(732) 607-4001

Washington, D.C.

Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Washington D.C.: 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 Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.

  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 D.C. Department of Health (DOH), Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) website to understand current regulations and requirements for your program type. It’s also important to check whether any additional approvals are required. Washington, D.C. is a CON (Certificate of Need) jurisdiction, so depending on your facility type—especially residential or inpatient programs—you may need CON approval before applying for your license.
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Washington D.C. 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 DOH/HRLA
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to DOH/HRLA, with oversight from D.C. Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    After submitting your application, D.C. may schedule an on-site inspection to ensure your facility meets all regulatory standards for safety, staffing, documentation, and program operations. 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 Washington, D.C.

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Washington, D.C. are licensed by D.C. Department of Health (DOH), Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) in collaboration with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

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

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

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detoxification and residential SUD treatment programs must be licensed by DOH/HRLA and meet D.C. 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 D.C. regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Washington D.C. are licensed by the D.C. Department of Health (DOH), Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) and regulated in coordination with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

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 IDPH 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.