How Much Does Rehab Cost in Melbourne? 2026 Guide to Public, Private & Residential Rehab Fees
If you are trying to find out how much rehab costs in Melbourne, you will quickly discover that there is no simple answer.
Drug and alcohol treatment in Victoria can range from free publicly funded counselling and outpatient treatment through to private residential rehabilitation costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Some private hospitals may also be partly covered by private health insurance, while many private residential rehabilitation centres are not covered by health insurance at all.
The biggest mistake is assuming that all services advertised as “rehab” provide the same thing.
They don’t.
A medically supervised hospital detox, a four-week private residential program, a six-month therapeutic community, an outpatient counselling program and an online recovery course can all appear in searches for drug and alcohol rehab Melbourne, yet their treatment models and costs can be completely different.
This guide explains what you may pay for rehab in Melbourne and Victoria in 2026, what can be accessed free through Victoria’s public alcohol and drug treatment system, how private health insurance can work, and what questions to ask before paying a private provider.
Quick Answer: How Much Does Rehab Cost in Melbourne?
As of August 2026:
- Publicly funded alcohol and drug treatment in Victoria is generally free.
- Assessment, counselling, therapeutic day rehabilitation, non-residential withdrawal and care and recovery coordination generally have no fees in Victoria’s state-funded treatment system.
- Some publicly funded residential rehabilitation programs charge a contribution towards accommodation, often linked to a person’s Centrelink payments.
- Private residential rehab can cost many thousands of dollars for a four-week program.
- Current published Melbourne examples range from around $15,400 plus GST for 28 days at Sober Living Rehab to $19,800 including GST for 28 days for a standard room at Refocus.
- Some private hospital addiction programs can be partly covered by eligible private health insurance, although excesses and gap payments may still apply.
- Arrow Health currently publishes a self-funded inpatient rate averaging $810 per day, while insured inpatient gap payments can start from $3,778, depending on cover.
Victoria’s Department of Health states that access to the state-funded alcohol and other drug treatment system is generally free, although some residential services may charge nominal or accommodation-related contributions.
The important point is that you do not necessarily need $20,000 or $30,000 to access addiction treatment in Melbourne.
Melbourne Rehab Costs at a Glance
| Treatment type | Indicative 2026 cost | Private health insurance? |
|---|---|---|
| Victorian public assessment | Generally free | Not required |
| Public AOD counselling | Generally free | Not required |
| Public non-residential withdrawal | Generally free | Not required |
| Public therapeutic day rehabilitation | Generally free | Not required |
| Public residential rehabilitation | Usually funded, but accommodation contribution may apply | Not generally required |
| Private outpatient program | From thousands depending on program | Sometimes |
| Private residential rehab | Often many thousands per month | Frequently not covered |
| Private hospital addiction treatment | Can be substantial if self-funded | Often potentially covered depending on policy |
| Private medical detox | Varies considerably | May be covered in a hospital |
| Recovery coaching/counselling | Usually session/program based | Depends on provider/service |
These figures shouldn’t be treated as quotes. The actual cost depends on the facility, program, medical requirements and insurance status.
Is Drug and Alcohol Rehab Free in Victoria?
Yes, there are free and publicly funded alcohol and drug treatment options in Victoria.
This is one of the most important things for families to understand before assuming that private rehab is their only option.
Victoria’s publicly funded alcohol and other drug treatment system includes services such as:
- assessment
- counselling
- withdrawal treatment
- residential rehabilitation
- therapeutic day rehabilitation
- care and recovery coordination
- pharmacotherapy.
The Victorian Department of Health says there are no fees or charges for state-funded:
- assessment
- counselling
- therapeutic day rehabilitation
- non-residential withdrawal
- care and recovery coordination.
Some residential services can charge nominal fees, and publicly funded residential rehabilitation programs commonly charge an accommodation contribution, which may be calculated as a percentage of Centrelink payments.
That is very different from paying privately for a residential rehabilitation centre.
How Do You Access Public Rehab in Victoria?
A good starting point is DirectLine.
DirectLine: 1800 888 236
DirectLine provides confidential alcohol and drug counselling, information and referral throughout Victoria.
People can also access treatment through local catchment-based intake services and health professionals such as GPs. Victoria’s Department of Health confirms that counselling, withdrawal, rehabilitation, care and recovery coordination and pharmacotherapy can be accessed through DirectLine or local intake services.
The trade-off is that publicly funded treatment isn’t necessarily the same experience as private residential rehab.
There may be:
- eligibility criteria
- assessment requirements
- waiting periods
- less choice of accommodation
- fewer luxury amenities
- specific program entry requirements.
But from a clinical perspective, more expensive doesn’t automatically mean more appropriate.
How Much Does Private Residential Rehab Cost in Melbourne?
Private residential rehabilitation is where prices vary most significantly.
Many facilities don’t publish their fees publicly, which makes direct comparison difficult.
However, some Melbourne providers do disclose current pricing.
Refocus Rehab Melbourne Cost
Refocus currently publishes the following fees for its Brighton residential program:
28-day Primary Residential Program
- Standard suite with private ensuite: $19,800 including GST
- Bayview suite with private ensuite: $24,800 including GST
Refocus states that its private residential program isn’t covered by private health insurance and that longer stays are priced separately.
Its published fee includes accommodation and the treatment program, with the provider stating that longer residential stays of up to 90 days or more are available.
That works out to approximately:
$707 per day for the $19,800 standard 28-day program.
The premium $24,800 accommodation works out at approximately:
$886 per day.
These calculations are simply the advertised package fee divided by 28 days. They don’t imply that treatment is charged or refundable on a daily basis.
Refocus early exit policy
Refocus currently says unused prepaid fees may be refunded if someone leaves early, subject to a $1,500 early-exit fee and its minimum-stay conditions.
This highlights why refund terms deserve careful attention before paying for any residential program.
Sober Living Rehab Cost
Sober Living Rehab currently publishes fees starting at:
$15,400 plus GST per 28 days
for its primary residential program.
That equates to approximately $550 per day before GST when simply dividing the published 28-day fee.
The provider says the price includes:
- accommodation
- meals
- utilities
- program materials
- counselling
- group sessions
- program activities.
However, it also states that significant unexpected medical needs and some other expenses aren’t included.
Another important difference is program duration.
Sober Living currently states that it has a minimum stay of 90 days.
So comparing its 28-day rate with another facility’s four-week package can be misleading if someone is actually expected to commit to approximately three months of treatment.
This is exactly why consumers should ask for the likely total program cost, not just the advertised monthly fee.
How Much Does Arrow Health Cost?
Arrow Health operates differently because its residential addiction program is delivered through an accredited private hospital.
For clients without private health insurance, Arrow currently publishes an average inpatient cost of:
$810 per day.
It says that this includes:
- medical supervision
- accommodation
- meals
- therapeutic activities
- treatment planning
- counselling.
For somebody undertaking 28 days at that published average rate, the mathematical equivalent would be approximately:
$22,680.
The final amount will depend on the actual treatment period and individual circumstances.
Arrow also publishes:
- Day program: average $428 per day
- 12-session outpatient program: $2,500
- Insured inpatient gap payments: from $3,778, depending on the person’s private health insurance cover.
This illustrates why it’s important to distinguish a private hospital addiction program from a standalone residential rehab.
Why Don’t All Melbourne Rehabs Publish Their Prices?
Many private rehabilitation providers quote fees only after speaking with the prospective client or conducting an assessment.
For example, HARP Private Rehab states that admission fees depend on assessment because it offers different facilities, treatment types, lengths of stay and levels of care.
There are legitimate reasons why treatment costs can vary.
However, consumers should still be able to obtain clear pricing before entering a financial agreement.
If a provider is unwilling to explain its costs in writing, that would concern us.
What Does $20,000 of Private Rehab Actually Pay For?
This varies enormously.
A residential program fee may include some or all of:
- accommodation
- meals
- group therapy
- individual counselling
- psychological treatment
- nursing
- medical supervision
- psychiatry
- fitness activities
- yoga or meditation
- educational sessions
- transport
- family programs
- relapse-prevention planning
- aftercare.
But don’t assume everything is included.
Some costs may be additional.
These can include:
- doctor appointments
- psychiatrist appointments
- medication
- pathology
- emergency medical care
- hospital treatment
- dental treatment
- specialist appointments
- transportation
- private psychology
- outside detoxification
- continuing accommodation
- aftercare.
A cheaper program isn’t necessarily less expensive once all extras are taken into account.
Does Medicare Pay for Rehab in Melbourne?
This question needs some clarification because Medicare, public treatment and private health insurance are different things.
Medicare can contribute to eligible medical and allied-health services.
That doesn’t mean Medicare simply pays the accommodation and program fee at a private residential rehabilitation centre.
Private residential facilities outside the hospital system may operate largely on a self-funded basis.
Someone paying $20,000 for a private residential rehab shouldn’t assume that presenting a Medicare card will substantially reduce that fee.
Public alcohol and drug treatment, meanwhile, is funded through government arrangements and can therefore be available free or with only limited contributions.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Rehab?
Sometimes, but it depends heavily on what kind of rehab you’re entering.
Private hospital addiction treatment generally falls within hospital psychiatric services, rather than ordinary physical rehabilitation.
Australian private health insurance clinical categories define hospital psychiatric services as including hospital treatment for psychiatric, mental, addiction and behavioural disorders, including addiction therapy.
That means appropriate hospital cover may contribute to eligible inpatient addiction treatment.
However, you need to check:
- whether your policy includes hospital psychiatric services
- whether restrictions apply
- whether you have served waiting periods
- your excess
- any co-payments
- whether the hospital has an agreement with your health insurer.
The Australian Government’s PrivateHealth.gov.au advises that hospital benefits depend on the level of cover and whether the insurer has an agreement with the hospital, and recommends requesting an estimate of out-of-pocket expenses in advance.
Why Private Health Insurance Often Doesn’t Cover Residential Rehab
The word rehab creates confusion here.
A private residential addiction centre isn’t necessarily a private hospital.
For example, Refocus explicitly says its residential program isn’t covered by private health insurance because it isn’t hospital treatment.
Sober Living Rehab similarly states that it operates as a private residential rehab and isn’t covered by private health insurance.
By comparison, Arrow Health operates within an accredited private hospital and says eligible private health insurance can be used, depending on the person’s cover.
So when someone asks:
“Does my health insurance cover rehab?”
the first question should really be:
“Is the treatment being provided as admitted hospital treatment?”
What Might Private Hospital Rehab Cost Without Insurance?
There isn’t one standard Melbourne private hospital rate.
However, some benchmarks illustrate why costs can become substantial.
For the 2026–27 financial year, Victorian Government data estimates average private-patient hospital costs of around $593 per day for the first 42 days of psychiatric treatment, while rehabilitation categories can exceed $1,000 per day depending on classification. These are health-system cost benchmarks rather than consumer quotes for addiction rehab, so they shouldn’t be interpreted as what a particular hospital will invoice you.
Similarly, Australian Government rules specify minimum accommodation benefits health insurers pay for eligible private hospital treatment. From 1 July 2026, the minimum benefit for an overnight private-hospital psychiatric patient is $524 per night for the first 42 days. Again, this is an insurer benefit benchmark, not the patient’s final bill.
The practical takeaway is simple:
Get a written estimate from both the hospital and your insurer before admission whenever possible.
What Does Outpatient Rehab Cost?
Outpatient treatment can be considerably cheaper than residential accommodation because you’re not paying to live onsite.
However, prices still vary.
Arrow Health currently advertises its four-week, 12-session outpatient addiction program for:
$2,500.
Sober Living Rehab currently advertises an intensive outpatient and trauma-healing program at:
$2,000 per week plus GST.
Those examples also demonstrate how dramatically the term “outpatient rehab” can vary.
One program might involve a few scheduled group sessions each week.
Another may involve several days of intensive treatment.
Always compare the actual treatment hours and clinical content rather than just the headline price.
Is Outpatient Rehab Better Value Than Residential Rehab?
Potentially, but cost shouldn’t be the only consideration.
Someone who can safely live at home with strong family support may do very well with outpatient treatment.
For another person, their home environment may contain:
- easy access to alcohol or drugs
- family conflict
- friends who use substances
- significant stress
- limited accountability
- triggers associated with previous substance use.
In those circumstances, residential treatment may provide structure and separation from the normal environment.
The cheapest form of treatment isn’t good value if it isn’t clinically appropriate.
Similarly, paying $25,000 for residential rehab isn’t automatically good value simply because it is expensive.
How Much Does Detox Cost in Melbourne?
Again, it depends on the treatment setting.
Public withdrawal treatment
Victoria’s state-funded non-residential withdrawal services are generally free.
Some publicly funded residential withdrawal services may ask clients to contribute small amounts towards medication, activities or complementary therapies.
Private hospital detox
Private hospital withdrawal may potentially be funded partly through suitable private health insurance.
Without insurance, the cost can be considerably higher because you’re paying for:
- hospital accommodation
- nursing
- medical supervision
- medication
- specialist treatment.
Private residential rehab
Some private residential rehabs don’t provide medical detox onsite.
You may therefore have to pay separately for detoxification before entering the residential program.
Ask this question explicitly:
“Does the quoted program price include medically supervised withdrawal, or will I need to complete detox somewhere else first?”
How Long Does Rehab Last?
Treatment duration is one of the biggest drivers of cost.
Private programs commonly advertise durations such as:
14 days
28 days
30 days
60 days
90 days
and sometimes considerably longer.
A 28-day program costing $20,000 may sound expensive.
But if another facility charges $15,000 every four weeks and expects a minimum three-month stay, the second program could result in a much larger overall financial commitment.
This is why monthly prices can be deceptive.
Ask:
“Based on my assessment, what length of stay are you actually recommending and what will that entire program cost?”
Example: What Could Three Months of Private Rehab Cost?
We need to be cautious here because providers price longer stays differently and may apply discounts.
But consider the principle.
A facility charging around $15,000 per 28 days could theoretically involve more than $45,000 over approximately three months before discounts or different longer-term rates are applied.
A provider charging around $20,000 per four-week period could theoretically exceed $60,000 over the same period if the rate remained unchanged.
These aren’t quotes from any particular facility.
They’re examples showing why you shouldn’t make a decision based on the first four-week price alone.
Ask for a full treatment proposal.
What Should Be Included in a Rehab Quote?
Before paying a private rehabilitation provider, ask for a written quote identifying:
Accommodation
Is the room:
- private
- shared
- ensuite
- offsite?
Food
Are all meals and snacks included?
Medical assessment
Is there a doctor involved?
Is their fee included?
Detox
Is withdrawal treatment included?
If not, what could external detox cost?
Psychology and counselling
How many individual sessions are included?
Who delivers them?
Psychiatry
Are psychiatrist consultations included or billed separately?
Medication
Who pays for prescription medications?
Transport
Does the facility pay for transport to outside appointments?
Family treatment
Are family sessions included?
Aftercare
Is continuing treatment included after discharge?
For how long?
Leaving early
What happens financially if the person leaves after one week?
This last question is extremely important because people do leave residential programs early.
Ask About the Refund Policy Before Paying
Don’t wait until somebody wants to leave rehab to ask what happens to the unused fees.
Private rehab can involve very significant upfront payments.
Request the cancellation and early-exit policy in writing before paying.
Check for:
- non-refundable deposits
- minimum-stay charges
- administration fees
- early-exit penalties
- notice requirements
- treatment already invoiced
- refunds on unused accommodation.
Don’t assume unused weeks will automatically be refunded.
Should You Borrow Money to Pay for Private Rehab?
This is a difficult decision and will depend on individual circumstances.
Private treatment can sometimes offer advantages such as:
- quicker admission
- greater privacy
- smaller groups
- preferred accommodation
- broader choice of program
- more flexible treatment lengths.
But families experiencing a crisis can also feel enormous pressure to find money quickly.
Before taking out a large personal loan or accessing retirement savings, it is worth asking:
- Has the person been properly assessed?
- Is residential rehabilitation actually necessary?
- Is medical detoxification required first?
- What public treatment is available?
- Would hospital treatment be covered by private insurance?
- Is outpatient treatment a reasonable option?
- What exactly is included in the private program?
- What evidence supports the treatment offered?
- What happens if the person leaves after several days?
Paying more doesn’t guarantee a better outcome.
Does Luxury Rehab Work Better?
A sea view, private bathroom and gourmet meals can make residential treatment more comfortable.
They don’t necessarily make addiction treatment more effective.
When comparing facilities, we’d put more weight on:
- clinical assessment
- medical oversight
- staff qualifications
- individual therapy
- evidence-informed treatment
- mental-health support
- family involvement
- continuing care
- relapse-prevention planning.
Accommodation matters, particularly when somebody may be living there for weeks or months.
It just shouldn’t be confused with clinical quality.
Public Rehab vs Private Rehab: Cost Comparison
| Publicly funded treatment | Private treatment |
|---|---|
| Generally free or low-cost | Often significant out-of-pocket expense |
| Government-funded | Client/insurer funded |
| Assessment required | Assessment usually required |
| Less choice of facility | More provider choice |
| Waiting periods may occur | Faster admission may be possible |
| Accommodation can be basic | Can range from basic to luxury |
| Residential options available | Residential options available |
| Medical withdrawal available through appropriate services | Depends on facility |
| Treatment can be evidence-based and clinically structured | Quality varies between providers |
The correct choice isn’t necessarily determined by someone’s ability to pay.
Warning Signs When Comparing Rehab Fees
Be cautious if a treatment provider:
- refuses to explain its total cost
- pressures you to pay immediately
- won’t provide its cancellation policy
- makes dramatic success-rate claims without evidence
- guarantees recovery
- can’t explain who provides clinical treatment
- implies that expensive accommodation proves treatment quality
- is vague about medical withdrawal
- claims every person needs the same program
- dismisses all public treatment as ineffective.
Addiction treatment is a health service.
People deserve transparent information before making a significant financial commitment.
Questions to Ask a Rehab About Costs
Before paying anything, ask:
- What is your total program fee?
- How long are you recommending I stay?
- What would that entire treatment period cost?
- Is GST included?
- Is accommodation included?
- Are meals included?
- Are doctor appointments included?
- Is psychiatry included?
- Is psychology included?
- How much individual therapy will I receive?
- Are medications included?
- Does the fee include detoxification?
- Is medical withdrawal available onsite?
- Are external appointments additional?
- Is aftercare included?
- How long does aftercare last?
- Are family sessions included?
- What does private health insurance cover?
- What is my estimated out-of-pocket cost?
- What happens financially if I leave early?
Get important answers in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 30-day rehab program in Melbourne?
There is no standard Melbourne price.
Current publicly advertised examples show that private residential programs can cost roughly $15,000 to $25,000 for around four weeks, depending on the facility and accommodation. Some private hospital programs may cost differently and may be partly covered by private health insurance.
This isn’t a market-wide average, just a range demonstrated by providers that currently publish their prices.
Can you go to rehab for free in Melbourne?
Yes.
Victoria’s state-funded alcohol and drug treatment system generally provides assessment, counselling, non-residential withdrawal, therapeutic day rehabilitation and care/recovery coordination without fees. Some publicly funded residential programs may charge an accommodation contribution.
How do I get into public rehab in Victoria?
Contact DirectLine on 1800 888 236, a local alcohol and drug intake service or speak with a health professional such as your GP.
Is private rehab worth $20,000?
That can’t be answered from the price alone.
Look at the clinical treatment, staff qualifications, medical involvement, individual therapy, aftercare and whether residential treatment is actually appropriate.
Does Medicare cover private residential rehab?
Medicare doesn’t generally pay the full accommodation and program cost of a standalone private residential rehab.
It may cover eligible individual health services in certain circumstances.
Will private health insurance pay for rehab?
Potentially, when addiction treatment is provided as eligible admitted hospital treatment and the policy covers hospital psychiatric services. Standalone private residential rehabs may not be covered.
How much does alcohol rehab cost in Melbourne?
Alcohol rehabilitation costs depend on whether treatment is public, private residential, hospital-based or outpatient.
Publicly funded treatment may be free or low-cost. Private four-week residential programs can cost many thousands of dollars.
How much does drug rehab cost in Melbourne?
Drug rehabilitation follows the same general funding models as alcohol treatment. Costs depend far more on the treatment setting than on whether the substance is cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis or another drug.
Is detox included in rehab fees?
Not always.
Some private hospitals provide medically supervised detoxification. Some standalone residential rehabilitation centres require clients to complete withdrawal elsewhere before admission.
Always ask.
So, How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
The most useful answer is:
Public treatment
Potentially $0, although some residential accommodation or ancillary contributions may apply.
Private outpatient treatment
Potentially a few thousand dollars, depending on intensity and duration.
Private residential rehab
Based on current publicly advertised Melbourne pricing, around $15,000 to $25,000 for approximately four weeks is a realistic example range among providers that disclose prices, but this should not be treated as a comprehensive Melbourne average.
Longer treatment can take the total cost considerably higher.
Private hospital addiction treatment
Potentially expensive when self-funded, but eligible private health insurance can significantly change the out-of-pocket cost.
Before You Spend Thousands on Rehab
Our strongest advice is not to start with:
“Which rehab can we afford?”
Start with:
“What treatment does this person actually need?”
Those aren’t the same question.
A person may need medically supervised withdrawal before rehabilitation.
Another may need psychiatric treatment because addiction is occurring alongside significant mental-health problems.
Someone else may be suitable for outpatient treatment and never need residential rehabilitation at all.
And someone who assumes they have no option because they can’t afford $20,000 may actually be eligible for publicly funded Victorian treatment.
Get an assessment.
Understand the treatment pathway.
Then compare costs between services providing the same type of care.
Where to Get Help in Victoria
For confidential alcohol and drug counselling, information and referral:
DirectLine
1800 888 236
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Victoria’s publicly funded alcohol and other drug system includes counselling, withdrawal, rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy and continuing recovery services.
For an immediate medical emergency, call 000.
Looking for a Melbourne Rehab?
For a detailed comparison of residential rehabilitation, private hospitals, public treatment, detox services and outpatient providers, read our:
Drug & Alcohol Rehab Melbourne: Residential, Detox & Outpatient Treatment Guide 2026
The guide explains the differences between Melbourne treatment providers and includes current locations, treatment types and contact information.
Important Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and isn’t medical, financial or treatment advice.
Alcohol and some drug withdrawal can involve serious medical risks. Anyone concerned about dependence or withdrawal should seek appropriate medical advice.
Fees, health-insurance arrangements, programs, admission requirements and refund policies can change. Prices quoted in this article were publicly advertised by the relevant providers when researched in August 2026 and should be independently confirmed before making a financial commitment.
Brighton Savoy doesn’t guarantee treatment outcomes or recommend a particular provider solely on the basis of price.
