Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in New York
- OASAS approval also asks whether ten percent of owners or principals have prior substantial experience providing or managing SUD treatment.
- Mental health (OMH) and SUD (OASAS) programs answer to different offices with separate operating certificates.
Does New York license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
No provider may run a residential, outpatient or other non-residential chemical dependence program without an OASAS operating certificate, with narrow exceptions for licensed professionals in practice. OMH separately requires an operating certificate, through its Prior Approval Review, before a licensed mental health program opens.
- Separate SUD and mental health licenses
- Operating certificate (OASAS for SUD programs; OMH for mental health programs)
- Substance use programs: NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
- Mental health programs: NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Citation: N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law 32.05; 14 NYCRR Part 810
How does New York license each level of care?
- Outpatient: Requires an OASAS operating certificate (MHL 32.05(a)(3)).
- Residential: Requires an OASAS operating certificate (MHL 32.05(a)(1)).
Citation: N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law 32.05
How often does a New York license renew?
- Due OMH renews an operating certificate after an unannounced inspection finds substantial compliance
What does New York require for owners, sales and moves?
- Background screening: Owners and principals of an OASAS applicant undergo a criminal history information review under 14 NYCRR Part 805.
Citation: 14 NYCRR 810.7(a)(7)
What does an opioid treatment program need in New York?
To approve an application under full or administrative review, OASAS must find a public need for the services at the time and place proposed and that no alternative services are available.
- State opioid treatment authority: NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports
- State license: OASAS operating certificate for the program.
- State need review
- 143 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
Citation: 14 NYCRR 810.7(a)(1)-(2)
How does New York treat recovery residences?
OASAS runs voluntary certification of "certified recovery residences"; operating one as a certified residence requires an OASAS operating certificate, and certified homes are listed on the OASAS website.
- Voluntary certification
- NARR affiliate: New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences
Citation: N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law 32.05(a)(1-a), 32.05-a
Opening or expanding a program in New York?
We confirm what New York 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.