How to Find Detox in Pennsylvania

In 2018, drug overdoses claimed the lives of 4,415 people in Pennsylvania. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that equates to a mortality rate of 36.1 per 100,000 people. [1] Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is not alone when it comes to death caused by substance abuse. In the U.S. the CDC reports that the national mortality rate for drug overdoses was 20.7 per 100,000 in 2018. [2] The American Addiction Centers aims to reduce the drug overdose mortality rate in Pennsylvania and the U.S. by helping people get treatment and support they need to overcome their addiction.

On this page, residents of Pennsylvania who are struggling with substance abuse addiction will find the resources they need to get affordable treatment. The information provided will help you or a loved one find how to locate state-funded resources, examine and understand accreditation information for facilities and specialists, payment options for private rehabilitation, and the different types of rehab options available in Pennsylvania.

Types of Rehab Available in Pennsylvania

In order to successfully overcome substance addiction, there are three types of treatment programs used: detox, inpatient care, and outpatient care.

Substance abuse treatment starts with a detox—ridding the body itself of the drug and then stabilizing the patient so they can transition to long-term treatment. This is the most high-risk part of treatment due to the physiological effects that occur from the immediate discontinuance of an addictive substance. [3]

Medically supervised detox is administered in both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Detoxification is part of a long-term treatment plan. It alone will not produce behavioral changes necessary for recovery. Counseling and support are given in inpatient and/or outpatient care to address the psychological, social, and behavioral problems associated with substance addiction. [4]

Inpatient care takes place in a residential facility with around-the-clock supervision from medical staff. Outpatient care often follows inpatient care and does not require a patient to stay. It’s also an option for people who can not take time off from work or those with family obligations that make it difficult for them to stay in full-time residential care.

Below is a table that provides the number of rehab facilities in Pennsylvania that offer each level of care:

Type of Care, by number and percent
	Facilities
	No.	%
Outpatient	443	76.64%
Regular	418	72.32%
Intensive	306	52.94%
Day Treatment/Partial Hospitalization	100	17.30%
Detoxification	30	5.19%
Methadone/buprenorphine maintenance or naltrexone treatment	197	34.08%
Residential (non-hospital)	159	27.51%
Short Term	88	15.22%
Long Term	131	22.66%
Detoxification	52	9.00%
Hospital Inpatient	26	4.50%
Treatment	19	3.29%
Detoxification	24	4.15%
Total	578	100.00%

The Cost of Rehab in Pennsylvania

The number one reason why many patients do not seek substance abuse treatment in a specialty facility is that they can not afford it. [5] Although private and state insurance plans are the most common method for paying for substance abuse treatment, individuals without health insurance find it difficult to pay for substance abuse rehabilitation.

The average cost for outpatient treatment ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 for 90 days and inpatient care can range from $5,000 to $20,000 for 30 days, according to Help.org. [6] Each individual is different and the final cost of treatment is determined by the type of care received, facility type, and amenities offered in the facilities.

Rehabilitation facilities are either privately owned or state-funded. Private facilities offer more diversity in treatments and amenities but will cost significantly more than state-funded facilities. For those without health insurance, state-funded facilities make treatment affordable because these facilities receive funding through the state government. However, these facilities often have limited treatment options and long waitlists.

State-Funded Rehab & Private Rehab in Pennsylvania

Private facilities are the best course for treatment for those with employer-based health insurance or financial security. Pennsylvanians without health insurance have the option to receive treatment in a state-funded facility. Both state-funded and private treatment centers can offer accredited therapies and support to help you overcome addiction.

The major difference between private and state-funded facilities is flexibility. These facilities also offer more options in treatments and programs, amenities, and a lower staff-to-patient ratio.[7] Many private insurance plans often cover most of the cost for treatment in these facilities, which makes this the best option for those with insurance.

State-funded programs are low-cost and sometimes free. This is a good option for those who are not insured nor financially secure. You still receive accredited care for detox, inpatient or outpatient treatment, and supportive services. [7] These facilities receive funding from various government allocated funding, including federal grants, state grants, or Medicaid reimbursement.[8] In 2016, Governor Tom Wolf introduced the Centers of Excellence (COE) for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) as one solution to the growing overdose crisis within the state. This program was designed to make sure every person with OUD achieves optimal health. [9] For programs like the COE, patients must apply and qualify for treatment first. Many state-funded facilities have a larger staff-to-client ratio and a lengthy waiting list. Typically, severe cases are admitted first.

Below is a table that lists the number of facilities in Pennsylvania by private non-profit, private for-profit, locally funded, state-funded, or federally funded.

Facility Operation, by number and percent
	Facilities
	No.	%
Private Non-Profit	323	55.88%
Private for Profit	241	41.70%
Local, county, or community government	2	0.35%
State government	4	0.69%
Federal Government	8	1.38%
Tribal Government	0	0.00%
Total	578	100.00%

There are many options for private and state-funded treatment centers in Pennsylvania. Regardless of your health insurance status, there’s an option that will work for anyone to receive treatment.

Ways to Pay for Rehab Treatment in Pennsylvania

There are 578 treatment facilities, both private and state-funded, in Pennsylvania. Of the 578 facilities, 413 accept private insurance and 529 also accept cash or self-payment. At least 291 of the 578 accept state-financed health insurance and 125 accept federal military insurance plans.

The uninsured rate in Pennsylvania is 5.5 percent. Although that is less than the national average of 8 percent, that still equates to around 686,000 people.[10] Not having health insurance can limit your treatment options, but there are many facilities that will work with you to find a financially feasible solution to help you get the treatment you need.

Below is a table that lists the typical payment methods used and how many facilities in Pennsylvania accept each payment type.

Facility Payment Options, by Number and percent
	No.	%
Cash or self-payment	529	91.52%
Private Health Insurance	413	71.45%
Medicare	159	27.51%
Medicaid	483	83.56%
State-financed Health insurance	291	50.35%
Federal military insurance	125	21.63%
No payment accepted (free treatment for all clients)	1	0.17%
IHS/Tribal/Union (ITU) funds	5	0.87%
Other payments	2	0.35%
Sliding fee scale	274	47.40%
Treatment at no charge or minimal payment for clients who can’t pay	202	34.95%
Total	578	100.00%

Nearly 72 percent of treatment facilities in Pennsylvania accept private insurance, 27.5 percent accept Medicare and 83.6 percent accept Medicaid payments. For clients with lower income, nearly 47 percent of the facilities use a sliding fee scale based on income and almost 35 percent provide treatment at no charge or a minimal amount.

Treatment Center Accreditations in Pennsylvania

Accreditation is another important factor to consider when selecting a treatment facility. An accredited facility uses research-based practices that meet nationally recognized standards and best practices in addiction medicine.

There are provisions in place to help strengthen the care delivered by the behavioral health workforce. The 2018 Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act guides accredited facilities by standardizing the delivery of addiction medicine, expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based care, and facilitate the delivery of coordinated and comprehensive treatment.[11]

There is also the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) that will help you find accredited professionals and facilities. Additionally, the Joint Commission Accreditation for Addiction Treatment Providers, commonly referred to as the Joint Commission, provides accreditation to service providers.[12]

The table below lists the typical types of accreditations or licenses to help you understand how many facilities have these and how common they are.

Facility Licensing, Certification, or Accreditation, by number and percent
	No.	%
Any listed agency/organization	564	97.58%
State substance abuse agency	512	88.58%
State mental health department	131	22.66%
State department of health	400	69.20%
Hospital licensing authority	30	5.19%
The Joint Commission	117	20.24%
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)	178	30.80%
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)	11	1.90%
Council on Accreditation (COA)	19	3.29%
Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP)	2	0.35%
Other national organization or federal, state or local agency	17	2.94%
Total	578	100.00%

There are a number of reputable providers with accreditations serving the state of Pennsylvania. Nearly 97 percent of all facilities have some kind of accreditation and nearly 89 percent are accredited state substance abuse agencies. So rest assured, reputable facilities are always available in your area.

Finding Addiction Treatment in Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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