Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in Alabama
- One ADMH rule set (580-2-20) covers both mental health and substance use providers; ADMH reviews certify compliance only with its own code, not other laws.
- A certified agency needs a full-time executive director and a separate full-time clinical director who meet set education and experience minimums.
Does Alabama license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
ADMH's Office of Certification reviews community mental health and substance use providers against its program operations rules (chapters 580-2-9, 580-2-20 and 580-9-44) and conducts onsite reviews. Whether every private outpatient program must hold ADMH certification was not confirmed.
- State certification
- ADMH program certification (mental health and substance use services)
- Issued by Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)
Citation: Ala. Admin. Code ch. 580-2-20 and 580-9-44; Code of Ala. 22-50-11
How does Alabama license each level of care?
ADMH's substance use rules define placement by the current edition of the ASAM criteria.
Citation: Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-9-44-.01
What does Alabama require for owners, sales and moves?
- Ownership change or relocation: A certified agency notifies ADMH within 30 days of a change in its executive director or clinical director.
Citation: Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-2-20-.03
What does an opioid treatment program need in Alabama?
- State opioid treatment authority: Alabama Department of Mental Health
- 20 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
How does Alabama treat recovery residences?
- NARR affiliate: Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences
Opening or expanding a program in Alabama?
We confirm what Alabama requires for your services and levels of care, prepare the application and every attachment for your owner or officer to sign, and track it to a decision. An outpatient program license is $1,995 per site. Every fee is flat and never depends on admissions or census.