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Vermont

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

  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 Vermont agency’s website to understand the current regulations and requirements (see below for which agency applies). It’s also important to check if there are any barriers to opening a facility, such as Vermont’s Certificate of Need (CON) process, which may apply to new or expanded facilities.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Vermont 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 Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH)
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to Vermont Department of Health (VDH), Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP)
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Depending on the service and level of care, Vermont may conduct an on-site inspection of your facility or require a virtual meeting to review compliance. 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 Vermont

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Vermont are licensed by Vermont are overseen by the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP). Programs must comply with state licensing requirements, clinical standards, and, in some cases, federal guidelines if receiving funding.

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Vermont must be licensed by VDH/ADAP 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 ADAP and VDH regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Vermont are licensed by the Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH).

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 DMH 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.