Verified October 10, 2026 against the statutes, regulations and sources cited below. The state decides every application. All states
What operators miss in North Carolina
- A facility that served no clients in the previous 12 months cannot renew its license.
- License and per-bed fees are set in statute and are nonrefundable.
Does North Carolina license behavioral health and addiction treatment programs?
No one may establish, maintain or operate a licensable facility for people with mental illness, developmental disabilities or substance use disorders without a current license. The license covers only the named premises and cannot be transferred without prior written approval. A provisional license of up to six months may be issued first.
- One license with service components
- Chapter 122C facility license
- Issued by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (Secretary)
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. 122C-23
How does North Carolina license each level of care?
- Withdrawal management: Licensed social setting and medical detoxification facilities may not refuse admission solely for inability to pay.
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. 122C-23(i)
What does a North Carolina license cost?
- Initial: $215 base for a facility with no beds; $305 for 1 to 6 beds; $475 plus $17.50 per bed for a facility with more than 6 beds (as of 2026-10-10)
- Renewal: Same annual base and per-bed fees (as of 2026-10-10)
- Per bed: $17.50 per bed for facilities with more than 6 beds
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. 122C-23(h)
How often does a North Carolina license renew?
- Renews every year
- Due Licenses expire at the end of each calendar year; an initial license runs up to 15 months
What does North Carolina require for owners, sales and moves?
- Background screening: A new license or Medicaid enrollment is barred for owners, principals or affiliates tied to a recent license revocation, certain penalties or summary suspensions.
- Ownership change or relocation: The license is premises-specific and not transferable or assignable without the Secretary's prior written approval.
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. 122C-23(b), (e1)
What does an opioid treatment program need in North Carolina?
Chemical dependency treatment facilities are defined in the certificate of need law but are not in the list of "health service facilities" that triggers certificate of need review.
- State opioid treatment authority: Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services
- 88 opioid treatment programs in 2024 (N-SUMHSS)
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. 131E-176(5c), (9b)
How does North Carolina treat recovery residences?
- NARR affiliate: North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences
What does North Carolina Medicaid add?
The same history bars in G.S. 122C-23(e1) also block new Medicaid enrollment and revalidation.
Opening or expanding a program in North Carolina?
We confirm what North Carolina 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.