What is a treatment scholarship?

By Robby Patrick, President and Founder, The Blackburn Foundation. Published October 19, 2026. Updated October 19, 2026.

A treatment scholarship is charitable funding that pays for some or all of a person’s addiction or mental health treatment when they cannot afford it. At The Blackburn Foundation, every scholarship is decided case by case, is open to people across the United States, and can help pay for care from detox through aftercare.

What does a treatment scholarship pay for?

Depending on need, a Blackburn Foundation treatment scholarship can help pay for:

• Intervention
• Detox
• Residential treatment
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Sober living and transitional housing
• Therapy and psychiatry
• Mentoring and spiritual counseling
• Aftercare

Not sure what these terms mean? See levels of care, explained.

Who is a treatment scholarship for?

• People living with addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions who are ready to start or continue treatment.
• People without insurance, or whose coverage has ended before their care is done.
• Families who have done everything they can and need a partner.
• Clinicians, interventionists and case managers who have a client ready for care and no way to fund it.

Scholarships are open to people across the United States, not only in Los Angeles.

How is a scholarship different from insurance?

Health insurance pays for covered services under the terms of a plan. A scholarship is charitable funding, decided one person at a time. The Blackburn Foundation’s fund exists for the gap that opens when insurance or savings run out before care is done, and for people who have no coverage at all.

That gap is common because recovery takes time. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that most people with an addiction need at least three months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use. Read how to pay for addiction treatment for every option to try alongside a scholarship.

How do you apply for a treatment scholarship?

1. Apply or refer. Fill out the online application or call (888) 305-5422. You can apply for yourself, for someone you love, or for a client.
2. A conversation. Our team learns what is needed and what is already in place.
3. A plan. We look at the level of care that fits, and work with you and the treatment team to build it.

What do I need to apply?

The online application has 7 short sections and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you have them, have your last 2 pay stubs and a recent bank statement ready to attach. You can also send them later. At the end you read the agreement and sign with your finger or mouse. Submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship.

Is my information private?

Yes. Application information is private and encrypted, and it is used only to review the application. See our Privacy Policy.

What if someone needs help right now?

A scholarship takes time. If someone is in danger, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.

This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your situation. How we write and source our guides: Editorial Policy.

Sources

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).
2. SAMHSA, National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357.
3. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988lifeline.org.