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Maryland

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

  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 Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) website to understand the current regulations and requirements for your program type.
    It’s also important to check whether there are any additional requirements such as zoning, local permits, or a Certificate of Need (CON). While Maryland does not generally require a CON for outpatient behavioral health, residential and inpatient programs may be subject to additional review.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Maryland 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 MDH’s Behavioral Health Administration through the state’s application process.
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Also submit to MDH’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) — Maryland licenses both mental health and SUD programs under the same behavioral health licensing framework.
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Maryland requires an on-site inspection for most licensed facilities. The state may also require a program readiness review to ensure your staffing, policies, and facility are compliant before approving services.
  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 Maryland



Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Maryland are licensed by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) 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 BHA regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Maryland are licensed by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).

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 MDH, BHA 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.