Open your program on solid ground.
We get IOP, PHP, outpatient SUD and residential programs licensed, state by state, with policies, staffing plans and inspections handled.
Why Groundwork
Every state licenses levels of care differently, and a missed requirement on staffing, space or policy can add months. Most founders are doing it for the first time.
Built for group practices adding an IOP or PHP, new treatment program founders, and operators expanding into new states.
How it works
- 1
Feasibility
We check the state's rules, your site and your staffing against the level of care you want.
- 2
Build the application
Policies, staffing plan, floor plan notes and every required form.
- 3
Inspection and license
We prepare your team for the state visit and respond to findings.
What's included
- State requirements review
- Application packet preparation
- Level-of-care policy manual
- Staffing and credential plan
- Inspection preparation
- Annual survey-ready retainer
Pricing
Clear prices, published up front.
Feasibility and roadmap
$5,000 one time
Credited toward a licensing project.
Outpatient or IOP
$20,000 to $40,000 per license
Scoped by state.
PHP, residential or detox
$40,000 to $75,000 per license
Scoped by state and level of care.
Guides
Plain answers on licensing, staffing and billing for founders opening a program.
Start with how to open an IOP, then see all guides.
Key terms
Plain definitions used across our licensing guides. Confirm every requirement with your state agency.
- IOPIntensive outpatient program. Structured treatment several hours a day, a few days a week, while clients live at home.
- PHPPartial hospitalization program. A higher-intensity day program than IOP, still without an overnight stay.
- SUD outpatientOutpatient substance use disorder care. Often licensed by a separate substance use or behavioral health agency.
- ResidentialLive-in treatment. Clients stay on site overnight as part of the program.
- DetoxMedically managed withdrawal. Usually its own license and clinical staffing plan.
- FeasibilityAn early review of state rules, site and staffing against the level of care you want, before you file.
- ASAMAmerican Society of Addiction Medicine. Many substance use licenses reference ASAM levels of care.
Questions
How do you start an intensive outpatient program?
Start with feasibility. We check the state's rules, your site and your staffing against the level of care you want. Then we build the application, with policies, a staffing plan, floor plan notes and every required form, and prepare your team for the state inspection.
What does it cost to license an IOP with Groundwork?
Outpatient or IOP licensing is $20,000 to $40,000 per license, scoped by state. Most projects start with a $5,000 feasibility and roadmap, which is credited toward the licensing project.
Which states do you work in?
Any state. We start every project with a requirements review.
Do you help with accreditation?
We prepare you for accreditation readiness alongside licensing where it makes sense.
Can you guarantee a timeline?
No one can. We commit to submission dates and keep you ahead of what the state needs.
Do you handle zoning?
We flag zoning and facility issues early and work with your landlord and local counsel.
How much does it cost to start an IOP?
It depends on space, staffing and how long you operate before payers pay. Model at least six months of operating costs before revenue. Read how to open an IOP for the full path from license to soft launch.
Can a group practice add an IOP?
Often yes, but it usually needs a separate license or program approval and new policies. See mental health IOP vs SUD IOP licensing and start with a feasibility review of your state's requirements.
Start with a feasibility call
Tell us a little about you and we will reply within one business day.