Do you need LegitScript certification for rehab ads?
Yes, if you advertise drug or alcohol addiction treatment on Google in the US or Canada, or on Meta to people in the US. Without it, the ads are disapproved. Google's US rule:
"In order to advertise for recovery-oriented drug and alcohol addiction services, you must be certified as an addiction services provider by the LegitScript Certification program." (Google Ads policy: Healthcare and medicines)
Meta's rule:
"Meta requires advertisers who wish to run addiction treatment ads targeting people in the United States to be certified with LegitScript and apply to Meta for permission to advertise." (Meta Advertising Standards)
| Platform | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ads | LegitScript, then Google certification (Google) | LegitScript, then Google certification, since March 2025 (Google) |
| Meta (Facebook, Instagram) | LegitScript, then written permission from Meta (Meta) | Meta's policy names only the United States |
LegitScript says Microsoft Ads and Nextdoor also require its certification (LegitScript).
Google's policy covers drug and alcohol addiction only. Services for "impulse control disorders, behavioral addiction, or nicotine addiction" are outside it (Google Ads policy: Healthcare and medicines).
LegitScript certification cost
LegitScript charges per facility, in US dollars, for both the US and Canada (LegitScript). The application fee is nonrefundable. The annual fee is due only if you are approved.
| Tier | Application fee | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, 1–9 facilities | $1,595 per facility | $3,095 per facility |
| Individual practitioner | $535 | $1,070 |
| Expedited review (optional) | +$2,500 per application | — |
| 10+ facilities | Enterprise pricing | Enterprise pricing |
Source: LegitScript FAQ and certification page. Expedited review starts "within 2 business days of submission."
The individual practitioner price applies only if you have three or fewer client-facing practitioners, one location, one website with addiction treatment content, and no tie to a larger treatment organization. LegitScript decides this during review; you can't pick it (FAQ). Qualifying nonprofits can ask for a hardship waiver (LegitScript).
Who can't get LegitScript certified
LegitScript lists these as generally not eligible (FAQ):
- Lead generation websites and anyone paid to send patients to other providers
- Sober living homes, sober retreats and other non-clinical recovery residences
- Peer recovery coaching, sober coaching and sober transportation
- Assessment-only services and DUI education classes
- Providers outside the US or Canada, or treating only non-substance addictions
Telehealth treatment providers are eligible; a physical facility is not required (FAQ).
This matters because Google closes the door on anyone who can't qualify:
"Those that are not eligible for certification are not allowed to advertise for drug and alcohol addiction services on Google." (Google Ads policy: Healthcare and medicines)
How to get certified and get ads running
- Check eligibility. If unsure, LegitScript asks you to email certification@legitscript.com with your legal name, website and a description of services (FAQ).
- Gather documents. Licenses, clinical policies and ownership information. LegitScript also checks legal or regulatory history from the past 10 years, website disclosures and advertising (LegitScript).
- Apply and pay the application fee in LegitScript's portal.
- Apply to Google after approval. Google says advertisers "must also be certified with Google" (Google), with a separate application for each location or group of locations (Google Ads policy: Addiction services).
- Request permission from Meta through its form (Meta).
After approval, tell LegitScript within 30 days about changes to services, licenses, accreditation or legal matters. A new location needs a compliance review and its own application fee, not a new application (FAQ).
Ads still disapproved after certification?
Certification gets you in the door; each ad is still reviewed.
"LegitScript Certification may be required to participate in certain advertising programs, but it does not guarantee advertising approval." (LegitScript FAQ)
On Google, fix the ad and save it to send it back for review. If you think the decision is wrong, appeal from your Google Ads account. If the landing page is the problem, see fixing a disapproved landing page.
Example
One outpatient clinic in Ohio
First year: $1,595 + $3,095 = $4,690. Each year after: $3,095. Then a Google application and a Meta permission request.
Three residential facilities in Ontario
First year: 3 × $4,690 = $14,070 (USD). Google ads to Canada need LegitScript plus Google certification. Meta's written policy names only the US.
A sober living home with no clinical services
Not eligible for LegitScript, so it can't advertise drug and alcohol addiction services on Google in the US.
Different for you?
- Ads work but don't book calls. See Google Ads not getting calls.
- Meta won't optimize for admissions. See Meta health and wellness tracking limits.
- Pixels on a treatment center site. See Meta pixel and Google tags on a clinic website.
- You'd rather run the campaigns with help. See the Paid Ads agent.