(732) 607-4001

Arkansas

Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Arkansas: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

You can’t start a compliant and successful mental health or substance use treatment program without first ensuring you are adhering to the state’s licensing requirements. Whether you’re seeking to open an outpatient facility (providing outpatient, intensive outpatient/ IOP, or partial hospitalization/ PHP) or a residential facility (detox/ withdrawal management, high intensity or low intensity residential) navigating Arkansas’ regulatory landscape can be complex and time-consuming.

At Arrow Consulting, we specialize in guiding providers through every stage of the licensing process – ensuring your facility meets all regulatory standards and is fully prepared to deliver high-quality, legally compliant care.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed in Arkansas

  1. Decide what service you want to provide and which license you’ll need
    Decide whether your facility will provide mental health services or substance use disorder services. This decision determines the regulations you must follow and guides your application process.
  2. Review the regulations for the service you’ll provide
    Consult the appropriate licensing agency’s website to understand the current regulations and requirements (see below about which licensing agency if right for your program). It’s also important to check if a Certificate of Need (CON) is required. Arkansas is a CON state, so residential or inpatient programs may need CON approval before submitting a licensing application.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Arkansas application. You’ll definitely need:
  • Organizational formation documents
  • Staffing plans
  • Facility floor plans/ building documents 
  • Relevant policies and procedures
  1. Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
  • Mental Health Facilities (Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to Arkansas DHS, Division of Behavioral Health Services 
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to Arkansas DHS, Division of Behavioral Health Services, Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (OADAP)
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  • Ensure all CON requirements are addressed prior to submission if applicable. 
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Arkansas DHS may conduct on-site inspections or request virtual meetings depending on the level of care and program type. Ensure your facility is fully prepared and leadership is ready to demonstrate compliance.
  2. Make any corrections and start providing services
    You may need to make some revisions to policies or other items as discussed with the state. Once you have completed your plan of correction, you will be issued your license and may commence providing services to your community.

 

Understanding Behavioral Health Facility Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

  • Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Arkansas are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), in coordination with the Division of Behavioral Health Services, Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (OADAP).

PHP and IOP for SUD:
PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment must provide structured, intensive services and comply with Arkansas requirements for:

  • Qualified staffing
  • Therapeutic programming
  • Patient care standards
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Detox and Residential Treatment:
    Detox programs in Arkansas must be licensed by ADH Agency, in coordination with the Division of Behavioral Health Services, Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (OADAP).

 and must meet state standards for:

  • Medically supervised withdrawal management
  • On-site licensed professionals (e.g., physicians and nurses)
  • Patient safety and clinical oversight
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Facility operations and compliance with Arkansas regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Arkansas are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), in coordination with the Division of Behavioral Health Services.

PHP and IOP for Mental Health:
Mental health PHP and IOP programs must meet state standards for:

  • Therapeutic services
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Patient safety
  • Quality care

Residential Treatment Facilities in Mental Health:

Facilities providing residential mental health services must be licensed by ADH and are required to meet state standards for:

  • 24/7 care in a structured environment
  • Therapeutic services
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Patient safety
  • Quality care




Let Arrow Consulting handle the entire process for you – ensuring a smooth, compliant, and efficient licensing experience.