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Behavioral health clinic license requirements by state
Outpatient mental health and substance use treatment. Whether each state requires a license, who issues it, what it costs, certificate of need and the Medicaid rate, with the official source for each.
- States compiled
- 51 of 51
- Require a state license
- 43
- No state license
- 2
- States with a CON program
- 37of states compiled
On this page
By state
Behavioral health clinic requirements in every state
States still being compiled are marked; we only publish a state once its details are confirmed against the official source.
| State | License | Issuing agency | Fee | Renewal | CON program | Medicaid rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ADMH certification as a community mental health and/or substance use services provider | Alabama Department of Mental Health — Division of Mental Health & Substance Use Services, Office of Certification | — | — | Yes | $80.12 |
| Alaska | Departmental Approval (DA) for behavioral health services (clinic, rehabilitation, withdrawal management, residential SUD, opioid treatment) | Alaska Department of Health — Division of Behavioral Health (MPASS Unit) | — | — | Yes | $120.45per 38-52 minutes |
| Arizona | Health care institution license — Outpatient Treatment Center (behavioral health services) | Arizona Department of Health Services — Division of Public Health Licensing Services, Bureau of Medical Facilities Licensing | $50 non-refundable application fee plus a licensing fee u… | Licensees pay annual health care institution licensing fees under R9-10-106 (timing in R9-10-107). | No | $27.79per 15 min |
| Arkansas | DHS Behavioral Health Agency certification (site-specific) | Arkansas Department of Human Services — Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance, Licensure and Certification | — | — | Yes | $77.27 |
| California | Not required | California Department of Health Care Services — Licensing and Certification Division (SUD) | FY 2025-26 (from July 1, 2025): initial outpatient certif… | Every 2 years · Biennial outpatient certification extension fee ($6,564 in FY 2025-26; higher from July 1, 2026). | No | $28.38per 15 min |
| Colorado | Behavioral Health Entity (BHE) license — base license with outpatient endorsement (plus optional Safety Net Provider approval) | Colorado Department of Human Services — Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Quality & Standards Division | $500 | Every year · Annual renewal: $500 base, $300 per additional outpatient location, $600 per residential location. | No | $24.79per 15 min |
| Connecticut | DPH license as a Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic for Adults (POCA) and/or Facility for the Care or Treatment of Substance Abusive Persons (SA); Mental Health Day Treatment (MHDT) is a separate category | Connecticut Department of Public Health — Facility Licensing and Investigations Section (FLIS), Facility Licensure Processing Unit | Under C.G.S. 19a-491(e), DPH charges $1,000 for licensing… | Renewals for all license levels are handled through the Connecticut eLicense portal. | Yes | $21.14 |
| Delaware | DSAMH SUD treatment facility license (16 DE Admin. Code 6001) with matching Medicaid certification by ASAM level (e.g., Outpatient ASAM Level 1, IOP ASAM Level 2.1, PHP 2.5, OTP) | Delaware Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) | — | — | Yes | $86.29 |
| District of Columbia | DBH certification as an MHRS provider (Core Services Agency, sub-provider or specialty provider) under 22-A DCMR Ch. 34; SUD treatment and recovery providers certified under 22-A DCMR Ch. 63 | District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) | — | — | Yes | $35.74 |
| Florida | DCF Substance Use Disorder provider license, issued per licensable service component (e.g., Outpatient Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Day or Night Treatment) | Florida Department of Children and Families — Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder Licensing and Regulation | Per service component (65D-30.0035, as amended 2025-10-16… | Renewal applications are due at least 60 days before the current license expires; late applications incur a $100 late fee per licensable service component. | Yes | $12.26per 15 min |
| Georgia | Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Program license (including Outpatient Drug Treatment Programs, Rule 111-8-19-.23) | Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) — licensure (applications through the GAHLES portal) | A non-refundable application fee is required for new appl… | — | Yes | $28.41per per unit |
| Hawaii | — | Hawaii State Department of Health — Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) | — | — | Yes | $82.90 |
| Idaho | — | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare — Division of Behavioral Health | — | — | No | $87.37 |
| Illinois | DHS Substance Use Disorder Intervention/Treatment License (per facility and level of care), with optional Medicaid certification; community mental health providers are certified under 59 Ill. Adm. Code Part 132 | Illinois Department of Human Services — Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (formerly SUPR) licensure | $200 | Every 3 years | Yes | $26.62per 1/4 hour |
| Indiana | DMHA Addiction Treatment Services Provider certification — Outpatient Certification (10 or fewer direct service providers) or Regular Certification (11 or more) | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA), Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement | — | Every 2 years · Outpatient certification expires two years from issuance. Regular certification expires 90 days after the entity's accreditation expires. | Yes | $15.45per 15 min |
| Iowa | Substance Use Disorder and Problem Gambling Treatment Program license (initial, 1/2/3-year, or deemed-status) | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Behavioral Health, program licensure | — | Licensed programs must apply for renewal at least 90 days before the current license expires. | Yes | $25.74per 30 min |
| Kansas | KDADS Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program license; Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) license; KDADS CCBHC certification | Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) — Behavioral Health Services, licensing | KDADS requires a licensure fee with the application; the … | — | No | $73.68 |
| Kentucky | License to Operate a Behavioral Health Services Organization (mental health / co-occurring, 902 KAR 20:430) and/or License to Operate a Nonhospital-based Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Entity (outpatient or residential AODE, 908 KAR 1:370) | Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Office of Inspector General (OIG); program oversight by the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) | BHSO: $750 initial licensure fee; $250 per extension site… | Every year · BHSO: $500 annual renewal fee, filed at least 60 days before the renewal date with proof of accreditation. AODE: annual renewal application with the same $500 licensure fee. | Yes | $34.44per encounter |
| Louisiana | Behavioral Health Service (BHS) Provider license (covers mental health clinics, substance use/addiction treatment facilities and other BHS providers) | Louisiana Department of Health — Health Standards Section (HSS) | A non-refundable licensing fee set by statute must accomp… | Every year | Yes | $45.30per 30 min |
| Maine | Behavioral Health Organization license (mental health, substance use disorder or integrated services; outpatient module) — provisional, full or conditional | Maine Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Licensing and Certification, Behavioral Health Program | Provisional license application: $125 for one service cat… | Every 2 years · Biennial renewal of a full license: $170 for one service category or $340 for both/integrated, plus a $50 transaction fee when renewing electronically. | Yes | $24.68per each add'l 15 mins |
| Maryland | COMAR 10.63 behavioral health program license (accreditation-based for most program types, e.g., Outpatient Mental Health Center, outpatient SUD treatment) | Maryland Department of Health — Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Licensing, Compliance, and Quality Improvement | — | Licenses are issued for a specific date range and must be renewed under COMAR 10.63. | Yes | $85.29 |
| Massachusetts | DPH/BSAS License or Approval to operate a substance use disorder treatment program (outpatient services under 105 CMR 164.200); outpatient mental health clinics hold a DPH clinic license under 105 CMR 140 | Massachusetts Department of Public Health — Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) licensing | $300 | Every 2 years · Renewal forms and fees are due at least 60 calendar days before expiration; a timely renewal keeps the license in effect until DPH acts, while a late one lets the license lapse. | Yes | $22.95 |
| Michigan | Substance Use Disorders Service Program license (service categories include Outpatient, SARF, MAT) | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Community and Health Systems | $500 | — | Yes | $8.62 |
| Minnesota | Chapter 245G Substance Use Disorder Treatment program license (DHS); Chapter 245I.20 certified mental health clinic (certification); CCBHC certification | Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division (245G license, 245I clinic certification); DHS Behavioral Health for CCBHC certification | Initial license or certification application fee under Mi… | Every year · Annual nonrefundable license/certification fee (see fee_text); fees run on a calendar year ending December 31. | No | $0.45 |
| Mississippi | DMH Agency Provider Certification (Certificate of Operation) plus certification of each physical service location | Mississippi Department of Mental Health — Division of Certification | DMH notifies the applicant in writing of the application … | — | Yes | $93.38 |
| Missouri | Department of Mental Health certification (e.g., Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Program, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program, CSTAR, CPR); Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO) designation | Missouri Department of Mental Health — Division of Behavioral Health (certification) | No certification fee for MH/SUD treatment programs is lis… | Renewal applications and documents are due at least 60 calendar days before the certificate expires; late or missing renewals risk termination. | Yes | $20.33 |
| Montana | Mental Health Center license with service endorsements (ARM 37.106 Subchapter 19); substance use disorder facilities licensed under ARM 37.106 Subchapter 14; state-approved outpatient SUD treatment providers under ARM 37.27 | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Office of Inspector General, Licensure Bureau | An applicable license fee is paid with the online applica… | — | Yes | $97.60per 30 min |
| Nebraska | Not required | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit (Office of Developmental Disabilities & Behavioral Health Facilities) | MHSUTC initial and renewal fee by beds: 1-16 beds $250; 1… | Every year · MHSUTC licenses expire September 30 each year; renewal fee equals the initial fee for the bed count. | Yes | $115.68 |
| Nevada | — | Nevada Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH): SAPTA/Bureau of Behavioral Health Wellness and Prevention for SUD certification; Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) for CCBHC certification | $100 per ASAM level certified (e.g., Level 0.5, Level 1 O… | — | Yes | $6.39per 15 min |
| New Hampshire | — | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services — Division for Behavioral Health (CMHP approval); Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (OTP certification) | — | Every 5 years · CMHP approval runs for a 5-year term; reapproval follows He-M 403.11. | No | $27.38 |
| New Jersey | Outpatient facility license under N.J.A.C. 8:43K listing the Outpatient Behavioral Health service (outpatient, intensive outpatient and/or partial care for mental health and/or SUD); replaced N.J.A.C. 10:161B outpatient SUD licensure | New Jersey Department of Health — Office of Certificate of Need and Health Care Facility Licensing | Under N.J.A.C. 8:43K-2.8(d), $250 for the Outpatient Beha… | Every 2 years · DOH sends a renewal request with the fee 30 days before expiration; the licensure period is two years (extended from one year in the new rules). | Yes | $76.72per hour |
| New Mexico | Community Mental Health Center license (annual); New Mexico Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) certification | New Mexico Health Care Authority — Division of Health Improvement (CMHC licensing); HCA Behavioral Health Services Division (certification, CCBHC) | Non-refundable license fee per the licensing authority's … | Every year · Annual license; renewal application and fee due at least 30 days before expiration. | No | $144.88 |
| New York | OMH Operating Certificate for an Article 31 licensed mental health program (e.g., outpatient clinic/MHOTRS), obtained through Prior Approval Review (PAR); OASAS Operating Certificate under 14 NYCRR Part 810 for Part 822 outpatient addiction programs | New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) — Bureau of Inspection and Certification; Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) — program certification | — | — | Yes | $68.26per visit |
| North Carolina | DHSR Mental Health / IDD / Substance Abuse facility license by service category (e.g., 27G .4400 SA Intensive Outpatient, .4500 SA Comprehensive Outpatient, .1100 Partial Hospitalization, .3300 Outpatient Detox, .3600 Outpatient Opioid Treatment) | North Carolina DHHS — Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section | $265 | Every year · All licensed facilities pay an annual license renewal fee. | Yes | $18.49 |
| North Dakota | Substance Abuse (SUD) Treatment Program license by ASAM level of care (e.g., outpatient, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization) | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services — Behavioral Health Division (BHD) | — | — | No | $118.28 |
| Ohio | OhioMHAS certification of community mental health and addiction services (certifiable services listed in OAC Chapter 5122-29); opioid treatment programs are licensed separately | Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) — Office of Licensure and Certification | $1,000 | Renewal: $500 base plus $200 per service with no national accreditation standard. | Yes | $21.21 |
| Oklahoma | ODMHSAS certification (e.g., Alcohol and Drug Treatment, Outpatient Mental Health Treatment, Community Mental Health Center, Comprehensive Community Addiction Recovery Center); CCBHC certification | Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) — Provider Certification | A certification fee is required with the application (ODM… | — | Yes | $49.60per encounter |
| Oregon | OHA Health Systems Division certificate of approval for behavioral health treatment services (outpatient mental health and/or SUD services under the listed service delivery rules, e.g., OAR 309-019) | Oregon Health Authority — Health Systems Division (behavioral health licensing and certification) | — | Every 3 years · Initial certificates last up to one calendar year; renewals last up to three calendar years. | Yes | $39.75per hour |
| Pennsylvania | DDAP license for freestanding drug and alcohol treatment activities (outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, etc.); separate DHS/OMHSAS license for psychiatric outpatient clinics under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 5200 | Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) for SUD; Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) for psychiatric outpatient clinics | — | Every year · DDAP licenses expire one year from issuance; DDAP schedules an annual on-site inspection before renewal. | No | $11.83per 15 min |
| Rhode Island | Behavioral Healthcare Organization (BHO) license (212-RICR-10-10-1) covering clinical mental health and substance use disorder programs; CCBHC certification | Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) — Office of Licensing; CCBHC certification by BHDDH with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) | — | — | Yes | $25.00 |
| South Carolina | License for an Outpatient Facility for Chemically Dependent or Addicted Persons (Regulation 60-93; formerly R.61-93 under DHEC) | South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) — Healthcare facility licensing | $75 | Every year · Annual license fee $75 (plus $50 per satellite) and any outstanding inspection fees; late renewal fee of $75 or 25% of the license fee, whichever applies under the rule. | Yes | $33.49per 30 min |
| South Dakota | DSS accreditation to provide substance use disorder services (ARSD 67:61) or community mental health services (ARSD 67:62) | South Dakota Department of Social Services — Division of Behavioral Health, Office of Licensing and Accreditation | — | Re-accreditation every two or three years based on the prior on-site score: 90% or higher earns a three-year certificate; 70-89% earns a two-year certificate. | No | $42.50 |
| Tennessee | TDMHSAS facility license, e.g., Mental Health Outpatient Facility (0940-05-14) or Alcohol and Drug Non-Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Facility (0940-05-43) | Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) — Office of Licensure (regional offices) | Licensing fee per the TDMHSAS fee schedule; an invoice is… | Every year | Yes | — |
| Texas | Chemical Dependency Treatment Facility license (outpatient and/or residential sites); HHSC Texas Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic certification | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Health Care Regulation, facility licensing | $1,200 | Every 2 years · Licenses expire two years after issuance; file the renewal request and fee ($1,200 base plus site/bed fees) at least 60 days before expiration. | No | $85.32 |
| Utah | Human Services Program license — Outpatient Treatment Program (general outpatient and intensive outpatient; MH and/or SUD) | Utah Department of Health and Human Services — Division of Licensing and Background Checks, Office of Licensing | Initial and renewal licensing fees are charged per site u… | — | No | $75.00per H |
| Vermont | — | Vermont Agency of Human Services — Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Health, Division of Substance Use Programs (DSU) | — | — | Yes | $20.91per 15 min |
| Virginia | DBHDS provider license for behavioral health services (e.g., Mental Health Outpatient, Substance Abuse Outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization) | Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) — Office of Licensing | — | — | Yes | $85.02per 45 min |
| Washington | Behavioral Health Agency license with certifications for specific behavioral health services (e.g., outpatient mental health, outpatient SUD, opioid treatment) | Washington State Department of Health (DOH) — behavioral health agency licensing and certification | $2,250 | Every year · Annual outpatient service fee based on service hours (see fee_text); renewal requests must include full payment. Agencies file an annual form reporting accreditation status, beds and outpatient service hours. | Yes | $34.22 |
| West Virginia | Behavioral Health Center license (initial, regular or provisional) under 64CSR11, with specialized modules by service | West Virginia Department of Health — Office of Inspector General, Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) | A licensure fee is required with each application; the am… | Every 2 years · Regular licenses expire no more than two years after issuance; renewal applications with the fee are due at least 60 days before expiration. | Yes | $6.93per 15 min |
| Wisconsin | DHS 35 outpatient mental health clinic certification; DHS 75.49 outpatient substance use treatment service or DHS 75.50 outpatient integrated behavioral health treatment service certification | Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Division of Quality Assurance, Behavioral Health Certification Section | Application fees are set and periodically revised by DHS'… | Every 2 years · DHS 35 clinics file a biennial report and pay certification continuation fees every 24 months; non-payment can end certification. | Yes | $27.43 |
| Wyoming | — | Wyoming Department of Health — Behavioral Health Division, MHSA Certification Program | — | — | No | $42.34 |
Medicaid rate: the outpatient psychotherapy and diagnostic evaluation fee-for-service rate, linked to the state's fee schedule. Fees as printed by the licensing agency; where it gives a range or formula, the page for that state has the wording.