Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in District of Columbia
- A behavioral health program housed in a hospital or other facility outside DBH authority can still fall under the certificate of need law.
Does District of Columbia license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
DC's certificate of need law excludes facilities providing outpatient or residential behavioral health services that are subject to the Department of Behavioral Health's exclusive regulatory authority. DBH's certification standards and fees were not confirmed.
- Issued by DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)
Citation: D.C. Code 44-401(10)(B)(iii)
What does an opioid treatment program need in District of Columbia?
DC's certificate of need program does not treat a facility providing outpatient or residential behavioral health services under DBH's exclusive regulatory authority as a health care facility, so such a facility needs no certificate of need.
- State opioid treatment authority: DC Department of Behavioral Health
- 5 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
Citation: D.C. Code 44-401(10)(B)(iii), 44-406
Opening or expanding a program in District of Columbia?
We confirm what District of Columbia 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.