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Connecticut

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

  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
    Visit the appropriate Connecticut licensing agency’s website to understand the current regulations and application requirements for your specific program type (see below for which agency applies to you).

Connecticut has a Certificate of Need (CON) process—administered by the Office of Health Strategy (OHS)—that may apply to your facility, especially if you are opening a new program, expanding services, or increasing bed capacity. This process ensures that new services meet community needs without duplicating existing care.

Make sure to review whether your program falls under this requirement, as it can significantly impact your licensing timeline.

 

  1. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Connecticut application. You’ll definitely need:
  • Organizational formation documents
  • Staffing plans
  • Facility floor plans/ building documents (in some cases, Connecticut requires your inspection is completed by a licensed architect)
  • Relevant policies and procedures
  1. Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
  • Mental Health Facilities (Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for adolescent services, or Department of Public Health (DPH), Facilities Licensing and Investigation Section (FLIS) for adult services. 
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to the Department of Public Health (DPH), Facilities Licensing and Investigation Section (FLIS).
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Depending on the service and level of care you decide, Connecticut may have a virtual meeting or might want to come on-site for an inspection. 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 Connecticut

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Connecticut are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), Facilities Licensing and Investigation Section (FLIS).

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Connecticut must be licensed by the Department of Public Health (DPH), Facilities Licensing and Investigation Section (FLIS) 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 DPH regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Connecticut are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) for adolescent services, or Department of Public Health (DPH), Facilities Licensing and Investigation Section (FLIS) for adult 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 the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) for adolescent services, or Department of Public Health (DPH), Facilities Licensing and Investigation Section (FLIS) for adult services. 

.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.