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New York

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

  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 (OMH or OASAS) to review the current licensing requirements for your service type. Check if there are any state planning or approval processes that may limit new providers in your area—New York has its own Certificate of Need-like requirements for certain program expansions, particularly through the Prior Approval Review (PAR) process.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your New York application. You’ll definitely need:
  • Organizational formation documents
  • Staffing plans
  • Facility floor plans and building compliance documents (inspections may be required)
  • Policies and procedures that meet OMH or OASAS standards.
  • Program descriptions and clinical services outlines
  1. Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
  • Mental Health Facilities (Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to OMH through their Operating Certificate application process.
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to OASAS using their Certification application process. 
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Both OMH and OASAS will require an on-site inspection to verify compliance with building, safety, staffing, and clinical requirements. Be ready for interviews with leadership, document reviews, and a walkthrough of your facility.
  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

 New York

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in New York are licensed and regulated by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in New York must be licensed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and 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 OASAS regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in New York are licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).

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 OMH 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.