Oregon’s addiction problems rank among the worst in the nation. In 2020, Oregon had the second highest addiction rate in the nation, behind Montana, with one in five adults and teenagers suffering from Substance Use Disorder. When it comes to rates of methamphetamine and prescription opioid misuse, Oregon ranks number one in the nation.

Sadly, Oregon also ranks worst in the nation for access to addiction treatment. Waitlists for treatment in Oregon are consistently 3-5 weeks long. With low medicaid reimbursement rates wreaking havoc on the viability of recovery programs in Oregon, many programs are closing just as the state’s need is intensifying. Nearly as many Oregonian have died of SUD-related causes as they have of COVID-19. With low reimbursement rates, Oregon is also plagued by a staffing shortage of addiction treatment professionals, many of whom have left the field during the pandemic. 

Oregon is an outlier in other ways when it comes to addiction, too. In 2021, Oregon began implementing Measure 110, which legalized possession of all drugs, including heroin and methamphetamine. The state is also piloting a program to legalize psilocybin therapy and research into psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions.

Still, there are glimmers of hope for those interested in opening an addiction treatment center in Oregon. For one, Measure 110 is slated to funnel $302 million into behavioral health programs in the state. The state legislature also approved $80 million dollars in worker incentives to encourage better staffing rates at addiction treatment centers. Moreover, Oregon has temporarily relaxed some reporting and regulations requirements for addiction treatment centers in the state, making it easier for providers to keep their doors open. 

Will You Need to Get Your Addiction Treatment Center Certified or Licensed in Oregon? It Depends.

First, Oregon regulates outpatient and residential facilities as two separate and distinct categories with their own endorsements. Oregon issues certifications for outpatient facilities and licenses for residential treatment centers. Most outpatient facilities and residential programs will likely have to get certified/licensed in the state of Oregon, but the laws around when those requirements apply and when they do not are idiosyncratic to the state.

Here’s Why Certification Will Probably be Required for Your Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program in Oregon

For outpatient facilities in Oregon, certification is required whenever there is one or more unlicensed individuals on staff. For example, if your outpatient facility intends to hire certified drug and alcohol counselors, those workers are considered “unlicensed,” and, therefore, you will have to get your center certified by the state. If your program is composed solely of social workers, counselors, psychologists and/or therapists - professionals who are licensed through an Oregon board - then you will not have to seek certification with the state. 

Outpatient certification in Oregon for Addiction Treatment Centers is good for up to three years.

Unless You’re Running a Faith-Based Recovery Center, Your Residential Addiction Treatment Center Will Need to Get Licensed in Oregon 

For residential or inpatient facilities, you will have to get licensed with the state unless you are considered a “faith-based recovery center.” 

Here’s how Oregon defines residential addiction treatment centers: 

415-012-0010 Definitions (74) “Residential Substance Use Disorders Treatment Program”; means a publicly or privately operated program as defined in ORS 430.010 that provides assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and twenty-four hour observation and monitoring for individuals with substance use dependence, consistent with Level III of ASAM PCC.

Oregon grants residential addiction treatment center licenses for two years at a time. 

You’ll Work With OHA’s Health Systems Division to Get Your Addiction Treatment Center Licensed in Oregon 

Sadly, for a state that has one of the worst addiction treatment access problems in the nation, Oregon has one of the worst websites for gathering information about how to get your programs licensed and/or certified with the state. 

The website for Oregon Health Authority Health Systems Division Licensing and Certification - Residential and Outpatient Behavioral Health contains some basic information about the OARs (Oregon Administrative Rules) that pertain to treatment providers and a list of relevant contact information for licensing and certification staff, but that’s about all that is freely available online. 

You’ll need to reach out to a state worker to begin your application process, receive an application and get detailed step-by-step instructions for completing the process. In our experience, state workers at the OHA Health Systems Division can be difficult to work with, and the state’s licensing and certification programs can be highly nuanced, so be sure to advocate for yourself when requesting the information that you need. 

Thinking of Opening an Addiction Treatment Center in Oregon? You’ve Come to the Right Place.

Behave Health is committed to making it easier - and more profitable - to operate evidence-based, results-focused addiction treatment centers. 

Our all-in-one app puts clinical, administration, staff, admissions, alumni, residents, treatment plans, billing, insurance authorizations and more - all at your fingertips.

Get your free trial started today and see why more addiction treatment centers prefer Behave Health.

Need help with certification? Behave Health can also help direct you to the right resources for help with Licensing or Accreditation by either The Joint Commission or CARF. Mention to your product specialist that you’re interested in this service after you start your free trial!