Kentucky
Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Kentucky: 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky
- 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 Kentucky licensing agency’s website to understand current regulations and requirements for your program. Kentucky requires a Certificate of Need (CON) for certain behavioral health and substance use disorder facilities. You must ensure your project meets CON requirements before submitting your licensing application. Additionally, review state rules regarding facility standards, staffing, and operational procedures. - Get your documents and processes in order
Compile the documents required for your Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID).
- Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to DBHDID, Division of Substance Use Disorder Services.
- See below for more information on these agencies
- Prepare for Inspection
Depending on the service and level of care you decide, Kentucky will want to come on-site for an inspection. 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 Kentucky
Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities
Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Kentucky are licensed by the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID), Division of Substance Use Disorder Services.
PHP and IOP for SUD:
PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment must provide structured, intensive services and comply with Kentucky requirements for:
- Qualified staffing
- Therapeutic programming
- Patient care standards
- Emergency preparedness
Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Kentucky must be licensed by Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID), Division of Substance Use Disorder Services 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 DBHDID regulations
Licensing for Mental Health Facilities
Mental health facilities in Kentucky are licensed by the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID), Division of Mental Health 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 DBHDID 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.