IOP and PHP licensing guides

Practical answers on how to start an IOP, mental health vs substance use licensing, Medicare IOP coverage and related startup questions. Open your program on solid ground.

October 6, 2026. Updated October 16, 2026How to open an IOP: licensing, staffing, billing and timelineThe steps to open a mental health or substance use intensive outpatient program: licensing, staffing, space, payer contracts and a realistic timeline.October 6, 2026. Updated October 16, 2026Mental health IOP vs SUD IOP licensing: what changesHow licensing differs for mental health intensive outpatient programs and substance use IOPs, including agencies, staffing and added rules.October 6, 2026. Updated October 16, 2026Medicare's IOP benefit: who can bill and howWhat Medicare's intensive outpatient benefit covers, who can furnish it, and what programs need to know before billing.