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Pennsylvania

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

  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 about which licensing agency if right for your program). It’s also important to see if there are any barriers to getting licensed (like the Determination of Need process in Massachusetts or the Certificate of Need process in Connecticut). 
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Pennsylvania application. You’ll definitely need:
  • Organizational formation documents
  • Staffing plans
  • Facility floor plans/ building documents (in some cases, Pennsylvania requires your inspection is completed by a licensed architect)
  • Relevant policies and procedures
  1. Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
  • Mental Health Facilities (Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to OMHSAS under Pennsylvania DHS.
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to DDAP
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Depending on the service and level of care you decide, Pennsylvania may have a virtual meeting or might want to come on-site for an inspection. Make sure your facility is in good shape and your leadership is prepared!

OR

Both OMHSAS and DDAP conduct inspections before issuing licensure:

  • Be ready to demonstrate operational readiness, proper staffing, policies, and facility safety.
  • For SUD facilities, be prepared to show compliance with Chapter 704 staff training standards.

 

  1. 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 Pennsylvania

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Pennsylvania are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) 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 SUPR regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Pennsylvania are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS).

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 DHS, OMHSAS 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.