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Tennessee

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

  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 Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) website to review the current requirements for your program type.
    You should also consult the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency (HSDA) to determine whether a Certificate of Need (CON) is required. Since Tennessee is a CON state, certain facility types—especially residential and inpatient programs—may need CON approval before you can apply for your license.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), Office of Licensure
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), Office of Licensure
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    TDMHSAS will conduct an on-site inspection (or occasionally a desk review for lower levels of care) to ensure your facility is compliant. Inspectors will review your staffing, policies, facility setup, and records. Make sure your facility is in good shape and your leadership is prepared!
  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 Tennessee

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Tennessee are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS).

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Tennessee must be licensed by the TDMHSAS 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 state regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Tennessee are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS).

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 TDMHSAS 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.