Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in California
- Before AB 118, many outpatient SUD programs operated without any government oversight; certification is now mandatory.
- DHCS must offer a combined application for residential licensure plus medical services at the facility by Jan 1, 2027 (H&S 11834.01(d)).
- Programs inside DPH-licensed clinics or health facilities and DSS-licensed community care facilities are exempt from DHCS certification but may seek it.
Does California license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
DHCS licenses residential alcohol and other drug facilities and, under AB 118, requires every non-exempt outpatient SUD program to hold DHCS certification. Programs had to be certified by Jan 1, 2025; non-exempt programs without it face civil penalties of $2,000 per day.
- Residential AOD facility license; outpatient AOD program certification
- Substance use programs: Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Citation: Cal. Health & Safety Code 11832 et seq., 11832.18, 11834.01; DHCS BHIN 25-003
How does California license each level of care?
Every licensed adult residential facility must hold at least one DHCS Level of Care Designation or at least one residential ASAM Level of Care Certification as a condition of licensure.
- Outpatient: DHCS certification, mandatory for non-exempt outpatient programs since Jan 1, 2025.
- Residential: DHCS residential AOD license for two years, with at least one onsite visit per license period.
- Withdrawal management: Detoxification is one of the services that requires a DHCS residential license.
- ASAM level-of-care designation required
Citation: Cal. Health & Safety Code 11834.015; DHCS Facility Licensing page
How often does a California license renew?
- Renews every two years
What does an opioid treatment program need in California?
- State opioid treatment authority: Department of Health Care Services Behavioral Health - Licensing and Certification
- State license: DHCS narcotic treatment program license; DHCS-licensed NTPs are exempt from outpatient certification.
- 185 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
How does California treat recovery residences?
Licensed residential AOD facilities may offer transportation only under strict conditions, and licensed or certified programs that offer housing must keep housing contracts separate from treatment.
- NARR affiliate: California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
Citation: Cal. Health & Safety Code 11831.65
What does California Medicaid add?
Medi-Cal-enrolled Indian Health Care Providers do not need DHCS AOD program certification if they meet all applicable standards.
Opening or expanding a program in California?
We confirm what California 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.