Methadone clinic Tennessee
In Tennessee, a methadone clinic offers medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. 14 opioid treatment programs are SAMHSA-listed in the state, and 13 take Medicaid. Here is what families should know about finding a program.
- programs in Tennessee
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- take Medicaid
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- take private insurance
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A methadone clinic in Tennessee is an opioid treatment program (OTP) that provides methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone along with counseling and support. These programs are regulated by SAMHSA and the DEA and must meet strict standards for medication dispensing, dosing, and patient care. The 14 OTPs listed in Tennessee are part of a network of 325 treatment facilities across the state. Methadone clinic Tennessee options include 14 SAMHSA-listed programs with varying services.
A typical day at a methadone clinic in Tennessee involves a brief visit for medication dosing, often early in the morning, followed by periodic counseling sessions. Over time, take-home doses may be allowed based on progress and adherence to program rules. The focus is on stabilizing cravings and withdrawal, reducing illicit opioid use, and supporting overall health. Many clinics also offer case management and referrals to mental health care. All 14 SAMHSA-listed methadone clinics in Tennessee offer telehealth for counseling and follow-ups.
Who methadone treatment is for
- Adults with opioid use disorder who meet diagnostic criteria for moderate to severe opioid use disorder and who could benefit from medication-assisted treatment.
- People who have tried other treatments without success or who are at risk of overdose and need the stabilizing effect of methadone.
- Those who prefer a structured program with daily dosing and regular counseling and who can commit to the clinic schedule.
- People who are pregnant and have opioid use disorder — methadone is considered safe and effective during pregnancy under medical supervision.
What a clinic visit may involve
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Intake and assessment
You'll meet with a counselor or medical provider for a comprehensive assessment. This includes a physical exam, drug testing, and a review of your substance use history. The goal is to confirm a diagnosis of opioid use disorder and determine if methadone is appropriate.
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Induction and stabilization
If methadone is prescribed, you'll start with a low dose that is gradually increased under medical supervision until withdrawal symptoms are controlled and cravings are reduced. This phase requires frequent clinic visits and monitoring for side effects.
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Ongoing treatment and counseling
You'll attend the clinic regularly for medication dosing and participate in counseling, which may be individual or group. Over time, you may earn take-home doses based on negative drug tests and adherence to program rules. Many programs also offer case management and referrals to other services.
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Aftercare and transition planning
From there, you and your counselor will map out long-term stability. That may mean continuing medication, stepping down to a lower intensity level of care, or getting a referral to community support groups. The aim is to sustain recovery and prevent relapse.
Covering methadone treatment costs
Every one of the 14 methadone clinics SAMHSA lists in Tennessee takes private insurance and Medicare, and 13 of them take Medicaid. Because Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, though, some low-income adults may not qualify. If you have no insurance, ask about a sliding-fee scale — only 2 clinics reported offering one, so choices may be limited. Under the Mental Health Parity Act, most insurers must pay for behavioral health and addiction care at the same level as medical care. When you call a clinic, ask directly about coverage for methadone treatment and about any prior authorization rules. A call to the helpline can also give you private, free guidance on paying. If you have private insurance, all 14 Tennessee methadone clinics accept it, but confirm that methadone itself is covered.
Clinic locations and payment
Of the 14 SAMHSA-listed methadone clinics in Tennessee, all 14 accept private insurance and Medicare, and 13 accept Medicaid. Only 2 offer sliding-fee scales, so it's important to ask about costs upfront. All 14 reported offering telehealth, which can be useful for counseling sessions or follow-ups. When you call a methadone clinic in Tennessee, ask about payment options and what to bring.
Methadone clinics are located across Tennessee, including in major cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. The listings do not specify which clinics offer Spanish-language services, but 4 of the 14 reported offering services in Spanish. When you call a clinic, ask about language access, hours, and what to bring for your first visit. Some methadone clinics in Tennessee offer dual diagnosis treatment; 8 of the 14 reported this service.
- take Medicaid
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- take private insurance
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- take Medicare
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- have a sliding-scale fee
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| Program | City | Services | Takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville Comprehensive Trt Ctr | Clarksville | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| BHG Jackson TN Treatment Center | Jackson | Detox, Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| BHG Knoxville Bernard Treatment Center | Knoxville | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| Volunteer Comprehensive Treatment Ctr | Chattanooga | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| Bradley County Comprehensive Trt Ctr | Cleveland | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| BHG Columbia TN Treatment Center | Columbia | Detox, Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| Hermitage Comprehensive Treatment Ctr | Nashville | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| East Tennessee Healthcare Holdings Inc | Johnson City | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, Sliding fee |
| BHG Madison Treatment Center | Madison | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
| BHG Memphis South Treatment Center | Memphis | Outpatient, OTP | Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance |
Based on SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov data. Offerings and payment options shift; call to verify.
Questions people ask
How many methadone clinics are there in Tennessee?
There are 14 SAMHSA-listed methadone clinics (opioid treatment programs) in Tennessee as of the latest data. These clinics provide methadone and other medications for opioid use disorder, along with counseling. The listings show that all 14 accept private insurance and Medicare, and 13 accept Medicaid.
Does Tennessee Medicaid cover methadone treatment?
Of the 14 methadone clinics listed by SAMHSA in Tennessee, 13 do accept Medicaid. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, so eligibility is limited. If you have Medicaid, check with the specific clinic to confirm coverage and any copays. If insurance is unavailable ask about sliding-fee scales, though only 2 clinics reported offering them.
How long does methadone treatment last?
The length of methadone treatment varies by individual. Some people stay on methadone for months, while others continue for years. Research shows that longer treatment duration is associated with better outcomes. At a methadone clinic in Tennessee, your counselor will work with you to determine the right duration based on your progress and needs.
Can I get take-home methadone doses in Tennessee?
Take-home doses can happen, but they are earned over time. Federal regulations permit take-home doses after a period of stability, usually meaning negative drug tests and following program rules. Policies vary by clinic, so ask your counselor about the criteria for take-home doses.
Do methadone clinics in Tennessee offer counseling?
Opioid treatment programs are required to include counseling. All 14 clinics listed by SAMHSA in Tennessee provide counseling, in individual or group form. Some also treat mental health needs along with substance use through dual diagnosis care; 8 of those 14 reported offering dual diagnosis services.
Is methadone treatment available for pregnant women in Tennessee?
Yes, methadone is considered the standard of care for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. All 14 SAMHSA-listed methadone clinics in Tennessee serve pregnant women, though it's important to inform the clinic of your pregnancy so they can coordinate care with your obstetric provider. Methadone helps stabilize withdrawal and reduces risks to both mother and baby.