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Mississippi

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

  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 appropriate licensing agency’s website to understand the current regulations and requirements (see below for which agency applies to your program). It’s also important to check if there are any barriers to getting licensed.
    Note: Mississippi is a Certificate of Need (CON) state, which means that before establishing or expanding certain health care facilities or services, you must obtain CON approval from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Division of Health Planning and Resource Development. This is a critical step in the licensing process.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Mississippi 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 the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH)
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Depending on the service and level of care you decide to provide, Mississippi may require an on-site inspection of your facility. Make sure your site is in compliance with building, safety, and clinical standards, and that your leadership is ready for review.
  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 Mississippi

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Mississippi are licensed and overseen by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services (BADS). Facilities must comply with state licensing standards to ensure quality care, patient safety, and professional oversight.

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Mississippi must be licensed by DMH 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 DMH regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Mississippi are licensed and overseen by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH). Providers must comply with DMH regulations to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality care.

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 DMH 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.