state licensure consulting

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Yes, state licensure is required for most behavioral health providers who offer clinical services such as counseling, therapy, outpatient treatment, residential care, or medication-assisted treatment. In Arizona and many other states, operating without a license can result in legal penalties, including fines, shutdowns, or denial of insurance reimbursement. Licensure ensures that a facility meets minimum standards for safety, staffing, program integrity, and patient care. It also allows providers to bill Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Some non-clinical services, like peer support or sober living, may not require licensure but must still follow specific guidelines depending on the state. 

For behavioral health providers seeking to open, expand, or maintain operations legally and ethically, obtaining and maintaining state licensure is a foundational requirement for compliance and credibility.