What this grant program covers and who runs it

The Residential Treatment Grant Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women funds inpatient treatment facilities that serve pregnant women and mothers up to one year after birth. The program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grants go to treatment centers, not directly to individuals — so you would receive services through a facility that has received this funding, not by receiving money yourself.

These grants support residential (live-in) programs that treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The facilities funded through this program typically allow women to bring their children with them during treatment, which addresses a major barrier that keeps pregnant and postpartum women from seeking care. Some programs also provide prenatal care, childcare, parenting classes, and job training alongside addiction and mental health treatment.

The program exists because pregnant women and new mothers face unique obstacles: fear of child protective services involvement, lack of childcare during treatment, medical complications that require specialized care, and the stigma around addiction during pregnancy. Residential treatment removes some of these barriers by offering a place where women can stabilize, receive medical monitoring, and keep their families together.

Key Takeaways

  • SAMHSA awards grants to treatment facilities, not to individuals, so you receive services through a funded center rather than explore for money yourself.
  • Funded programs serve pregnant women and mothers up to one year postpartum who have substance use disorders, often with mental health conditions as well.
  • Many programs allow children to stay with mothers during treatment and provide prenatal care, childcare, and parenting support alongside addiction treatment.
  • To find a funded program near you, search SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) or the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator on their website.
  • Treatment length, cost to you, and what services are included vary by facility and your insurance or payment method.

How to find a residential treatment program with this funding

SAMHSA maintains a searchable database called the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator at findtreatment.gov. You can filter by location, type of treatment (residential), and population served (pregnant and postpartum women). The database shows which facilities have received SAMHSA grants and what services they offer.

You can also call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. The helpline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staff can tell you which residential programs in your area serve pregnant and postpartum women, whether they accept your insurance, and how to contact them directly. They cannot place you in a program, but they can narrow down your options based on your location and needs.

Your doctor, OB-GYN, or local health department can also refer you to programs. If you are already connected to a prenatal care provider or hospital, ask them which residential treatment centers they work with for pregnant patients. Some hospitals have partnerships with specific programs and can speed up the intake process.

What happens during intake and what to expect

When you contact a program, intake staff will ask about your substance use history, mental health, medical conditions, pregnancy status or postpartum timeline, and whether you have children. They will also ask about insurance, income, and ability to pay. This conversation determines whether the program can serve you and what your costs might be.

Most programs require a medical evaluation before or shortly after arrival. This includes bloodwork, urine screening, vital signs, and a full health history. If you are pregnant, you will have an obstetric evaluation. If you have a psychiatric diagnosis, you may have a mental health assessment. These evaluations help the treatment team understand your medical needs and create a plan that addresses both addiction and any other health conditions.

Residential treatment typically lasts 28 to 90 days, though some programs offer longer stays. During your stay, you will participate in group therapy, individual counseling, educational sessions about addiction and recovery, and often parenting classes or childcare training. If your children are with you, the program provides supervision and activities for them. You may also have medication-assisted treatment (like methadone or buprenorphine) if that is part of your plan.

Cost and payment: insurance, Medicaid, and sliding scale

How much you pay depends on the program and your insurance or income. Many SAMHSA-funded programs accept Medicaid, which covers residential treatment for substance use disorders in most states. If you have Medicaid, call the program to confirm they accept your state's Medicaid plan — coverage rules vary by state.

Programs also accept private insurance. Your insurance company may require prior authorization before treatment begins, which the program's admissions staff can often handle on your behalf. Ask during intake whether the program will contact your insurance or whether you need to do that first.

If you do not have insurance or Medicaid, many SAMHSA-funded programs offer sliding scale fees based on your income, or they may treat you at reduced cost or free. Some programs also receive state funding that allows them to serve uninsured patients. Be direct during intake: tell the program your financial situation and ask what payment options exist. Do not assume you cannot afford treatment.

Some programs also help you explore for Medicaid during your stay if you are not already covered. This can reduce your out-of-pocket costs and help you maintain coverage after treatment ends.

What SAMHSA funding means for the quality and scope of services

SAMHSA grants come with requirements. Funded programs must meet federal standards for staffing (including licensed counselors and medical staff), treatment protocols, and outcomes tracking. This does not mean all SAMHSA-funded programs are identical — they vary widely in size, setting, and specialties — but it does mean they have met a baseline for safety and quality.

Grants also require programs to serve pregnant and postpartum women specifically, which means staff have training in prenatal health, postpartum recovery, and the particular challenges of addiction during and after pregnancy. Many programs employ peer specialists — people in recovery themselves — who can relate to your experience and model long-term recovery.

The funding also supports services beyond basic addiction treatment. Prenatal care, obstetric consultations, childcare, parenting education, and job training are often included because SAMHSA recognizes that pregnant women and mothers need more than counseling alone. However, what is included varies by program, so ask specifically what services are available to you.

Preparing for treatment: what to bring and what to arrange

Before you arrive at a residential program, gather important documents. Bring your insurance card (if you have one), a photo ID, any medical records you have (especially prenatal records if you are pregnant), and a list of current medications. If you have children who will stay with you, bring their birth certificates and any medical records they have.

Ask the program what you can bring: clothing, toiletries, and comfort items are usually allowed, but weapons, drugs, alcohol, and sometimes phones or internet access are not. Programs vary, so confirm their rules during intake.

If you have children who will not be staying with you, arrange childcare before treatment. Some programs can help you think through this, and some have partnerships with local childcare or foster care agencies. If you are concerned about child protective services involvement, discuss this with the program's intake staff — they have experience navigating these situations and can often connect you with legal resources.

Tell your employer, if you have one, that you will be in treatment. You may be protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if your employer has 50 or more employees and you have worked there for at least 12 months. The program's social worker can help you understand your rights.

After treatment: continuing care and recovery support

Residential treatment is the beginning, not the end, of recovery. Before you leave the program, staff should help you plan what comes next. This usually includes outpatient counseling, support groups (like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery), medication-assisted treatment if you are on it, and mental health care if you have a psychiatric condition.

Ask the program about aftercare planning during your stay. Good programs connect you with outpatient providers before you leave, give you a list of support groups in your area, and help you understand how to maintain your recovery at home. If you are on medication-assisted treatment, the program will help you find a provider to continue prescribing it.

Many SAMHSA-funded programs also offer alumni support groups or peer mentoring after you leave. These connections can be crucial during the transition back to daily life, especially if you are managing parenting, work, and recovery at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my children with me to residential treatment?

Many SAMHSA-funded programs allow children to stay with their mothers, but not all do. When you search for programs or call the helpline, specifically ask whether they accept children and what ages they serve. Some programs have age limits or separate housing for children. If a program does not allow children to stay, ask staff for help arranging childcare or connecting you with programs that do.

What if I am on medication-assisted treatment like methadone or buprenorphine?

Residential programs can continue medication-assisted treatment during your stay. Tell intake staff when ready if you are on methadone, buprenorphine, or any other medication for opioid use disorder. The program will coordinate with your current provider or transition you to their medical staff. Do not stop taking these medications before treatment — stopping suddenly can be medically dangerous and increase your risk of relapse.

How long does residential treatment usually last?

Most programs offer 28, 60, or 90-day stays, though some are longer. The length depends on your needs, your insurance coverage, and the program's structure. During intake, ask what length of stay is recommended for you and whether you can extend if needed. Some insurance plans cover longer stays if medically necessary.

What if I do not have insurance or cannot afford treatment?

Many SAMHSA-funded programs serve uninsured patients on a sliding scale or at no cost, especially if you have low income. During intake, be honest about your financial situation and ask what options exist. Some programs also help you explore for Medicaid during treatment. Do not let cost concerns stop you from calling a program — they have heard this before and often have solutions.

Can I leave residential treatment early if I want to?

You have the legal right to leave a residential program at any time, but doing so before completing treatment significantly increases your risk of relapse. If you are struggling with the program or having thoughts about leaving, talk to your counselor or a staff member when ready. They can adjust your treatment plan, address what is not working, or help you transition to a different level of care if residential treatment is not the right fit.