Best Rehab Centers in San Francisco, CA - Free Options

Every aspect of Foundations Recovery Network’s intensive outpatient program takes place in the same beautifully-designed building in downtown San Francisco. Individual and group therapy sessions are accompanied by holistic treatments such as yoga, art therapy, and acupuncture. Medication-assisted treatment is available for those patients who need it.

In 2015, Foundations added an LGBT group to their recovery options. The group functions on an invite-only basis, and provides a safe space for members of the LGBT community to address their issues with alcohol or substance abuse. The program lasts for 12 weeks and works to validate and empower members as they address any shame and traumas that are preventing them from overcoming their addiction.

A residential detoxing facility, Marina Harbor Detox provides a safe space for patients to comfortably detox from alcohol, opiates, heroin, cocaine, and other types of substances. The center consists of only 6 beds to ensure that clients receive the most attentive and personalized care possible.

The minimum stay at the facility is 5 days, with most residents averaging a stay of between 7 and 10 days. While at the center, patients will have access to 24-hour monitoring by licensed detox and medical staff, private rooms with stunning views, and individualized therapies. 12-step meetings, yoga, and organized walks are also provided, but attendance is optional. At discharge, patients meet with the program director to discuss further treatment options that are available locally.

Ohlhoff Recovery Programs has been around for over 60 years providing quality care and helping patients obtain a long-term, stable recovery from alcohol or substance addictions. The center offers a co-ed residential program that takes place in their large, historic facility located near Alamo Square. The program lasts for 30 days, and patients must be detoxed or sober for at least 24 hours before admission is granted.

A men’s residential treatment program lasting 3 to 6 months is offered in addition to a small, women’s sober living home. The intensive outpatient program lasts for 24 weeks and has an emphasis on relapse prevention and personalized therapy options. Teens who are 12 to 19 years old can attend a 4- to 6-week outpatient program that teaches younger patients how to communicate effectively while providing treatments that address their addiction issues.

Similar to Bayside Marin, Elevate Addiction Services puts a strong focus on holistic therapies. Their services are non-12-step, and center around healing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of addiction. Elevate uses their trademarked “Smart Recovery Model” that emphasizes spiritual recovery without being defined by a specific religion. This helps patients to achieve support through faith, no matter what that faith may be.

Patients are encouraged to take part in meditation and mindfulness exercises. Mindfulness is used to help patients acknowledge and accept their feelings, creating lasting change throughout the recovery process. Patients are led on paths of self-realization and education as they progress through treatment; by the time they graduate from the program they will have a deeper understanding of themselves and their future goals with sobriety.

The Walden House is part of the HealthRIGHT 360 network of free and low-cost clinics that help the homeless and low-income individuals with substance and alcohol abuse issues. There are multiple Walden House locations across San Francisco and Northern California, so no matter which area residents live in, they will be in close proximity to somewhere they can receive help.

One of the largest Walden House programs, the men’s residential treatment program, is variable in length and teaches men the skills they will need to cope with their triggers and build a foundation for lasting recovery. Adult outpatient programs offered by the center are typically 90 days in length and accept walk-in clients. Patients across all treatment options will be encouraged to develop positive behavior changes that will enhance their daily lives.

Part of the St. Anthony’s outreach program, the Father Alfred Center is a free, long-term residential recovery program for men. Treatment lasts for a full year, and is both abstinence-based and work-structured. Men develop job preparedness skills through one-on-one coaching sessions, goal setting, and an emotional intelligence program. By the end of the program, almost every participant will have stable employment and access to safe housing.

In order to be accepted into the Father Alfred Center, men suffering from a substance or alcohol abuse disorder must have no current income, including unemployment, social security, and state disability payments. Clients must also be substance-free for at least 72 hours before seeking admission at the center and be fully motivated to start the treatment program.

BAART Programs are a series of clinics in the California area dedicated to giving patients quality medication-assisted treatment for opioid addictions. To be eligible for the program, patients must be over 18, have photo identification, and present evidence of opioid misuse or addiction. Initial intake appointments take 2 to 3 hours to complete and consist of a complete psychical evaluation, a drug screening, and the first dose of medication. During this initial treatment period, a patient’s dose may be adjusted until the most effective dosage is reached.

Substance abuse counseling is available for patients of the BAART Program. Counselors focus on creating unique recovery goals with each patient and support them as they reach each milestone. Education on addiction and relapse prevention is also provided in order to support clients as they complete their treatment.

The Friendship House is a residential treatment center that works to represent and serve American Indians. While clients do not have to be American Indian to be admitted into the center, they should be aware that American Indian culture and traditions will be an integral part of the treatment plan, alongside traditional treatment methods.

The 60-bed residential center houses both men and women. There is an additional women’s center for women over 18 who are pregnant or who already have children they wish to bring with them. Each patient’s ability to pay will be evaluated upon intake into their chosen program. The exact cost of treatment and the creation of payment plans will be decided at this time. The American Indian youth program is available as an afterschool program and provides youth ages 8 to 24 with education assistance and addiction recovery resources.

The Salvation Army Harbor Light program provides free resources to adults struggling with addiction and those who may have lost the ability to provide for themselves due to addiction. The Harbor Light program’s main goal is to rehabilitate individuals and reunite them with their families, ensuring patients return to a healthy, stable routine.

Individual and group therapy sessions are provided to those staying at the residential center and those seeking outpatient treatment. Spiritual direction and life skill development enables patients to completely abandon their reliance on alcohol and other substances. Clients are equipped to provide for themselves and others, and by the end of treatment will have sustainable employment and housing goals.

With locations throughout California and two facilities in San Francisco, American Health Services provides easily accessible medical detox services. Each center offers treatments in multiple languages and will provide care on a walk-in basis. Patients are able to obtain methadone-based detox or maintenance treatments from both San Francisco locations.

The counseling segment of the American Health Services’ treatment program aims to provide patients with a strong support network and partnership with their counselor. Together, a patient and counselor will implement behavioral changes, manage psychological stressors, and work toward embracing a substance-free lifestyle. Patients are urged to develop new hobbies and activities that will help them enjoy their sober life.

The staff at New Life Recovery Centers are dedicated, caring, and sure to make an impact on each patient that comes through the facility. With a residential inpatient program and a multi-level outpatient program, this center strives to help each patient by aiding them in setting realistic recovery goals. Each program option gives access to group therapy, individual counseling, and a customizable treatment plan that changes regularly based on the patient’s needs.

A family program is offered for the loved ones of a patient. It lasts for four weeks and is designed to help a client and their family members recognize the true effects that addiction has had on their family unit. Effective communication skills and healthy boundary setting skills are taught throughout the programs, so a patient can gain the tools they need to stay sober after completing treatment.

Patients in each of the treatment programs offered at Summit Care Recovery Center will benefit from a three-pronged treatment philosophy. The facility combines holistic activities, therapeutic counseling, and a non-12-step supportive approach to enable patients to comfortably begin their recoveries.

Summit Care Recovery provides luxury amenities to clients such as yoga, massage, personal training, and acupuncture. There is a high staff to client ratio of 3-to-1, and the entire staff is dedicated to motivating and supporting patients in any way possible. The intensive outpatient programs are separated into men’s and women’s treatment tracks with gender-specific care and designated trauma-focused therapies.

Serenity Knolls is one of the most respected 12-step based recovery programs in Northern California. Only a short drive from San Francisco, the facility offers an extended residential treatment program and free life-long aftercare. Serenity Knolls has successfully helped thousands of California residents achieve lasting sobriety since its foundation.

While at the center, patients are surrounded by tranquil scenery and a nurturing, supportive community. Compassionate staff create customized plans for patients that incorporate therapies best suited to the strengths, needs, and recovery goals of each person. Detoxification services are provided and medically monitored, and a weekend family program is available to help patients rebuild their support systems.

Admissions at A Wise Retreat are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This men’s residential program is exclusively designed for men who suffer from alcohol or substance addiction and a co-occurring disorder. A Wise Retreat is a private facility that makes every effort to be as affordable as possible, while still providing quality care.

Staff provide in-depth assessments for patients and individualized treatment planning. Interactive, evidence-based therapeutic processes are used to help patients take responsibility for their recovery process. The Power Recovery Treatment Program at A Wise Retreat takes into account the tolls an addiction takes on a patient’s body, and aims to restore both mental and psychical health by the completion of treatment.

The residential programs at Alta Mira Recovery are available in terms of 30 or 90 days. Each program begins with a medically supervised detox period and is followed by comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Patients will discuss their addiction struggles with a therapist who will then work to develop a personalized care plan.

Holistic treatments such as art and music therapy and equine-assisted therapy are available to patients. Twice-weekly experiential therapy outings allow residents to practice their recovery skills in real-life situations and enable patients to work through challenges with the support of a group. The center itself provides patients with peaceful, panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

Avery Lane is a women’s rehabilitation center with a focus on Whole Being Recovery. The treatment models provided in each program work to heal the mind-body-soul connection, restore self-esteem, and help participants access their authentic selves. Therapies are designed to address underlying traumas and core issues that have contributed to the development of a patient’s addiction.

Each client is given a pre-intake assessment to determine the intensity of care required and any specific therapies needed. Patients in each level of care are continually reassessed to make sure they always in the best-suited treatment program to help them reach their recovery goals. Transitional living spaces are provided for outpatient clients and supply an intimate, home-like setting in which to begin recovery.

Reflections is a private, luxury rehab center found a short drive north of San Francisco. The facility is world-class and widely sought-after due to their high standard of individualized care. Reflections only treats 6 clients at a time in order to truly focus on each patient and support them through each stage in their recovery. Residential programs are offered in 30, 60, and 90-day periods depending on a patient’s needs and preferences.

Most of the staff have doctoral degrees, and the team is comprised of clinical psychologists, counselors, and medical doctors. Therapies are designed to treat any co-occurring disorders and address underlying traumas, grief, and loss to give patients the best chance of achieving lasting recovery. Process addictions such as gambling, food, sex, and pornography are also treated at this center.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Berkeley, New Bridge Foundation’s three-building campus is dedicated to providing a peaceful atmosphere for patients to obtain long-lasting recovery. The residential program gives patients the option of attending either a short or long-term plan, with the outpatient program only being offered as short-term. The long-term program lasts between 3 and 6 months and is designed for patients who require intensive treatment or who have relapsed in the past.

All treatment lengths and options give patients access to addiction education and targeted therapies. 12-step support is offered alongside 12-step alternative programs, and medically-assisted detoxification services are available. Nearing the end of treatment, each patient participates in detailed recovery planning and has access to free aftercare for life.

Treating younger adults from ages 18 to 27, the Newport Institute uses an integrated, comprehensive approach to treating substance abuse and dual diagnoses in patients. The center’s residential programs are separated based on gender, with different therapy emphases for each program. The women’s treatment plan focuses on rebuilding self-esteem and self-confidence, while the men’s program strives to help young men find their voice and effectively express their emotions.

The outpatient program is designed to serve as a step down from the residential facility, but can be attended by patients who require less structure in their recovery treatment. Innovative therapy options, such as attachment-based family therapy, are offered by the Newport Institute to help repair parent-child relationships and provide patients with a seamless transition back into a healthy, sober life.

Bayside Marin is a luxury rehab center that provides both residential inpatient treatment and intensive outpatient treatment. The center is designed for patients who desire exclusivity, privacy, and the most advanced alcohol and substance addiction treatment possible. Residential programs typically last 30 days, but this can vary depending on a patient’s needs. The outpatient program meets 3 to 4 days a week, either in the morning or the evening.

Patients at Bayside Marin have access to high-quality tailored care. There is a high staff-to-patient ratio, with multiple multidisciplinary team members responsible for each individual’s care plan. Gourmet chefs prepare personalized meals for residents, and both outpatient and inpatient programs give clients the chance to participate in holistic therapies such as yoga, massages, and group acupuncture. Access is also provided to a fully-equipped gym, pool, and sauna.