Mental Health Treatment Programs: Certification
New online licensure and certification system for health and residential care providers
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is launching the DHS DQA Provider Portal, a new system for licensure, background checks, plan reviews, and other provider applications for assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, personal care agencies, and 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 webpage.
Background check applications for all users
To prepare for the transition to the new DHS DQA Provider Portal, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) will not accept any new background check applications for entity operators, non-client residents, or other required individuals for new or renewing entity license/certification applications, or for rehabilitation review applicants as of November 22, 2025.
DQA will resume accepting background check applications on December 15, 2025, through the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our webpage. Caregiver background checks completed by entities for employees and contractors are not affected by this transition.
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
Select a link to learn more about applying. Each listing includes the chapter and section number from the Wisconsin administrative code and the service name.
- Initial certification
- 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 DQA using the Crisis Urgent Care and Observation Facilities Initial Certification Application, F-03389 (Word) form.
- Emergency Mental Health Service Programs Initial Certification Application - DHS 34, F-00551 (Word)
- Outpatient Mental Health Clinics Initial Certification Application - DHS 35, F-00059 (Word)
- For application materials regarding Wis. Admin Code ch. DHS 36, contact the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), Behavior Health Certification Section (BHCS) at 608-261-0656
- Day Treatment for Youth Initial Certification Program - DHS 40, F-02564 (Word)
- Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities Initial Certification Application - DHS 50
- 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 DQA using the Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities Initial Certification Application, F-03289 (Word) form.
- Adult Inpatient Program Initial Certification Application - DHS 61.71, F-03290 (Word)
- Mental Health, Day Treatment Program initial certification
- Children and Adolescent Inpatient Program Initial Certification Application - DHS 61.79, F-00547 (Word)
- Mental Health, Community Support Programs for Chronically Mental Ill Persons initial certification
- Behavioral Health Certification Section DHS 72 - Overdose Treatment Provider Certification Application, F-03411 (Word)
- All services Initial Certification Application for Branch Office or School Branch Office, F-03082C (Word)
- Crisis urgent care and observation facilities
- For recertification information, please email dhsdqamentalhealthandsubstanceusecertification@dhs.wisconsin.gov