The cost of rehab on the Gold Coast depends on the service, setting and amount of support involved. You may find free or low-cost services through publicly funded providers, community organisations and some alcohol and other drugs service providers. Private facilities generally set their own fees.
Your first step should be to identify the type of care that suits your circumstances. Some people need detoxification before entering ongoing treatment, while others may begin with counselling, outpatient support or day programs.
Queensland Health advises that residential rehabilitation usually involves live-in care, with programmes commonly lasting around 6 to 12 weeks and sometimes longer. Withdrawal management generally takes less time, although the appropriate duration depends on your circumstances and clinical needs.
If you are looking at a residential program, ask for a complete fee breakdown before making a decision. Costs may include clinical support, meals, accommodation, activities and other services provided during your stay.
You should also ask about admission requirements, the expected length of stay, available levels of care and what happens if your needs change during treatment. These details can make a substantial difference to the total cost.
There is no single price that applies to every person seeking drug treatment. Your circumstances, the provider you choose, and the type of programme offered all influence what you may pay.
What affects the cost of rehab?
Several factors can influence what you pay for treatment. The setting is one of the biggest.
A public service may have different costs from a privately operated facility. Queensland Government information states that eligible Medicare card holders receiving treatment as public patients in public hospitals generally do not pay for the hospital treatment itself. Community services may also be free or low cost in some circumstances.
Private treatment works differently. Providers set their own fees, and prices can vary according to the services included.
The type of treatment also matters. Medical detox can require clinical monitoring, medication, and other support. A medically supervised detox may therefore cost more than a service that provides general counselling or community support.
The setting can affect the price as well. A live-in facility providing meals, on-site clinical support and accommodation may charge more than an outpatient service.
Your programme may also include individual counselling, group therapy, family sessions or specialist support for co-occurring mental health concerns. Providers may offer different combinations of services.
You should look closely at what the advertised price includes. A lower initial fee does not necessarily mean the overall cost will be lower if important services sit outside the quoted price.
Gold Coast rehab versus public and community treatment
You have several treatment pathways to consider. Your general practitioner (GP), local health service or referral pathway may help you identify an appropriate option.
Queensland has publicly funded and community-based services supporting people experiencing substance use concerns. The Alcohol and Drug Information Service can also provide information about available treatment options and services across the state.
Community treatment may include counselling, outreach, telephone support and other rehabilitation services. Some providers offer telehealth services available for people who cannot easily attend appointments in person.
You may also find services specifically designed for particular communities. Some providers offer culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and torres strait islander people.
Private treatment offers another pathway. A private provider may offer a structured setting, accommodation and a specific treatment program. You may have more choice around programme length and services, although costs can be higher.
The right option depends on your circumstances, clinical needs, location, finances and personal preferences. You can discuss suitable rehab services with a qualified health professional before committing to a programme.
What does residential rehabilitation cost?
Residential rehabilitation involves staying at a facility while receiving structured support. Queensland Health describes residential services as live-in care that can provide specialist treatment around the clock. Programmes commonly last 6 to 12 weeks, although some may extend for longer periods.
Private residential facilities can charge substantially different amounts. One provider, for example, currently advertises prices ranging from tens of thousands of dollars depending on the stay duration and services provided. That pricing reflects the individual provider rather than an industry standard.
One Gold Coast provider advertises a rate of 790 a day with a minimum stay. Again, this is a provider-specific price rather than a standard rate across private treatment.
You should therefore avoid comparing facilities on the daily rate alone. Check what you receive for the quoted price.
Ask if the fee includes accommodation, meals, nursing support, counselling, medical reviews, activities and aftercare. Also check for admission fees or additional charges.
A residential rehabilitation program may suit you if you need a structured environment away from your usual routine. Your suitability should be assessed according to your individual circumstances and support requirements.
Does detox cost extra?
Detox and ongoing rehabilitation are different stages of care. You may need withdrawal support before entering a longer residential programme.
Queensland Health states that withdrawal management commonly lasts around three to ten days, depending on the circumstances. Services can include medication, clinical monitoring, psychosocial support and therapy.
The cost depends on where you receive care. Public hospital services may have different arrangements from private providers.
A detox program may be suitable for some people, while others require more intensive clinical support. Alcohol and some other substances can produce serious withdrawal symptoms, so attempting detox without appropriate medical advice may carry risks.
A medically supervised withdrawal process can involve assessment, monitoring and medication where clinically appropriate. You should discuss your circumstances with a qualified health professional before stopping alcohol or other drugs after regular use.
A detox service may operate separately from rehabilitation, or detox may form part of a broader programme. Ask the provider how the two stages connect and what support you can access afterwards.
Can private health insurance cover drug and alcohol rehab?
Your private health insurance may contribute towards some treatment costs, depending on your policy, level of cover, waiting periods and the provider you choose. Private health insurers can offer different benefits for hospital and rehabilitation services.
You should contact your insurer before entering treatment. Ask specifically what your private health insurance funds can contribute towards and if the facility has an appropriate arrangement with your insurer.
Some policies may contribute towards hospital treatment but provide limited benefits for residential services outside a hospital setting. You should also check excesses, co-payments, annual limits and exclusions.
Your insurance does not fully cover every expense in many situations. You may still need to pay for accommodation, consultations, medication, transport or other services depending on the policy and provider.
Do not assume your policy will fully cover your stay simply because the provider accepts private insurance. Ask the facility for a written estimate and confirm the details directly with your insurer.
What should you ask about fees before enrolling?
Before you commit to treatment, ask the provider for a clear written breakdown of costs. You should know what you are paying for and what could create additional expenses.
Ask these practical questions:
- What is the total programme fee?
- What does the fee include?
- Are medical consultations included?
- Is medication charged separately?
- Are meals and accommodation included?
- What happens if you need a longer stay?
- Are there cancellation or withdrawal fees?
- Does your insurer recognise the provider?
- Are there extra charges for specialist services?
You can also ask about clinical care, admission requirements and the type of professionals involved in your treatment.
Private facilities are not all regulated in the same way, so transparency matters. The Queensland Office of the Health Ombudsman has highlighted the importance of consumers receiving clear information when considering private rehabilitation services.
How to compare rehab costs
Price should form part of your decision, but it should not be the only consideration.
Start with the type of support you need. If you require withdrawal management, check that the service can provide appropriate clinical support or arrange a suitable detox referral.
Next, compare what each provider includes. A private facility may charge more because it includes accommodation, meals, clinical staff and structured activities.
Look at the treatment approach as well. You may prefer an evidence-based programme with clearly explained therapies and qualified professionals.
Ask how the provider handles family involvement, mental health concerns and ongoing support after discharge. You can also ask if they offer individualised care that can personalise parts of your treatment around your circumstances.
Your location can influence your decision too. Some people search for Gold Coast rehab, while others consider providers outside the immediate region, including Northern New South Wales.
Gold Coast drug & rehabilitation pricing table:
| Provider / Service | Type | Published/estimated price | Pricing basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services | Private residential rehab/detox | From $1,800/day | Minimum 7 days | Site says pricing starts from $1,800 per day, stated as “June 2024” pricing, and includes accommodation, food, supervision, therapies, activities, transport/pickups, and other services. Aftercare package listed separately at $1,800 for 10 sessions. |
| Addiction In-Home Recovery (AIR Detox) | Private in-home detox | $3,300 | 7-day home detox | Gold Coast PHN states the home detox costs $3,300, with initial assessment and aftercare appointments bulk billed. |
| Gold Coast Addiction & Treatment Rehab | Private rehab | $495–$1,790/day (GST) | Estimated daily rate | Recovery.com lists this as an estimated center cost and notes pricing varies by program and length of stay. |
| Sapphire Recovery | Private residential rehab | $25,000/month | Estimated monthly rate | Recovery.com lists this as an estimated cash-pay rate. |
| NAWA Wellness | Private residential rehab | $15,000/week | Estimated weekly rate | Recovery.com lists this as an estimated cash-pay rate. |
| The Hermitage Centre | Private detox | $50,400 / 28 days | Estimated program price | Listed by Recovery.com as an estimated cash-pay rate. |
| Lives Lived Well – Mirikai | Residential rehab | $2,270 / 6 weeks | Estimated program price | Recovery.com lists this estimate for the Gold Coast location. |
| Goldbridge Rehabilitation Services | Community / residential rehab | Not publicly stated on page | Admission fee + fortnightly contribution | Goldbridge’s fees page says there is a set “Contribution to Therapy” paid on admission and every fortnight, but the amount is not published on the accessible page. The intake page says the admission fee is notified during assessment. |
| Gold Coast Health AODS | Public alcohol and other drugs service | No standard posted consumer price found | Public service / referral-based | Gold Coast Health publishes the service, but I did not find a consumer pricing schedule on the service page. |
Quick comparison
| Service | Approx. equivalent daily cost |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services | $1,800/day (goldcoastdetoxandrehab.com) |
| AIR Detox | ~$471/day over 7 days |
| Gold Coast Addiction & Treatment Rehab | $495–$1,790/day |
| Sapphire Recovery | ~$833/day assuming 30 days |
| NAWA Wellness | ~$2,143/day assuming 7 days |
| The Hermitage Centre | $1,800/day over 28 days |
| Lives Lived Well – Mirikai | ~$54/day over 42 days ) |
Important caveat
These are not all official 2026 provider fee schedules. A few are current published provider prices, while several are third-party estimated cash-pay rates, and one private provider explicitly labels its posted price as June 2024 pricing rather than a 2026-updated rate.
Planning your recovery journey and budget
Planning your recovery journey can help you understand the likely financial commitment before treatment starts.
Write down the costs you know about, then ask the provider about expenses that may arise later. Include transport, medication, appointments and any additional accommodation if your stay changes.
You can also explore public and community services before choosing private care. Queensland has a broad network of alcohol and other drug services, with treatment available through public agencies, community organisations and private providers.
Some services may offer flexible support after residential treatment. Ask if there is a structured aftercare plan, and find out what ongoing appointments or support groups may be available.
A longer programme is not automatically the right choice for everyone. Your clinician can help you consider the appropriate level of support for your circumstances.
Making an informed choice
Cost is important, but you also need to understand what you receive for that cost. Look at the setting, clinical support, treatment approach, accommodation, programme length and aftercare arrangements.
You may find that public or community treatment meets your needs without the expense of private care. Other circumstances may lead you to consider private rehab, particularly if you want residential accommodation and a specific treatment setting.
If you are looking for help for addiction, start with an assessment rather than choosing a facility based only on price. A GP or psychiatrist may help you understand your options, particularly if you have mental health issues alongside alcohol or other drug concerns.
You can also contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service for information about available services. Queensland ADIS operates 24-hour support on 1800 177 833.
For some people, alcohol rehab may be the focus. Others may need support relating to alcohol and drug dependence, prescription medicines or other forms of drug use. The appropriate treatment pathway can vary.
Support when you are ready to explore your options
If you are considering treatment, Gold Coast Detox & Rehab Services can help you explore available addiction treatment and support options. The team can discuss your circumstances, explain available services and help you understand the next steps for detox or rehabilitation.
You can contact Gold Coast Detox & Rehab Services on 0476 468 860 or through our online contact form to discuss your options and ask about available treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does private rehab cost on the Gold Coast?
Private treatment prices vary considerably between providers. Your final cost can depend on the programme length, accommodation, clinical support and services included. Some providers publish daily or package rates, while others provide individual quotes. You should request a written breakdown before enrolling and confirm any potential additional costs directly with the provider.
Does Medicare cover drug and alcohol rehab?
Publicly funded treatment can be free or low cost for eligible people, depending on the service and circumstances. Medicare arrangements differ from private rehabilitation fees. Before deciding on private care, ask Queensland Health, a community provider, or ADIS about available public treatment options.
Can you use private health insurance for rehab?
Your private health policy may cover some forms of treatment, but coverage depends on your policy and the provider. Check your level of cover, waiting periods, limits, excesses and exclusions with your insurer. You should also ask the facility what costs remain payable after any insurance contribution.
Do you need detox before residential rehab?
You may need withdrawal management before entering residential treatment, particularly if you have been using alcohol or certain drugs regularly. Queensland Health notes that residential rehabilitation may require prior withdrawal management. A qualified health professional can assess your circumstances and advise on an appropriate pathway.
Can you get treatment outside the Gold Coast?
Yes. You can consider services across Queensland, including public, community and private providers. Some people also consider services in northern New South Wales. Location may matter if you want to remain close to family, work or existing support, while others prefer a different setting during treatment.
What happens after residential rehab?
Aftercare can vary between providers. Your discharge plan may include ongoing counselling, community support, appointments or other services suited to your circumstances. Ask the provider what support is available after you leave and how they can help you connect with continuing care.
Can you receive treatment for mental health and substance use together?
Some services provide dual diagnosis treatment when mental health concerns and alcohol or other drug use occur together. Support may involve assessment and coordinated care from appropriately qualified professionals. You can ask whether the provider has experience supporting co-occurring concerns and what clinical services are available.
Can you get alcohol detox at home?
Home-based withdrawal is not appropriate for everyone. Alcohol withdrawal can sometimes involve serious complications, particularly after regular or heavy use. You should seek professional medical advice before stopping alcohol suddenly. A qualified clinician can assess your circumstances and discuss suitable withdrawal options, including medically supported care where appropriate.
