Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in Connecticut
- Connecticut's certificate of need covers new substance abuse treatment and mental health facilities, not only hospitals; an applicant unsure whether one applies can ask the Office of Health Strategy for a determination, answered within 30 days.
- License applications go to DPH on its forms and do not need to be notarized (19a-491(a)).
Does Connecticut license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
No one may operate an institution, a term that includes behavioral health facilities and substance abuse treatment facilities, without a DPH license. A license covers only the premises and persons named, cannot be transferred, and runs two years, renewing after an unscheduled inspection.
- DPH institution license (behavioral health facility or substance abuse treatment facility)
- Issued by Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-490, 19a-491, 19a-493
What does a Connecticut license cost?
- Per site: $375 per site every two years for mental health residential facilities
- Per bed: $5 per bed every two years for mental health residential facilities
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-491(c)
How often does a Connecticut license renew?
- Renews every two years
What does Connecticut require for owners, sales and moves?
- Ownership change or relocation: A license is issued only for the premises and persons named and cannot be transferred or assigned; a change in ownership needs prior approval.
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-493
What does an opioid treatment program need in Connecticut?
A certificate of need from the Office of Health Strategy is required to establish a new health care facility, a term that includes substance abuse treatment facilities and mental health facilities, and to transfer ownership of one. Exemptions include some nonprofit providers holding state contracts.
- State opioid treatment authority: Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Certificate of need
- 48 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-630, 19a-638
How does Connecticut treat recovery residences?
- NARR affiliate: Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences
Opening or expanding a program in Connecticut?
We confirm what Connecticut 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.