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Arizona

Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Arizona: 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 Arizona’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 Arizona

  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 Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Division of Public Health Licensing to review the requirements for your facility type. Arizona requires behavioral health residential and outpatient treatment facilities to comply with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) Title 9, Chapter 10.

Note: Arizona is not a Certificate of Need (CON) state, so you do not need to go through a CON process

  1. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Arizona 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 ADHS Division of Public Health Licensing, Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing.
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to ADHS Division of Public Health Licensing, Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing.
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Depending on the service and level of care you decide, ADHS will conduct an on-site inspection to ensure compliance with safety, staffing, and program requirements. Be sure your facility is fully prepared, staff are trained, and documentation is ready for review.
  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 Arizona

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Arizona are licensed and overseen by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Division of Public Health Licensing, Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing, under Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) Title 9, Chapter 10.

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Arizona must be licensed by ADHS 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 ADHS regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Arizona are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Division of Public Health Licensing, Bureau of Residential Facilities 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 ADHS 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.