Alabama
Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Alabama: 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 Alabama’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 Alabama
- 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. - Review the regulations for the service you’ll provide
Consult the appropriate Alabama licensing agency’s website to review current regulations and requirements.
Note: Alabama is a Certificate of Need (CON) state, meaning you may need to obtain CON approval before opening or expanding a facility. The CON process can add additional time and requirements to licensing, so confirm whether your specific program type (e.g., residential treatment, detox) requires CON approval. Complete the CON process through the Alabama State Health Planning & Development Agency (SHPDA). - Get your documents and processes in order
Compile the documents required for your Alabama application. You’ll definitely need:
- Organizational formation documents
- Staffing plans
- Facility floor plans/ building documents
- Relevant policies and procedures
- Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
- Mental Health Facilities (Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Office of Certification Administration (OCA)
- Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to the ADMH OCA
- See below for more information on these agencies
- Prepare for Inspection
Depending on the service and level of care you decide, Alabama will schedule an on-site inspection to ensure your facility complies with regulatory standards. Make sure your facility is in good shape and your leadership is prepared! - 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 Alabama
Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities
Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Alabama are licensed by Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Office of Certification Administration (OCA).
PHP and IOP for SUD:
PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment must provide structured, intensive services and comply with ADMH requirements for:
- Qualified staffing
- Therapeutic programming
- Patient care standards
- Emergency preparedness
Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Alabama must be licensed by ADMH OCA and must comply with Alabama 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 ADMH regulations
Licensing for Mental Health Facilities
Mental health facilities in Alabama are licensed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Office of Certification Administration (OCA).
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 ADMH 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.