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South Carolina

Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in South Carolina: 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 South Carolina’s  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 South Carolina

  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
    South Carolina is a Certificate of Need (CON) state. Before you can apply for licensure, you may need CON approval from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Division of Health Licensing for certain types of facilities or expansions. This is an extra step that may affect your timeline.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your South Carolina 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 DHEC Division of Health Licensing.
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to DHEC Division of Health Licensing, with DAODAS programmatic oversight.
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Depending on the service and level of care you decide, DHEC will schedule an on-site survey/inspection. Inspectors will review your facility, documentation, and operations to ensure compliance with South Carolina regulations. Make sure your facility is in good shape and your leadership is prepared!
  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 South Carolina

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in South Carolina are regulated and licensed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Division of Health Licensing, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) for certain program requirements.

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

  • Qualified staffing
  • Therapeutic programming
  • Patient care standards
  • Emergency preparedness

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in South Carolina must be licensed by DHEC and DAODAS 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 DHEC regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in South Carolina are licensed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Division of Health Licensing.

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 DHEC 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.