Georgia

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

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. Attend the required orientation (for mental health providers only)
   If you’re applying to provide mental health services, you must register for and attend the mandatory orientation provided by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). This is a required step before you can apply.
3. Review the regulations for the service you’ll provide
   Visit the appropriate agency’s website to review current licensing regulations:
   • For mental health facilities, review DBHDD requirements.
   • For SUD facilities, consult the Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD).
   Check for any local or state-level barriers to licensure, like zoning restrictions, health department approvals, or other operational requirements.
4. Get your documents and processes in order
   Compile the documents required for your Georgia application. You’ll definitely need:
   • Organizational formation documents
   • Staffing plans
   • Facility floor plans or building documentation
   • Policies and procedures
   • Program description and service delivery model
   • Evidence of compliance with health and safety standards
5. Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
   • Mental Health Facilities (Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to DBHDD
   • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to DCH, HFRD
   • See below for more information on these agencies
6. Prepare for inspection
   Your facility will undergo an on-site inspection by either DBHDD or HFRD, depending on the license you are pursuing. Inspectors will assess compliance with staffing, safety, documentation, and operational standards.
7. Make any corrections and start providing services
   You may be asked to make changes to your policies, staffing, or facility setup based on inspection feedback. Once you complete any required revisions and submit a plan of correction (if applicable), your facility will be licensed to operate and begin serving clients.

 

Understanding Behavioral Health Facility Licensing Requirements in Georgia

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Georgia are licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD).

PHP and IOP for SUD:
PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment in Georgia must provide structured, intensive services and comply with HFRD requirements for:
• Qualified staffing
• Therapeutic programming
• Patient care standards
• Emergency preparedness

Detox and Residential Treatment:

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox and residential SUD treatment facilities in Georgia must be licensed by HFRD 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 HFRD regulations

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Georgia are licensed by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

PHP and IOP for Mental Health:
Mental health PHP and IOP programs in Georgia must be licensed by DBHDD and 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 also licensed by DBHDD 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.