on several measures, particularly for opioid-related deaths.
Harris County led the state in illicit fentanyl-related deaths during the first half of 2023, according to preliminary state data cited by Houston Chronicle and UTMB researchers. Local agencies have responded by funding naloxone distribution, expanding the OSAR referral system through The Harris Center, and supporting alternative-sentencing programs through the STAR Drug Court. For national-level comparisons and historical trends, see our overview of national substance use statistics.
Resources
- Harris County Public Health. (2024). Substance Use Prevention Program. https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Divisions-Offices/Divisions/Community-Health-Wellness-Division/Substance-Use-Prevention
- Ortiz, P. (2024). Report: Harris County has significantly increased substance-involved deaths and healthcare visits. Houston Public Media. https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/health-science/2024/12/23/509463/
- Simpson, S., and Astudillo, C. (2024). The overdose rise in Travis County is part of a growing trend. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/16/texas-travis-county-drug-deaths-fentanyl-overdose/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Overdose Prevention Funding – Texas, FY23. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/budget-funding/texas.html
- University of Texas Medical Branch. (2023). Harris County leads state in fentanyl deaths in 2023, data show. https://www.utmb.edu/news/article/utmb-news/2023/08/31/
- Texas Department of State Health Services. (2024). Drug-Related Deaths Dashboard. https://healthdata.dshs.texas.gov/dashboard/drugs-and-alcohol/all-drugs/drug-related-deaths
- Texas Health and Human Services. (2024). Substance Use Disorder Services. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/behavioral-health-services-providers-programs/substance-use-disorder-services
- Texas Health and Human Services. (2024). Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) – Region 6. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-substance-use-resources/outreach-screening-assessment-referral
- The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. (2025). Crisis Services and Adult Behavioral Health Services. https://www.theharriscenter.org/services
- The Council on Recovery. (2025). Treatment Programs. https://www.councilonrecovery.org/treatment-programs/
- Houston Recovery Center. (2024). Sobering Center and Justice Forward. https://houstonrecoverycenter.org/
- Justice Forward. (2024). STAR Drug Court. https://justiceforwardtx.org/star-drug-court/
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2026). Substance Disorders Treatment Program – Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. https://www.va.gov/houston-health-care/programs/substance-disorders-treatment-program/
- Texas Law Help. (2024). Healthcare Coverage for Substance Use Disorder. https://texaslawhelp.org/article/healthcare-coverage-for-substance-use-disorder
- Addictions.com. (2024). Alcohol and Drug Rehabs in Texas. https://www.addictions.com/rehabs/texas/
