3. Licensing or Certification 

Providers must be licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for mental health facilities and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for substance abuse facilities. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

Multiple agencies oversee Behavioral Health Services: 

• Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) 

• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) 

• Florida Certification Board for individual certifications 

5. Application Process 

The application process varies depending on the specific service and provider type. Providers must apply through AHCA or DCF, depending on the service offered. 

6. Required Documentation 

Required documents typically include: 

• Proof of provider qualifications 

• Background screening results for staff 

• Policies and procedures manual 

• Accreditation documentation (if applicable) 

7. Timeline for Approval 

Approval timelines vary. For substance abuse facilities, the initial probationary license lasts 90 days, followed by a regular one-year license. 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no standardized pre-application process across all Behavioral Health Services. 

9. Pre-Application Training 

While there's no mandatory pre-application training, providers must ensure staff are appropriately trained and certified for their roles. 

10. Additional Notes 

• Florida's State Medicaid Plan recognizes certain behavioral health certifications for billable services. 

• Accreditation is required for substance abuse treatment providers by entities such as The Joint Commission, COA, or CARF. 

• Florida has seen an increase in mental health issues due to factors such as natural disasters and the recent pandemic. 

• Innovative practices, such as integrating mental health treatments into primary care settings, are being implemented.