Finding Affordable Substance Abuse Treatment in Ohio

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For many individuals struggling with addiction, the cost of treatment can feel like a major barrier. While the idea of getting professional help is overwhelming enough, concerns about affordability often prevent people from seeking care. However, there are many low-cost and free treatment options available in Ohio for those in need.

By understanding the resources available and how to navigate insurance coverage, individuals can access affordable substance abuse treatment without sacrificing quality care.

Does Insurance Cover Substance Abuse Treatment?

One of the most common concerns about treatment is whether health insurance will cover rehab services. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), substance use disorder treatment is considered an essential health benefit, meaning that most insurance plans, including Medicaid and private insurance, cover rehab services.

Medicaid Coverage for Substance Abuse Treatment

Ohio’s Medicaid program covers a variety of addiction treatment services, including:

  • Inpatient and residential treatment programs
  • Outpatient programs, including IOP and PHP
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Behavioral therapy and counseling
  • Detoxification services

Medicaid is one of the most accessible options for those who meet income requirements and need financial assistance for rehab.

Private Insurance and Employer-Sponsored Plans

For those with private insurance, coverage depends on the specific policy. Many employer-sponsored and individual health plans cover:

  • Detox and withdrawal management
  • Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions

Individuals can verify coverage by contacting their insurance provider or working with a treatment center’s admissions team to confirm benefits.

Free and Low-Cost Treatment Options in Ohio

For those without insurance or who need additional financial support, Ohio offers several state-funded and nonprofit addiction treatment programs that provide care at little to no cost.

State-Funded Rehab Centers

Ohio provides funding to publicly funded rehab facilities, which offer low-cost or free treatment services for individuals who qualify. These centers often provide:

  • Residential and outpatient treatment
  • Detox services
  • Peer support programs

To find a state-funded treatment center, individuals can visit the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) website.

Sliding Scale Payment Plans

Many rehab facilities offer sliding scale payment options, meaning that the cost of treatment is based on an individual’s income and financial situation. This allows those with limited resources to access care without the burden of high costs.

Nonprofit and Faith-Based Programs

Several nonprofit organizations in Ohio provide free or low-cost addiction treatment services, including:

  • Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers
  • Local faith-based recovery programs
  • Community health organizations offering addiction treatment

These programs often combine counseling, peer support, and life skills training to support long-term recovery.

Accessing Financial Assistance for Rehab

For individuals struggling with the financial burden of treatment, there are several options for financial assistance:

  1. Ohio Medicaid Expansion – Those who meet income qualifications can apply for Medicaid to receive free or low-cost addiction treatment.
  2. Payment Assistance Programs – Some treatment centers offer scholarships, grants, or flexible payment plans to make rehab more affordable.
  3. Nonprofit Grants and Scholarships – Organizations such as SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) offer funding for individuals who need treatment but cannot afford it.

Seeking financial assistance may feel overwhelming, but many treatment centers have financial coordinators who can help navigate payment options and determine the best path forward.

How Ohio Recovery Centers Makes Treatment Accessible

At Ohio Recovery Centers, we believe that financial barriers should not prevent anyone from receiving the help they need. That’s why we offer:

  • Medicaid and private insurance acceptance for a wide range of treatment services
  • Flexible payment options for those without insurance
  • Sliding scale payment plans based on financial need
  • Personalized support to help verify insurance benefits and financial assistance eligibility

Our goal is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals in Ohio, regardless of financial circumstances.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

If you or a loved one needs affordable substance abuse treatment, Ohio Recovery Centers can help you find the right resources. From Medicaid-covered treatment options to sliding-scale programs, we work with individuals to ensure that cost is not a barrier to recovery.

To learn more about your options and get started, contact Ohio Recovery Centers today. Our team is here to guide you through insurance verification, financial assistance, and treatment planning to make recovery accessible to all.

Ben Lemmon, LCDCIII

Reviewed on 02/18/2025

Table of Contents

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Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn