Finding addiction treatment starts with knowing your options. So, how many rehab centers are in the U.S.? According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are 14,558 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities nationwide. This figure includes the following types of centers:
- 5,876 outpatient-only facilities
- 2,846 residential-only facilities
- 5,836 facilities offering both outpatient and residential care
- 2,622 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) — an 87% increase since 2000
While this number seems large, the availability of care varies drastically by state due to policy, funding and population needs. Getting help from the best rehab centers can be a matter of luck based on where you live and what resources are available to you.
Why Rehab Availability Varies by State
Three key factors create state-by-state imbalances in the distribution of rehab centers:
- Population size drives baseline demand. Larger states like California and Texas naturally have more facilities. However, less populated states with high addiction rates often lack proportional resources.
- State funding and Medicaid are game-changers. States receiving a lot of Medicaid funding can fund more facilities serving low-income residents. Other states rely heavily on private pay patients, limiting access to treatment for everyone. SAMHSA awarded $1.9 billion in grants in 2019, but some rural areas are still struggling.
- Urban concentration leaves rural areas underserved. Most facilities operate in big cities and urban areas. Rural residents may travel hours to reach the nearest residential program or OTP.
Top States With the Most Rehab Facilities
Based on SAMHSA and American Addiction Centers data, the following states lead in total number of rehab centers. If you’re looking for the top mental health centers in the nation, these states are some great places to start your search:
- California (2,000+ facilities). California’s high population and robust state funding create extensive options.
- Texas (1,100+ facilities). The large population of Texas supports a high volume of rehab centers.
- Florida (900+ facilities). The Sunshine State attracts out-of-state patients to its luxury rehab centers. Be sure to verify their accreditation carefully.
- New York (800+ facilities). There’s a strong network of rehab centers in NYC, but upstate regions may face shortages.
- Pennsylvania (600+ facilities). This state has more than 600 rehab centers helping people recover from opioid addiction and other substance use disorders.
Factors That Influence Facility Density
Beyond population and policy, the following elements shape where rehabs operate:
- Medicaid expansion status. States where Medicaid has been expanded to cover a wider range of people may have more facilities that are accessible to low-income people.
- State income distribution. States where people have higher average incomes may have more luxury or cash-pay facilities.
- Epidemic severity. Some states set up more OTPs in response to the opioid crisis.
- Regulations. States with complex licensing processes for rehab centers may see slower growth in facility numbers despite high demand.
What High Availability Means for Access to Care
Just because a state has more top mental health centers doesn’t mean everyone can access them. Critical barriers persist even in the highest-rated states:
- Insurance gaps block entry. Not all facilities accept Medicaid, and some demand up-front payment, which can be tough for low-income people.
- Waitlists delay critical care. Some Medicaid patients wait a long time for a place in an inpatient program.
- Specializations don’t always match people’s needs. The availability of rehab programs changes in response to nationwide and state trends in substance use. Sometimes there’s a lack of programs to treat addiction to drugs that have recently become commonplace.
- Rural residents face travel burdens. Some rural counties lack a single residential facility, forcing people to travel to receive appropriate care.
The good news is that awareness of these barriers is driving change. SAMHSA collects data on mental health centers, which can be used to put more facilities in place in underserved areas.
Quality vs. Quantity: Choosing the Right Facility
With 14,000+ options available across the nation, getting the best care for your needs requires careful research. Here are some tips to help you find the best rehab centers near you:
- Look for accreditation. The best rehab centers can show they meet key quality benchmarks.
- Demand evidence-based practices. Essential programs include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol abuse, trauma therapy and dual-diagnosis care.
- Scrutinize success rates. Seek facilities reporting 6+ month sobriety rates, not just “success stories.”
- Look for longer programs. SAMHSA data shows 90-day stays reduce relapse risk compared to shorter programs.
National Trends in How Many Rehab Centers Are in the United States
Positive shifts are slowly bridging geographic gaps in access to rehab care. In 2019, the government gave $1.9 billion to help build and run more addiction treatment centers. Most of this money went to local community programs, which means people can find help closer to home instead of traveling far away.
Several parts of the government are working together to make treatment available:
- SAMHSA gives money directly to treatment centers and community programs.
- The National Institute of Health funds research into new medicines and treatments, improving the quality of rehab programs.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans get addiction treatment.
In summary, your state’s ranking in how many rehab centers are in the U.S. matters less than finding the right fit for you. Whether you’re in California or Kansas, it’s vital to find a treatment program that works for you as an individual. If you need help connecting with support in your area, the National Rehab Hotline is here. Find your path to recovery now — contact us today.