New Jersey
Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in New Jersey: 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 or a residential facility navigating New Jersey’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 New Jersey
- 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 New Jersey Department of Health (DOH), Certificate of Need and Licensing Division, and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) within DHS to review requirements.
New Jersey is a CON state but only for certain services. Inpatient psychiatric beds require Certificate of Need (CON) approval before you can apply for licensure. Always confirm with DOH whether your specific program type requires CON review.
- Get your documents and processes in order
Compile the documents required for your New Jersey 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 (Partial Care, IOP, OP): Submit to the Department of Health (NJDOH), Certificate of Need and Licensing – Behavioral Health Division
- Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, Partial Care, IOP, OP): Submit to the Department of Health (NJDOH), Certificate of Need and Licensing – Behavioral Health Division
- See below for more information on these agencies
- Prepare for Inspection
New Jersey requires an on-site inspection by the DOH to confirm your facility complies with all staffing, safety, and programmatic requirements. Ensure your leadership team, clinical staff, and facility are inspection-ready. - 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 New Jersey
Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities
Substance use disorder treatment facilities in New Jersey are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
Partial Care/ PHP and IOP for SUD:
Partial Care/ PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment must provide structured, intensive services and comply with New Jersey requirements for:
- Qualified staffing
- Therapeutic programming
- Patient care standards
- Emergency preparedness
Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox and residential substance use disorder programs in New Jersey must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Certificate of Need and Licensing – Behavioral Health Division. These facilities must meet state standards for:
- Medically supervised withdrawal management
- On-site licensed professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, clinical staff)
- Patient safety and clinical oversight
- Staffing qualifications and training
- Facility operations and compliance with NJDOH regulations
Licensing for Mental Health Facilities
Mental health facilities in New Jersey are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Certificate of Need and Licensing – Behavioral Health Division (except for Children’s Partial Care services, who are licensed and overseen by the Department of Children and Families).
Partial Care/ PHP and IOP for Mental Health:
Mental health Partial Care/ PHP and IOP programs must meet state standards for:
- Therapeutic services
- Staffing qualifications
- Patient safety
- Quality care
Residential Treatment Facilities in Mental Health:
New Jersey licenses residential mental health treatment services for adults and children but these are different from free standing mental health programming (like SUD residential). New Jersey hospitals can provide inpatient psychiatric services and some voluntary residential services.
Let Arrow Consulting handle the entire process for you – ensuring a smooth, compliant, and efficient licensing experience.