Opioid Treatment and MAT in Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reports 1,069 unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2024, an 18% decrease from 2023 and a 24% drop from the 2022 peak of 1,413. Fentanyl remains central to local fatalities even where totals are falling. The Philadelphia metro also has a measurable medication-assisted treatment network: buprenorphine prescribers and federally certified opioid treatment programs within 30 miles. This page explains each piece and how to access it.
How bad the opioid problem is here
Opioids were detected in 77% (822) of 2024 deaths; stimulants in 70% (747); and both opioids and stimulants in 50% (532). Fentanyl was detected in 93% of opioid-involved deaths. Xylazine appeared in 34% of all overdose deaths, and medetomidine in 9% after testing began in May 2024. PDPH continues to warn about xylazine and medetomidine in the local supply; naloxone still reverses the opioid component of an overdose.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) near Philadelphia
Medication-assisted treatment - also called medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD - uses one of three FDA-approved medications alongside counseling. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
- Methadone is a full opioid agonist that relieves withdrawal and cravings. It is dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs.
- Buprenorphine is a partial agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal, and can be prescribed in a doctor's office.
- Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors so opioids no longer produce a high. It can be started only after opioids have cleared the body.
Within 30 miles of downtown Philadelphia (ZIP 19107), the SAMHSA locator lists:
- 40 federally certified opioid treatment programs
- 133 facilities that prescribe buprenorphine
- 134 facilities that prescribe naltrexone
- 128 offering outpatient methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone treatment
Public-network anchors include Community Behavioral Health (CBH) for Medicaid behavioral health, the Behavioral Health Special Initiative (BHSI) for uninsured residents, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). Prevention Point Philadelphia and city naloxone distribution support harm reduction. Confirm openings on FindTreatment.gov.
Paying for opioid treatment in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Physical HealthChoices plans available in Southeast Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia) include Geisinger Health Plan, Jefferson Health Plans EverWell, Keystone First, UPMC for You, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Behavioral health for Medicaid members is managed through Community Behavioral Health (CBH) - call 888-545-2600. Uninsured residents can contact BHSI at 215-546-1200. The statewide PA Get Help Now helpline is 1-800-662-4357.
How to start today
- If this is a medical emergency, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it. For a crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to talk through your options with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Search findtreatment.gov with ZIP code 19107 and filter for opioid treatment programs or buprenorphine.
- Call or text 988. For Medicaid behavioral health in Philadelphia, call CBH at 888-545-2600. Uninsured residents can call BHSI at 215-546-1200.
Medication for opioid use disorder works. The barrier is usually finding an opening and confirming payment - not whether treatment exists in Philadelphia.