Free Reno Workshop Helps Families Navigate Addiction

Free Reno Workshop Helps Families Navigate Addiction

Families dealing with a loved one’s addiction or mental health crisis often don’t know where to turn, and the help they need can feel financially out of reach.

A free community workshop in Reno, Nevada is working to change that by bringing expert guidance and local resources directly to families, at no cost.

What Is the Free Reno Workshop?

The Behavioral Health Association of Nevada (BHAN) is hosting Resilience for Families: Navigating Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions, a free public educational event designed specifically for families affected by addiction and mental health challenges.

The workshop takes place February 12 from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Washoe County Commission Chambers in Reno. No registration cost or insurance is required, just show up.

Funded through City of Reno opioid settlement funds, the event features a panel of experts who will cover how substance use and mental health conditions affect individuals and families, how to support a loved one through recovery, and what free and low-cost community resources are available locally.

Who Qualifies for Free or Low-Cost Treatment?

The workshop is open to the general public. Anyone in the Reno or Washoe County area is welcome to attend. No income requirements, no referral needed.

More broadly, families across the country may qualify for free or reduced-cost addiction treatment through several channels. Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment in most states, including inpatient rehab, outpatient counseling and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those who meet income eligibility.

Medicare covers detox and inpatient rehab for qualifying individuals 65 and older or those with disabilities. Many state-funded programs, like those drawing from opioid settlement funds, as this Reno workshop does, also offer free services regardless of insurance status.

BHAN notes that in Washoe County, fentanyl overdoses and suicides continue to occur at alarming rates, underscoring the urgency of accessible, no-cost education and resources for families.

How to Access These Resources

For Reno-area families, attending this workshop is a concrete first step. Beyond that event, here’s how to find free or low-cost addiction support:

Check Medicaid eligibility. If you or a family member is uninsured or low-income, you may qualify for Medicaid, which covers a wide range of substance use treatment services. Eligibility varies by stat, so you should check your state’s Medicaid portal or call your local DHHS office.

Call SAMHSA’s free national helpline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-4357. They can connect you with local treatment programs, sliding-scale options and state-funded resources.

Search for state-funded rehabs. Many states operate publicly funded treatment centers where cost is determined on a sliding scale based on income. Some serve individuals at little to no charge.

Look into nonprofit and faith-based programs. Organizations like BHAN are often funded through government grants or donations, allowing them to offer free services to the community.

Ask about scholarship programs. Some private rehab centers offer scholarships or grants for individuals who cannot afford treatment. It’s always worth calling and asking directly.

Finding Affordable Treatment in Nevada and Beyond

If you’re in the Reno or northern Nevada area, the BHAN workshop is a valuable starting point to learn about local free resources.

For those outside Nevada, free and low-cost rehab options exist in every state, often through county behavioral health departments, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and SAMHSA-certified programs.

Rehabs.org lists free and low-cost treatment centers nationwide. Call 800-914-7089 (Info iconSponsored)  to find affordable care near you.

Free Resources

  • BHAN Reno Workshop: Free family education event, Feb. 12, Washoe County Commission Chambers
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
  • Medicaid Treatment Coverage: Find your state’s program at medicaid.gov
  • SAMHSA Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov
  • State-Funded Rehab Centers: Available in all 50 states; sliding-scale fees based on income

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