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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

14 Resources

1. Wisconsin DHS - Division of Care and Treatment Services — Free

State Department of Health Services division overseeing substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services funded through county human services departments across Wisconsin. Fathers can call for information on county-administered treatment, residential options, and medication-assisted treatment. Also oversees the statewide opioid response. Call for information on local services or visit the website for provider directories organized by county.

608-266-2717 · 1 W Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. SAMHSA National Helpline — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 helpline operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration providing treatment referrals for substance use and mental health disorders nationwide. Fathers across Wisconsin can reach support in English or Spanish. Specialists ask about location, insurance, and needs to connect you to nearby programs. Available 24/7 every day. No personal information is required to access the service.

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

3. Meta House (Milwaukee) — Paid

Wisconsin's only residential substance abuse treatment facility exclusively for women and their children, providing comprehensive recovery services including residential care, outpatient counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and family reunification support. Fathers can refer the mother of their children for services and participate in family programming when appropriate. Serves Milwaukee. Call 24/7 to admissions; intake weekdays 8-5.

414-962-1200 · 2625 N Weil St, Milwaukee, WI 53212 · 24/7 residential; intake Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Journey Mental Health Center (Madison) — Paid

Dane County's primary community behavioral health provider offering substance abuse treatment, 24/7 crisis services, outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and dual-diagnosis care. Fathers can call for intake or crisis support. Serves Dane County. Sliding fee scale available for uninsured; most major insurance accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card if any, and medication list to intake for fastest assessment and treatment planning.

608-280-2600 · 25 Kessel Ct, Suite 105, Madison, WI 53711 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; crisis 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Alcoholics Anonymous - Wisconsin — Free

Wisconsin AA central service office providing statewide meeting directories, 24/7 hotline support, literature, and connections to the thousands of local AA groups meeting daily across Wisconsin. Fathers in recovery can find meetings by ZIP code online or by calling. Meetings are free with no registration, insurance, or ID required. Open meetings welcome anyone; closed meetings are for people with a desire to stop drinking.

414-771-9119 · Meetings statewide · 24/7 hotline; meetings daily · Visit Website

6. Narcotics Anonymous - Wisconsin Region — Free

Statewide Narcotics Anonymous meeting network. The regional helpline connects callers to the nearest in-person or virtual NA meeting and links them with volunteer sponsors and recovery support. Fathers dealing with addiction can find meetings statewide by ZIP code online or by calling. Meetings are free with no registration or ID required. Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about NA or supporting a loved one.

800-711-6375 · Meetings statewide · Helpline hours vary; meetings daily · Visit Website

7. FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA Locator) — Free

Federal treatment locator maintained by SAMHSA with a searchable database of licensed substance use treatment providers across Wisconsin filterable by insurance, services, language, and special populations. Fathers can search online by ZIP or call the helpline. No account required. Results include outpatient, residential, detox, MAT, and specialty programs. Use the filter tools to narrow by insurance type and payment accepted.

1-800-662-4357 · Online resource (search by WI zip code) · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Tellurian UCARE (Madison) — Paid

Dane County substance abuse and mental health treatment agency offering residential treatment, outpatient programs, medically monitored detox, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery programs. Fathers can call admissions for intake. Serves Dane County. Most major insurance accepted; sliding fee available for uninsured. Bring photo ID, insurance card if any, and medication list to intake for fastest assessment and admission to the appropriate level of care.

608-222-7311 · 300 Femrite Dr, Madison, WI 53716 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; crisis 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Aurora Behavioral Health (Milwaukee) — Paid

Comprehensive addiction services across the Aurora Health Care network including inpatient medical detox, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and dual-diagnosis care. Fathers can call for assessment and admission 24/7. Multiple Milwaukee-area locations. Accepts most major insurance; financial counselors assist with payment options. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and medication list to intake for fastest admission.

414-773-4312 · 1220 Dewey Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; crisis 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Genesis Behavioral Services (Green Bay) — Paid

Northeast Wisconsin substance abuse treatment provider offering outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs, DUI assessments and classes, and recovery programs for adults. Fathers can call the Green Bay office for an initial assessment. Serves Brown and surrounding counties. Most major insurance accepted; self-pay options available. Bring photo ID, insurance card if any, and any court paperwork or DUI orders to your first appointment.

920-432-6066 · 815 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Libertas Treatment Center (Fond du Lac) — Paid

Residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment center serving east-central Wisconsin with 24/7 residential care, intensive outpatient, traditional outpatient, and medication-assisted treatment programs. Fathers can call admissions for intake. Most major insurance accepted; self-pay options available. Bring photo ID, insurance card, medication list, and court orders if any to intake for fastest assessment and admission to appropriate care.

920-907-1800 · 1020 S Main St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 · 24/7 residential; outpatient Mon-Fri · Visit Website

12. Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) — Paid

Statewide network of certified sober living homes providing stable peer-based recovery housing for Wisconsin residents in substance abuse recovery. Fathers in early recovery can search online for certified homes by city and apply directly to each residence. Homes typically require sobriety, house meetings, and modest weekly rent. Bring photo ID, proof of income if working, and be prepared to discuss recovery history at intake interviews.

Locations statewide · Online 24/7

13. Al-Anon / Alateen - Wisconsin — Free

Support groups for families and friends of alcoholics meeting throughout Wisconsin in person and online. Fathers concerned about a spouse, ex-partner, child, or parent with an alcohol problem can find local meetings through the national helpline or Wisconsin intergroup listings. Meetings are free with no registration, ID, or insurance required. Alateen serves teens affected by someone's drinking with age-appropriate support and fellowship.

1-888-425-2666 · Meetings statewide · Meeting times vary · Visit Website

14. Hazelden Betty Ford - Wisconsin Locations — Paid

Evidence-based addiction treatment provider offering outpatient programs, intensive outpatient, family programs, and recovery support at Wisconsin locations including Center City-affiliated services. Fathers can call admissions 24/7. Most major insurance accepted; financial counselors help with payment plans. Bring photo ID, insurance card, medication list, and court orders if applicable to intake for fastest assessment and admission to the right program.

1-866-831-5700 · Multiple Wisconsin locations · Admissions 24/7 · Visit Website

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.