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In the United States and its territories, start with SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov to search for mental-health and substance-use treatment by state, county, or distance from a location. If you would rather speak with someone, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If someone is in immediate danger or facing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency room; for crisis support, call or text 988.
Choose the right route for the situation
Immediate danger or medical emergency
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if someone is in immediate danger or has a medical emergency. For crisis support, call or text 988. These routes are for urgent needs, not a substitute for arranging ongoing treatment. SAMHSA’s 988 guidance explains the crisis option.
Looking for ongoing care
Use FindTreatment.gov to search for state-licensed providers specializing in substance use disorders and mental illness. The locator covers the United States and its territories and is available in English and Spanish. SAMHSA says, “There are many treatment options available for substance use disorders.” SAMHSA’s treatment-finding page describes the search service.
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Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA describes it as free, confidential, available 24/7, and offered in English and Spanish. TTY users can call 1-800-487-4889. You can also text your ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U). The helpline can refer callers to local facilities, support groups, and community organizations.
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Search and narrow the options
- Open FindTreatment.gov. Choose a search based on state, county, or distance from a location.
- Review the available listings and filters. Use them to identify options that may fit the location and type of help needed. The locator is a starting point; a listing does not confirm current availability, insurance acceptance, cost, or clinical suitability.
- For opioid treatment programs, check the dedicated directory. SAMHSA maintains a separate Opioid Treatment Program Directory.
- Contact promising providers directly. Confirm services, intake timing, payment, insurance, and any other details that affect access before making plans.
For additional context about care and recovery, see SAMHSA’s overview of substance-use treatment and its recovery resources.
Compare providers before choosing
SAMHSA’s guide to treatment quality recommends checking whether a provider is licensed or certified by the state, remains in good standing, has qualified staff, and offers evidence-based services. Its treatment quality guide can help you assess those basics. Then compare practical fit across the providers you are considering:
| What to compare | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Credentials and quality | State licensure or certification, current standing, staff qualifications, and evidence-based services. |
| Services and treatment approach | Whether the provider addresses the substance-use concerns and other needs involved, and what care it offers. |
| Medication options | Whether medications are available when clinically relevant. SAMHSA lists options including naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine; a qualified provider should discuss what is appropriate for the individual. |
| Access and fit | Location or distance, accepted age groups, language access, and the current wait time or intake schedule. |
| Payment | Accepted insurance plans, other payment options, and expected costs. Confirm coverage with the provider and the person’s payer. |
Questions to ask when you call
- Are you licensed or certified by the state, and can you confirm your current standing?
- Do you provide services for the substance-use concerns and other needs involved?
- What treatment approaches do you offer, and are medication options available when relevant?
- What qualifications do the staff have, and what evidence-based services do you provide?
- Do you serve this person’s age group, and can care be provided in their preferred language?
- What is the current wait time, and what should we expect during intake?
- Which insurance plans do you accept, what other payment options are available, and what costs should we expect?
Provider availability, accepted insurance, and cost can change and are not established by a directory listing. Confirm each detail with the facility and the payer before relying on it.
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People still search for “substance abuse” support, but substance use disorder is the current clinical term. Care is not limited to one program type: SAMHSA’s resources include treatment programs, medications such as naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine, and recovery supports. Which options fit depends on the person’s needs; discuss clinical choices with a qualified provider rather than choosing a medication or program based on a directory entry alone.
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