I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?

Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.

What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?

MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.

Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?

Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.

How long is treatment?

Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.

Substance Abuse in Virginia

14 verified resources.

About Substance Abuse for Fathers

Substance abuse treatment in the US is delivered through state-licensed treatment providers, nonprofit recovery programs (AA, NA, SMART Recovery), hospital-based detox, methadone clinics, and sober living houses. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides free, confidential referrals to local treatment 24/7. Most states fund a network of publicly-supported treatment centers that accept uninsured and Medicaid clients; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a national treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Fathers dealing with substance issues during custody disputes often need documented treatment compliance — court-ordered programs exist for this specific purpose. Recovery support includes peer recovery specialists, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and drug courts. This directory pulls together the state's single state agency for SUD, treatment finders, mutual aid meetings, and MAT providers.

Substance Abuse in Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

14 Resources

1. Virginia DBHDS — Free

State agency overseeing Virginia's mental health, substance abuse, and developmental services system. DBHDS provides oversight and policy guidance for all 40 Community Services Boards and state psychiatric facilities. Call the main number to find your local CSB or visit the website for a statewide directory. CSBs offer sliding-fee mental health and substance abuse treatment to all Virginia residents regardless of insurance. Crisis services are available 24/7 through local CSBs.

804-786-3921 · 1220 Bank St, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. SAMHSA National Helpline — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 helpline for substance use disorder and mental health treatment referrals in English and Spanish. No insurance, ID, or personal information is required to call. SAMHSA staff can locate treatment providers, support groups, and community organizations near you in Virginia. This is a referral service, not a crisis line — for emergencies call 988. A helpful starting point when you are not sure where to find treatment in your area.

1-800-662-4357 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. McShin Foundation (Richmond) — Free

Richmond-based recovery community organization providing peer recovery support, sober housing assistance, and substance abuse resources. One of Virginia's largest recovery community organizations, McShin connects individuals to peer mentors, recovery coaching, and transitional housing. Services are available to anyone seeking recovery at no cost. Located in Henrico County north of Richmond. Call 804-249-1845 or visit the website to connect with peer support and housing resources.

804-249-1845 · 9014 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23228 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Arlington County CSB - Substance Abuse — Paid

Community Services Board offering outpatient substance abuse treatment, detox referrals, medication-assisted treatment, and peer recovery support for Arlington County and Northern Virginia residents. Services include intensive outpatient programs, individual counseling, and group sessions. Medicaid accepted and sliding fee scale available. Call during business hours to schedule an intake assessment. Located on North George Mason Drive in Arlington with crisis services available 24/7.

703-228-5150 · 1725 N George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Hampton-Newport News CSB — Paid

Provides substance abuse treatment, crisis intervention, and recovery services for Hampton and Newport News residents including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential programs. Services include medication-assisted treatment, individual counseling, group therapy, and peer recovery support. Medicaid accepted and sliding fee scale available. Call during business hours to schedule an intake assessment. Crisis services are available 24/7 for acute substance abuse emergencies.

757-788-0300 · 300 Medical Dr, Hampton, VA 23666 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Alcoholics Anonymous Virginia — Free

Statewide Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship with over 2,000 weekly meetings across Virginia including in-person and online options. Richmond AA Intergroup provides a 24/7 hotline and meeting finder for the central Virginia area. No cost to attend. Meetings are open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking. Use the AA Virginia website to find meetings by city or county. New members are always welcome and no registration or appointment is needed to attend.

804-355-1212 · Meetings statewide · 24/7 hotline; meetings daily · Visit Website

7. Narcotics Anonymous Virginia — Free

Community-based recovery program offering regular Narcotics Anonymous meetings throughout Virginia and peer support for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Meetings are free and open to anyone with a desire to stop using. Both in-person and online meetings are available across the state. Call the statewide helpline at 888-477-1462 to find meeting times near you. No registration or appointment needed — just show up. Anonymity is always protected at NA meetings.

888-477-1462 · Meetings statewide · 24/7 helpline; meetings daily

8. SMART Recovery – Virginia — Free

Science-based mutual support program offering an alternative to 12-step recovery for people dealing with alcohol, drug, and behavioral addictions. SMART Recovery uses cognitive-behavioral techniques and motivational enhancement. Meetings are available in-person at locations across Virginia and online. Meetings are free and open to anyone. Visit the website to find Virginia meeting locations, times, and online meeting schedules. No sponsor or higher power language required.

Meetings statewide · Check website · Visit Website

9. Celebrate Recovery – Virginia — Free

Faith-based recovery program for any hurt, habit, or hang-up including addiction, trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues. Celebrate Recovery meets weekly at Virginia churches and is free to attend. The program integrates Christian principles with evidence-based recovery practices. Meetings are open to anyone regardless of faith background. Visit the website or contact local Virginia churches to find a Celebrate Recovery group near you and get meeting times.

Church-based statewide · Weekly · Visit Website

10. Salvation Army Adult Rehab – Virginia — Free

Free 6-month residential substance abuse recovery program at Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers in Norfolk, Richmond, and other Virginia cities. The program includes work therapy, counseling, life skills, and spiritual development. Participants work in thrift stores as part of the therapeutic model. No cost to participants — the program is funded through thrift store revenue. Call 800-725-2769 to inquire about admissions or find the nearest Virginia ARC location.

800-725-2769 · Multiple VA locations · Admissions Mon-Fri · Visit Website

11. Virginia Drug Courts — Free

Virginia operates over 50 drug courts that divert eligible defendants from incarceration into structured treatment and supervision programs. Drug courts combine judicial oversight, substance abuse treatment, frequent drug testing, and support services. Successful completion can result in reduced or dismissed charges. Referrals come through the criminal court system. Ask your attorney or the court whether you may be eligible for drug court as an alternative to traditional prosecution in Virginia.

Courts statewide · By court referral · Visit Website

12. FindTreatment.gov – Virginia — Free

Federal treatment locator for licensed and certified substance abuse treatment providers across Virginia. Search by ZIP code to find nearby programs offering detox, inpatient, outpatient, and medication-assisted treatment. Results include program type, contact information, and accepted payment sources. The site is free to use and available 24/7. For immediate help locating treatment, also call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. A practical first step when searching for addiction treatment options in Virginia.

800-662-4357 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

13. Fairfax County CSB – Addiction Services — Paid

Outpatient substance abuse treatment, medication-assisted treatment including buprenorphine, and peer recovery support services for Fairfax County and surrounding Northern Virginia residents. Services include individual counseling, group therapy, and intensive outpatient programs. Medicaid accepted and sliding fee scale available for uninsured clients. Call 703-383-8500 during business hours to schedule an intake assessment. Crisis support is available 24/7 through the CSB emergency line.

703-383-8500 · Fairfax County locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority — Free

State agency distributing opioid settlement funds for treatment, prevention, and recovery programs across Virginia. The Opioid Abatement Authority receives settlement payments from opioid manufacturers and distributors and grants funds to local communities, health providers, and recovery organizations. While the authority does not provide direct services, it funds programs statewide. Visit the website to learn about grant opportunities and how settlement funds are being used to address Virginia's opioid crisis.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Substance Abuse — Common Questions

I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?: Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.
What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?: MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.
Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?: Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.
How long is treatment?: Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.