(732) 607-4001

Maine

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

  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 Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC), to understand the current regulations and requirements for your program. 

It’s also important to check if there are any barriers to getting licensed. In Maine, certain healthcare providers are required to obtain state approval through the Certificate of Need (CON) process before making major changes, such as establishing new facilities or services. 

However, for behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs, the CON process does not apply to residential behavioral health or detox facilities.

 

  1. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Maine 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 OBH
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to OBH
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    OBH will conduct an on-site inspection to ensure your facility meets all physical, operational, and safety requirements. Be sure your leadership team and staff are ready to demonstrate compliance.
  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 Maine

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Maine are licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH).

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Maine must be licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH). These facilities 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 OBH regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Maine are licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH).

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 DHHS/OBH 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.