Nebraska
Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Nebraska: 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 Nebraska’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 Nebraska
- 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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit for the most current regulations and licensing requirements. Nebraska is a Certificate of Need (CON) state. This means you may need CON approval before moving forward with your licensure application, particularly if you are opening a new facility, adding inpatient beds, or expanding services.
- Get your documents and processes in order
Compile the documents required for your Nebraska 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 Nebraska DHHS, Licensure Unit
- Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to Nebraska DHHS, Licensure Unit
- See below for more information on these agencies
- Prepare for Inspection
Depending on the service and level of care you decide, Nebraska may require an on-site inspection from DPHHS. 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 Nebraska
Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities
Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Nebraska are licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit.
PHP and IOP for SUD:
PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment must provide structured, intensive services and comply with Nebraska requirements for:
- Qualified staffing
- Therapeutic programming
- Patient care standards
- Emergency preparedness
Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Nebraska must be licensed by Nebraska DHHS 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 Nebraska DHHS regulations
Licensing for Mental Health Facilities
Mental health facilities in Nebraska are licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit.
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 Nebraska DHHS 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.