What American Addiction Centers Does

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a for-profit network of inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities across the United States. It operates residential rehab programs, detox services, and outpatient counseling under brand names including Greenhouse Treatment Center, Desert Hope, The Recovery Village, and Vertava Health. AAC does not set its own admission criteria — each facility within the network sets its own requirements, costs, and treatment approaches, so what one location offers may differ from another.

AAC facilities treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Most locations accept insurance, offer payment plans, and have admissions staff who can discuss what your specific insurance covers. Because AAC is a private company, treatment is not free, though some facilities participate in Medicaid and some accept uninsured patients on a sliding fee scale. The network does not run emergency services or crisis lines — if you need when ready help, call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to an emergency room.

Key Takeaways

  • American Addiction Centers operates multiple treatment brands across different states, and each facility has its own admission process, costs, and insurance policies.
  • AAC offers inpatient residential programs, medical detox, and outpatient services, but availability depends on which location you contact and whether they have open beds.
  • Most AAC facilities accept insurance and offer payment plans, but you will need to call the specific location to learn what your plan covers and what out-of-pocket costs explore.
  • AAC is a private company and does not run crisis lines or emergency services — for when ready help, contact 988 or go to an emergency room.
  • Admissions staff can discuss treatment length, what the program includes, and whether the facility is accredited by The Joint Commission or other bodies.

How to Contact an American Addiction Centers Facility

Start by identifying which AAC brand operates in your state or region. The Recovery Village, Greenhouse Treatment Center, Desert Hope, and Vertava Health are the main AAC operating names. You can search for the specific location nearest you by going to the facility's website or calling their main admissions line. Have your insurance card ready when you call — admissions staff will ask for your plan name, member ID, and group number so they can tell you what the facility covers.

When you call, be prepared to describe your substance use history, any mental health diagnoses, and whether you have tried treatment before. The admissions team will ask whether you need medical detox (supervised withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines, which can be medically dangerous) or whether you can begin residential or outpatient treatment directly. They will also tell you whether the facility has open beds and, if not, when they expect availability. Some locations maintain waiting lists; others will refer you to a different AAC facility or outside program.

If you do not know which AAC location is near you, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. This is a free, confidential referral service run by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Staff can tell you which treatment centers in your area are in the AAC network and which are not, and they can also refer you to non-profit and public programs if you prefer.

What Inpatient and Outpatient Programs Include

AAC's inpatient residential programs typically last 28 to 90 days, though some facilities offer shorter or longer stays. Residents live at the facility, receive medical monitoring, attend group and individual counseling, and participate in educational sessions about addiction and recovery. Most programs include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if medically appropriate — this means medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone combined with counseling. The specific therapies offered vary by location; common approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and 12-step-based programming.

Outpatient programs allow you to live at home and attend treatment sessions at the facility. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) typically meet three to five days per week for several hours per day. Standard outpatient programs meet one to three times per week. Outpatient is usually less expensive than inpatient but requires you to have a stable living situation and the ability to stay sober between sessions. AAC facilities also offer aftercare planning — helping you connect to support groups, ongoing counseling, or sober living homes after your program ends.

Insurance, Costs, and Payment Options

AAC facilities accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid in states where they operate. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan's deductible, copay structure, and whether the facility is in-network. Call the admissions line with your insurance information and ask for an estimate of what you will owe. Some plans cover the full cost of inpatient treatment; others cover a percentage and leave you responsible for the rest. If you have no insurance, ask whether the facility offers a sliding scale based on income or payment plans that let you pay over time.

Private pay (uninsured) costs vary widely by location and program type. Inpatient residential treatment at an AAC facility typically ranges from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars for a 28-day stay, though this varies significantly. Outpatient programs are generally less expensive. Some AAC facilities participate in Medicaid; others do not. If you are uninsured or underinsured, SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) can refer you to public or non-profit treatment programs that charge based on ability to pay.

Accreditation and What to Ask Before Enrolling

Many AAC facilities are accredited by The Joint Commission, which means they meet national standards for safety, staffing, and clinical care. Not all AAC locations hold this accreditation, so ask the admissions staff whether the specific facility you are considering is Joint Commission-accredited. You can also verify accreditation independently by visiting The Joint Commission's website and searching by facility name.

Before you commit to a program, ask these questions: What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Are counselors licensed (LCDC, LCSW, or similar credentials)? Is a physician or nurse practitioner on site? What happens if you relapse during the program — are you discharged or do you receive additional support? What aftercare is included, and how long does the program help you stay connected to support after discharge? How does the facility handle co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety? What is the facility's policy on family involvement and visits?

When AAC May Not Be the Right Fit

AAC facilities are designed for people with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, but they are not appropriate for everyone. If you are in acute medical crisis — overdose, severe withdrawal, or suicidal thoughts — go to an emergency room or call 911. If you have a serious mental illness that requires psychiatric hospitalization, a general hospital psychiatric unit may be more appropriate than a specialty addiction treatment center. If you cannot afford private treatment and do not have insurance, a public or non-profit program may be a better starting point.

Some people prefer non-12-step approaches, peer-run programs, or treatment models that AAC facilities may not emphasize. If you have specific preferences about treatment philosophy, ask the admissions staff directly whether the program aligns with what you are looking for. SAMHSA's National Helpline can also connect you to programs with different approaches if AAC is not the right match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from a doctor to contact American Addiction Centers?

No. You can call an AAC facility directly without a doctor's referral. However, if you have insurance, your plan may require pre-authorization before treatment begins — the admissions staff will handle this step with your insurance company once you are admitted.

What if I cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost?

Ask the facility about payment plans, sliding scale fees based on income, or whether they accept Medicaid. If the AAC facility cannot work with your budget, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to public or non-profit programs that charge based on ability to pay.

Can I choose which AAC facility I go to?

You can request a specific location, but admission depends on whether that facility has open beds and whether it accepts your insurance. If your preferred location is full, admissions staff can refer you to another AAC facility or outside program with availability.

What if I relapse after leaving the program?

Most AAC facilities offer aftercare planning and can connect you to ongoing support, outpatient counseling, or support groups. If you relapse, contact the facility or your outpatient counselor — many programs have protocols for re-entry or stepping up to a higher level of care without starting the admission process from scratch.

Is American Addiction Centers the same as a hospital?

Most AAC facilities are standalone treatment centers, not hospitals, though some are affiliated with hospital systems. Inpatient AAC programs provide medical monitoring and counseling but are not equipped for acute medical emergencies. If you need emergency care during treatment, the facility will transfer you to a hospital.