Paying for Addiction Rehab in Australia Explained

Taking the first step towards recovery can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how to cover the costs. At The TARA Clinic, we are committed to making this process as simple as possible, so you can focus on what truly matters — your recovery.

In this guide, we'll break down the various options for funding addiction treatment in Australia, including how The TARA Clinic can help you find a payment solution that fits your needs.

Public vs. Private Funding for Addiction Treatment

In Australia, addiction treatment can be funded either publicly or privately. Let's explore both options to help you understand which might be right for you.

Public Funding:

Public funding refers to treatment options covered by government programs or charities. These programs are often free or subsidised, with costs covered through donations, Medicare, or government grants.

In some cases, people may use their Centrelink payments to help cover treatment costs, such as rent for residential programs.

Publicly funded rehab centres can be a great option if cost is a barrier, but they often have long waiting lists and limited availability, which may not be ideal if you need immediate help.

If you are on a long waitlist and want support in the meantime, here are a list of free resources that you can try:

1. SMART Recovery - We recommend these groups to our clients as additional supports when you are looking for a community. SMART is an acronym that stands for Self Management And Recovery Training and is a group facilitated by trained facilitators using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) skills to support you to make change. 

https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/

2. ADIS Phone Service - The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) phone line is available 24/7 nationwide to provide crisis counselling, information and support to people experiencing addiction and those who care for them. ADIS is a brilliant service who can also suggest referral options in your area. We strongly recommend our clients to call them as additional support in the tougher moments when we are not available. 

24/7 Phone Line: 1800 250 015

3. The ADF Website - The Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) website has a range of resources to help you make educated decisions about what you choose to consume. Explore the interactive resources and clearly worded information on different substances and how they interact with each other - all with the aim of keeping you safe. 

https://adf.org.au/

Private Funding:

If you want quicker access or a specialised program like those offered by The TARA Clinic, private funding may be the way to go.

Private funding can be covered through Private Health Insurance, Personal Funds, or Superannuation.

Private Health Insurance:

Depending on your level of cover, private health insurance may pay for up to 21 days in a private psychiatric hospital. Some of these facilities also offer a three-month outpatient group program, which may be included in your insurance coverage.

It's important to check with your insurer to understand what is covered and any limitations that may apply. To help you choose which Inpatient treatment method would work best for you, access our FREE mini-course What Is Recovery. 

Personal Funds:

Many people choose to use personal savings to pay for addiction treatment. This option offers the most flexibility and allows you to access the services you need without any restrictions from insurers.

Personal funds can include savings, support from family, or other available financial resources. Using personal funds also means you have complete control over your treatment choices.

Superannuation:

In Australia, it is possible to access your Superannuation early under specific compassionate grounds, such as paying for medical treatment, including addiction rehab. This involves applying through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and providing supporting documentation.

However, accessing your Superannuation early can have significant long-term financial impacts, as it reduces the funds available for your retirement. While it may be the best option for you, we strongly recommend you speak with your accountant first so that you understand the long-term impacts of making this decision before you do. 

Price Comparisons

The cost for private rehabs in Australia can vary significantly. Prices can range from:

* No gap to $5,000 (dependant on your Private Health Insurance coverage) for a 21-day inpatient program in a private psychiatric hospital,

* $15,000 to $65,000 for a 28-day program in some high-end facilities, and

* Some luxury facilities charge upwards of $100,000 for a month's stay.

The TARA Clinic's 3-Step Blueprint to Lasting Recovery starts from $1,599/month for our Standard Program and $3,999/month for our Deluxe Program.

Now you can enjoy individualised, one-on-one, 100% discreet addiction treatment that you can complete from your home or office - schedule your FREE Personal Recovery Assessment today. 

The TARA Clinic's Payment Options

We understand that flexibility is important when choosing a recovery program. Our goal is to provide clear and flexible payment options so you can focus on your recovery without added financial worries. At The TARA Clinic, we offer two payment options for our Recovery Essentials and Empowered Recovery® programs:

1. Monthly Instalments:

Pay as you go with the flexibility to cancel the program with 4 weeks' written notice. However, while around half of our clients choose this option, 90% of those complete the full program. 

2. Pay in Full and Save:

If you choose to pay for the program upfront, you will benefit from a 20% reduction in the total cost. This option offers significant savings compared to the monthly instalment plan while encouraging you to commit to the full program from the beginning.

Why We Don’t Accept Superannuation or Debt-Based Payments

At The TARA Clinic, our top value is Justice — ensuring fair and ethical treatment for everyone. We do not want anyone to compromise their financial future or take on unmanageable debt just to access our programs.

Using Superannuation to pay for treatment may seem like a quick solution, but it can have serious long-term consequences for your retirement savings. We believe your financial security is crucial, and we do not want you to jeopardise your future for short-term treatment needs.

Similarly, we advise against using significant debt to pay for treatment. Financial stress can hinder the recovery process, and we want to ensure our clients are set up for success without the burden of significant debt.

If our services are not financially comfortable for you, we may not be the best fit, and that’s okay. Recovery should be a sustainable journey that supports long-term emotional, mental, and financial well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my Private Health Insurance for The TARA Clinic Programs?

No, our programs are not covered by private health insurance because we are not a hospital setting.

We strive to make our programs accessible through direct personal funding options, including monthly payments or savings for upfront payments.

2. Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer flexible monthly instalments which allows you to cancel with 4 weeks' notice. Or you can commit to the full program for a lower rate if you choose to pay in full.

3. Why can’t I use my Superannuation to pay for treatment?

We prioritise your financial well-being. Using your Superannuation to pay for treatment can negatively impact your future financial security, and we want to provide solutions that don’t put you at risk.

Find Recovery, Your Way

If you’re ready to make a change, The TARA Clinic is here to help you find a recovery path that fits your lifestyle. We offer a modern, flexible approach to addiction recovery that empowers you to take control.

Book your Free Recovery Assessment today and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling future.