Mental Health Treatment Programs: Certification

This page has information about getting certification to offer mental health treatment programs.

Review Wisconsin Admin Code

Below are links to the Wisconsin Admin Codes. Review the code before applying for your certification.

• Wisconsin Admin Code ch. DHS 34 Emergency mental health service programs
• Wisconsin Admin Code ch. DHS 35 Outpatient mental health clinics
• Wisconsin Admin Code ch. DHS 36 Comprehensive community services for persons with mental disorders and substance-use disorders
• Wisconsin Admin Code ch. DHS 40 Mental health day treatment for youth
• Wisconsin Admin Code ch. DHS 50 Youth crisis stabilization facilities
• Wisconsin Admin Code § 61.71 Inpatient program standards
• Wisconsin Admin Code § 61.75 Day treatment program
• Wisconsin Admin Code § 61.79 Children and adolescent inpatient program
• Wisconsin Admin Code ch. DHS 63 Community support programs for chronically mentally ill persons
• Wisconsin Admin Code ch. DHS 72 Overdose treatment provider certification and covered services

Get certified

Read the information below to learn more about applying.

• Initial certification
  • Note: DQA is launching the DHS DQA Provider Portal, a new system for licensure, background checks, plan reviews, and other provider applications for substance use and mental health treatment programs. Licensure/certification applications and plan review materials will not be accepted electronically or postmarked as of November 22, 2025, as we transition to the new system. We will accept applications and plan review materials starting December 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted using the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our DHS DQA Provider Portal webpage.
  • Crisis urgent care and observation facilities
    • Step 1: Complete and submit the Request for Approval Crisis Urgent Care and Observation Facility (Word) form to the Division of Care and Treatment and Services (DCTS). Contact dhswebmaildcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov with questions about the rules and regulations, certification process, and forms for crisis urgent care and observation facilities.
    • Step 2: Once approved under step 1, apply for initial certification through the DHS DQA Provider Portal.
  • Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities
    • Step 1: Complete and submit the Request for Approval: Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities Certification Application, F-02595 (Word) form to DCTS. Contact dhsdctsycsf@dhs.wisconsin.gov with questions about the rules and regulations, certification process, and forms for youth crisis stabilization facilities.
    • Step 2: Once approved under step 1, apply for initial certification through the DHS DQA Provider Portal.
  • The following providers apply for initial certification using the DHS DQA Provider Portal:
    • Emergency Mental Health Service Programs - DHS 34
    • Outpatient Mental Health Clinics - DHS 35
    • Day Treatment for Youth Programs - DHS 40
    • Youth crisis stabilization facilities - DHS 50 (make sure you complete "Step 1" from the information above before submitting your application in the portal)
    • Adult Inpatient Programs - DHS 61.71
    • Mental Health, Day Treatment Programs - DHS 61.75
    • Children and Adolescent Inpatient Programs - DHS 61.79
    • Mental Health, Community Support Programs for Chronically Mental Ill Persons - DHS 63
    • All services for Branch Office or School Branch Office
• For recertification information, please email dhsdqamentalhealthandsubstanceusecertification@dhs.wisconsin.gov