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

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
  • 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 the Division of Care and Treatment and Services (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 Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities Initial Certification Application, F-03289 (Word).
  • 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
  • All services Initial Certification Application for Branch Office or School Branch Office, F-03082C (Word)
• For recertification information, please email dhsdqamentalhealthandsubstanceusecertification@dhs.wisconsin.gov