A few years ago, someone close to me hit a breaking point. Watching them struggle was one of the hardest things I’ve experienced. 

What made the biggest difference wasn’t just professional care, but finding the right place that understood what they needed.

If you’re in a similar place now–whether for yourself or someone you love–you’re not alone. My team and I have taken time to gather insights from Montrealers who’ve been there, reviewed the services and care offered that make healing possible.

May this list help you find the courage and place that’ll make your recovery feel possible.

How we chose the best rehabilitation centres in Montreal

1. Chabad Lifeline – Addiction Care Centre

Address: 4615 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine

Phone: +1 514-738-7700
Business hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Friday: 9 AM – 2 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

One of the biggest standout features about Chabad Lifeline is how they provide immediate, no-cost outpatient care. This is pretty rare in Montreal.

Most centres we looked into either had waiting lists or required private payment or referrals. Here, someone can reach out and start receiving help almost right away, without financial stress or delays. 

We think this makes them incredibly accessible to people who are in crisis or unsure where to turn. 

Their treatment model is also broad. They don’t just focus on substance abuse, but also on behavioural addictions, like gambling and compulsive spending. This is really important since not all addiction looks the same.

We also liked their multi-layered therapeutic approach. Their counsellors use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, but they also incorporate more creative, less-clinical methods.

Drama therapy, art therapy, and even gardening therapy are also done, especially by young people. 

That said, because their services are so accessible, they’re often busy. Some clients mentioned it can be hard to consistently meet with the same counsellor. This can make it tough to build a steady, ongoing connection with one person throughout the process. 

I would recommend it for sure

“Great place and really good and dedicated people willing to help. I would recommend for sure.”

James Laurenstin, Google review

They were there for me when I needed help

“If you need help, you will find it here. They are kind and non-judgmental. They were there for me when I needed help. I am very grateful for the services I received through Chabad Lifeline.”

Marie J., Google review

2. L’Escale Notre-Dame Inc

Address: 1475 Av Morgan

Phone: +1 514-251-0805
Business hours:

• Monday: Open 24 hours
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

Website

L’Escale Notre-Dame Inc.’s program is longer and more in-depth than most of the other places we’ve looked into. A lot of rehab centres offer 30-day or 60-day stays, L’Escale gives you 13 weeks to really work things through.

If you’re still not ready to go back to regular life after that, there’s also an option to stick around for social reintegration support for up to a year. 

It also stood out to us how their program is structured and active. Residents take part in 56 workshops, where they learn about addiction, recovery, and personal growth.

On top of that, there are 7 or 8 talking workshops every week for residents to open up, reflect, and support each other. That’s a lot of emotional work, but it also seems to create a real sense of connection and self-awareness.

Another big plus is that their program also includes activities, like sports, cultural outings, and weekend trips. We think this really helps with social skills and just feeling human again. 

The best part is, it’s actually affordable. The monthly fee ranges from $600 to $775, and it’s completely free for those on social welfare.

However, the program is only for French-speaking men, so it’s not an option for women or those who aren’t fluent in French.

Kindness is at the heart of the service

“I have only good words for Ecale Notre-Dame. A team that truly cares about the well-being of its residents. Kindness is at the heart of the service. I have over 11 years of sobriety, and they have a lot to do with it.”

Jocelyn Proulx, Google review

I feel like family here

“Wow, I feel like family here, the human approach, the respect, the professionalism, the food, the moral support, I would say the best in Quebec par excellence. Thank you, thank you, thank you with all my heart”

Hassan Tristan, Google review

3. Gingras Lindsay Rehabilitation Institute of Montreal (IRGLM)

Address: 6300 Av. de Darlington

Phone: +1 514-340-2085
Business hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM

Website

Unlike some of the other centres we’ve looked into that mostly focus on addiction recovery, IRGLM helps adults deal with serious physical disabilities. They care for people recovering from spinal cord injuries, stroke, brain trauma, and more.

Their rehab program is very structured. The care team—doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, and more—work closely together to help patients become as independent as possible.

A patient we talked to had a brain aneurysm and was told they might never walk or talk again. But thanks to the team at IRGLM, they’re now doing both without any help.

They also have a bunch of specialised outpatient clinics for people who’ve already left the hospital but still need help. These cover things like managing chronic pain, dizziness or balance problems, and swallowing difficulties. 

We thought it was impressive how much detail they go into. Most places stop at basic physio, but they seem to cover all things that affect your daily life.

Their technical aid department is also a plus. It’s one of the biggest in Canada and offers custom-made prosthetics, orthotics, and wheelchairs.

These aren’t just standard pieces. They’re made to suit each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle, which makes a big difference during recovery. 

That said, we did hear some concerns about language barriers. While IRGLM officially offers services in both French and English, a lot of the staff mainly speak French.

For English-speaking patients and families, this has sometimes caused miscommunication and frustration, especially when it comes to important updates or care plans. 

I am more than pleased with my mother’s experience and progress here

“This establishment and its staff members are absolutely beyond incredible. The care team, from doctors, nurses, physio, ergo, psychologists, nutritionists, preposers and much more…all combine their expertise and work together to get you strong emotionally, cognitively, and physically. I am more than pleased with my mother’s experience and progress there. Everyone is fully bilingual, and a big effort is made to speak English with a smile from those who do not. May God bless the entire team at this place. You have all been a blessing to my mom. She came in “wheelchair bound” and is soon going home fully independent with a cane and a confident and happy heart”

Joanne Dizzazo, Google review

This place gives you back the confidence you need to restart your life 

“I had an accident that forced me to relearn how to breathe, sit, walk, drink, and eat solid food from scratch. Couldn’t use any of my arms or legs in the hospital. 2 weeks in rehab, I started walking, exercising, taking a shower, using a phone, etc. Once released from the hospital, this place gives you back the confidence you need to restart your life again. People there will make sure that you utilise the strength you have in you and rebuild yourself. Special thanks to Joanie & Emilie, who were my physio and ergo! And of course all the staff (including the night staff) who were very supportive, especially during COVID outbreaks.”

Ilia, Google review

4. Andy’s House Treatment/Rehabilitation Centre

Address: 3360 Rue Notre Dame, Lachine

Phone: +1 514-738-2639
Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

What really resonated with us about Andy’s House is the fact that many of the staff have been through addiction and recovery themselves. 

For us, this creates an authentic layer of empathy that’s often missing in more clinical environments. They truly understand what people are going through, and it seems to create a more honest and genuine care for them.

The place is small, with space for only about 15 people at a time. We think this way, they could give more one-on-one attention to them. 

The atmosphere also feels far more like home than a facility. It’s housed in a large Victorian property with comfortable shared spaces, a gym, a garden, and even a pool.

They offer different programs based on the person’s situation. They have one for those who need immersive support, and they also have one for those who can’t stay on-site but still need some help.

From what we gathered, the structure of daily life here is intentionally balanced. There are scheduled meetings, therapy groups, mindfulness activities, and creative outlets. All of these are designed to keep clients engaged without feeling overwhelmed. 

Several past clients consistently praised the food, the routines, and how each therapy session felt purposeful.

However, the cost isn’t small. The 35-day program already starts at around $29,000 CAD. It’s not cheap, and the price doesn’t include things like personal items or medication. But considering everything they offer with this package, it’s fair.

I was embraced by a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals

“My experience at Andy’s House Treatment Centre was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals who genuinely understood the complexities of recovery. Their unwavering support created a safe, nurturing space where I felt seen, heard, and valued…”

Ali, Google review

They supported me through some of the hardest times of my life

“Difficult to express in words the impact Andy’s House has had on my life. They supported me through some of the hardest times of my life. Enabling me to go through some of the deepest emotional work, thoroughly and in a safe environment. I was not a number. The staff genuinely care. There are a lot of rules and things I did not agree with nor want to do, but I see now it was all specifically tailored with one goal in mind: to support me with a happy and healthy life beyond the house. I continue to visit regularly, a part of the program that I now want to do. I only wish the best for all those involved with Andy’s. For anyone struggling with emotional challenges and addiction troubles, I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Sam E., Google review

5. AMS Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre

Address: 5950 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges #240

Phone: ​​+1 514-731-5555
Business hours:

• Monday: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Tuesday: 8 AM – 7 PM
• Wednesday: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Thursday: 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

AMS Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre mainly helps people recovering from injuries. They also work with people managing long-term pain or neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s. 

We appreciate that they’re certified by Quebec’s Workplace Health and Safety Board (CNESST) and Quebec’s Automobile Insurance Corporation (SAAQ). 

It’s really important because these kinds of injuries can be more complicated, and AMS has the experience to handle them physically and paperwork-wise.

They also offer post-surgery rehab and neurological rehab. If you’ve had a joint replacement or are dealing with something like a spinal cord injury, they build specific programs to help you move better and get stronger.

Based on what we’ve heard, their pain management is hands-on. They do techniques like soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation. They also work on the source of the pain, then teach you how to manage it long-term.

Their team is pretty impressive too. They’ve got not only physiotherapists, but also occupational therapists, osteopaths, psychologists, and more. For us, this means they can support you from multiple angles.

That said, we’ve heard from a few people that it can sometimes be a bit tricky to get in touch with them, and responses aren’t always quick. It’s something to keep in mind if you value fast communication.

I am now able to go back to work and feel that I am at my best

“I had a frozen shoulder when I came to your clinic. With the help and good massages that I had with John, I am now able to go back to work and feel that I am at my best. John is an amazing help with my recovery. I will recommend him to all the people that i know that need help. God bless.”

Felicidad Pineda, Google review

He inspired confidence in me

“I had a consultation with Moshe today, and it went very well. I appreciate how honest and transparent he was. He inspired confidence in me. I will have my first appointment in two weeks.”

Deena Roth, Google review