Overview
For over 50 years, Odyssey House has been a vital resource for New Yorkers seeking to overcome substance use and mental health challenges. As a non-profit, community-based organization, their mission is to ensure that financial constraints are never a barrier to treatment. They provide a full continuum of care, from long-term residential programs to outpatient services, tailored to adults and seniors. Located in East Harlem and the Bronx, Odyssey House provides a structured, community-focused environment in large, dorm-style buildings with gender-specific housing. By focusing on an integrated, evidence-based approach and accepting Medicaid, they serve as a critical lifeline for low-income individuals, helping them rebuild their lives, families, and communities. Visit their website here.
Facility
Video
Photos
Amenities & Details
Your First Step is a Conversation
Reaching out can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The admissions team is here to listen without judgment and help you understand your options.
- Your call is 100% confidential. Speak with Odyssey House's admissions.
- There's no commitment to enroll. They're here to answer questions.
- Talk next steps clearly. Discuss costs and what treatment looks like.
Treatment
Levels of Care
Residential Treatment
Long-Term, Structured Community
Outpatient & Re-Entry
Flexible Continuing Care
Approaches
Policies
Restricted Campus
Clients cannot leave for the first 30 days; passes earned over time.
MAT Policy
Suboxone and Methadone are permitted to aid in recovery.
Smoking Allowed
Permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
Electronics Policy
Personal phones are held for the first 30 days.
Family Visits
Arranged on an individual basis with a counselor.
Prohibited Items
Drugs, alcohol, and weapons are strictly forbidden.
Cost
Payment Structure
Odyssey House is committed to affordable care. They are an in-network provider with New York State Medicaid and Medicare, and assist the uninsured with enrollment.
Enquire About CostsSelf-Pay
For those paying out-of-pocket, fees are adjusted based on income. Please call for an exact quote.
- Residential (Monthly): $1,189 (Income-Based)
- Outpatient / IOP: Requires Insurance
Reviews
Based on 41 Google reviews
What Clients Appreciate
-
Life-Saving Resource: Many credit the program with saving their life when they had no other options.
-
Caring Staff: Specific counselors are often praised for their dedication and compassion.
-
Provides Structure: The highly structured environment is seen as essential for teaching discipline.
"Odyssey House definitely has saved my life more than once, they have always provided me with a bed when I had nowhere to go. The staff really cared for me when I could not care for myself... Thanks to the staff at Odyssey House I have 11 years clean and sober."
"Amazing place great staff and I actually got the help I needed when I was ready. I am so grateful for odyssey house and the opportunity that was given to me to get my life back."
View additional context from reviews
Reviews for Odyssey House are mixed. While many credit it as a life-saving last resort, common complaints focus on unprofessional staff, overly strict rules, and issues with cleanliness and food. The large, institutional nature can make individualized care challenging.
Tip: This program is best suited for those needing a highly structured, low-cost social model program and who are prepared for a community-living environment rather than a clinical, high-comfort facility.
Location
Address
Odyssey House219 E 121st St
New York, NY 10035, USA
Hours
Admissions Line: Available 24/7
Residential programs operate 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program & Treatment
Why choose this program? What makes it different?
Odyssey House stands out because it ensures that financial constraints are never a barrier to treatment. As a long-standing community housing program, it offers very low-cost, Medicaid-funded care. Its science-backed "continuum of care" is designed to rebuild lives, families, and communities for those who may have no other options.
What substance use disorder treatment programs do you offer?
They offer long-term residential treatment, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and a re-entry/transitional program for adults, young adults, women with children, and seniors. They do not offer on-site detox.
How do you treat dual diagnosis / co-occurring disorders?
Odyssey House treats co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders using an "Integrated Behavioral Healthcare" approach, addressing both conditions simultaneously as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What types of therapies are used?
They use evidence-based practices such as Therapeutic Community, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Harm Reduction, Relapse Prevention, Trauma-Related Services, Contingency Management, and Parenting Skills.
Does this program use the 12-Steps?
The core program is a Therapeutic Community model. While not strictly 12-Step based, 12-Step meetings are brought into the facility and working the steps is an available, optional component for residents.
Is the program faith-based?
No, the program is clinically focused and not based on any specific faith, making it suitable for individuals of all belief systems.
How long has this facility been open?
Odyssey House was founded and has been providing services to the New York community since 1967.
Cost & Admission
What will my costs be for treatment?
For most clients, treatment is covered by New York State Medicaid. For those without insurance, the self-pay rate for residential care is approximately $1,189 per month, with fees adjusted based on income. Outpatient services require insurance or Medicaid.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, they are in-network with most major insurance carriers and managed care programs. They primarily work with New York State Medicaid and Medicare and will help uninsured individuals obtain coverage.
Do you provide detoxification services?
No, Odyssey House does not have a detox unit. Clients must be medically cleared and have completed detoxification before being admitted to the residential program.
Is Suboxone (MAT) permitted?
Yes, Odyssey House is MAT-friendly. They can support clients on both Suboxone and Methadone, though admission for those on Methadone may experience some delays.
Daily Life & Rules
How long will I be there?
The length of stay is individualized based on clinical needs. The residential program is long-term, typically lasting between 3 and 9 months.
What is the living situation like? Can I get my own room?
The living situation is a dorm-like setting, not a luxury or private facility. You will not get your own room; residents share rooms with up to four people, which is central to the therapeutic community model.
Is this a closed/locked facility?
It is a highly structured and restricted facility. For the first 30 days, residents are not permitted to leave. After 30 days, they may leave with supervision, and after 60 days, they may earn passes for unsupervised leave on weekends for up to 8 hours.
Can I use my phone/laptop? Is smoking allowed?
Yes, smoking is allowed in designated areas, with a limit of two boxes of cigarettes at a time. Personal cell phones must be turned in upon arrival and are not accessible for the first 30 days of treatment.
What should I bring? What should I leave at home?
Bring: 1-2 weeks of comfortable clothing, alcohol-free toiletries, personal ID (State ID, Social Security Card, Medicaid card), and a notebook.
Leave at home: Valuables, electronics (phones are held by staff), weapons, drugs/alcohol, revealing clothing, and outside food/drinks.
Support, Staff & Community
Who provides care here? Are there psychiatrists on staff?
Care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and counselors. The facility has on-site medical and dental clinics licensed by the Department of Health. They do not have dedicated psychiatrists or psychologists on staff.
Who will be in treatment with me?
You will be in treatment with other adults in a large, diverse, community-based program. The clientele is primarily low-income and receiving services through Medicaid. Facilities are gender-specific, and each residential building holds around 150 people.
What is the family involvement and visitation policy?
There are no standard visiting hours. However, family visits can be arranged on an individual basis with the client's primary counselor. They also offer a "Family Support Navigators" program to help loved ones.
What kind of aftercare and follow-up support is available?
Odyssey House provides a robust support network after discharge, including Outpatient Continuing Care, the Odyssey House Recovery Center, and a Recovery Community Network to ensure long-term success.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Their team is available to answer your questions confidentially.
Call NowAccreditation & Support
State Licensed (NY)
Licensed by the NY Dept. of Health.