MASH and Behave Health Announce New Relationship to Strengthen Recovery Housing in Massachusetts

Enhancing MASSachuetts Certified Sober Living

The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) and Behave Health are pleased to announce a new relationship dedicated to strengthening recovery housing operations and support across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This collaboration will help set a new standard in sober living and recovery home management for individuals seeking a safe, certified recovery environment.​

MASH’s Commitment to Recovery and Accountability

As the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), MASH has long championed the creation and sustainability of safe, healthy, and empowering environments for individuals committed to recovery. Guided by the belief that “there is no shame in beginning again, for you get a chance to build bigger and better than before,” MASH continues to advance dignity, stability, and opportunity for individuals and families rebuilding their lives in recovery.​

Innovative Support for Sober Living Providers

Behave Health shares MASH’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and excellence in recovery housing. This new relationship reflects a shared vision to strengthen operations statewide, supporting providers and organizations that deliver safe, ethical, and effective recovery housing.

Building a Strong Recovery Community

Together, MASH and Behave Health are setting a new standard for collaboration within the recovery housing community—aligning mission, innovation, and accountability to better serve recovery residence operators and the individuals they support.

Next Steps: Stay tuned

Stay tuned for more details and upcoming training opportunities as MASH and Behave Health continue working together to advance safe, high-quality recovery housing across Massachusetts.

---

Interested in learning how Behave Health’s all-in-one software can streamline your operations? Request a free trial or schedule a call to learn more.

Opening an Addiction Treatment Center in Massachusetts Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Massachusetts is struggling with a state-wide addiction problem, underscoring the demand for new addiction treatment providers in the state. In response to the rising levels of behavioral health problems, lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering expanding their civil commitment program to men in need of addiction treatment.

Meth use also continues to be a major public health concern in Massachusetts. 

98,944 people sought addiction treatment in Massachusetts in 2017, which is the last year that state-wide admissions data were made public. Experts believe those numbers have only risen in the face of the behavioral health crisis linked to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

So, given all this addiction activity in the state, how hard is it to open an addiction treatment center in Massachusetts? It should be easier than it is. Massachusetts makes it relatively difficult to successfully open a certified drug rehab. That said, there are some tricks to making the experience more enjoyable. Read on for more about how to make the addiction treatment center licensing process in Massachusetts easier and quicker.   

Yes, You’ll Have to Get a State License to Open an Addiction Treatment Center in Massachusetts

According to Massachusetts state law, all addiction treatment providers and centers must be licensed by the state: 

(B) No entity, except a general hospital or clinic licensed by the Department, or a department, agency or institution of the federal government or of the Commonwealth, or any subdivision of those listed above, shall operate a substance abuse treatment program without a substance abuse treatment license from the Department

In others words, licenses are required for all substance abuse treatment programs, even if they are run by the federal government or if they are associated with a pre-existing hospital. 

You’ll Work with Massachusetts’ BSAS to Get Your Addiction Treatment Center License

In Massachusetts, the same state organization responsible for administering individual licenses for drug and alcohol counselors (known as “LADCs” in Massachusetts) is also responsible for licensing all addiction treatment organizations, programs and businesses in the state. That state organization is a part of the Bureau of Public Health and is referred to by Massachusetts as the Division of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). 

While Other Forms Are Available on BSAS’ site, the Application Form for Addiction Treatment Center Licensing is Absent from Their Website

BSAS does offer a list of forms, resources and regulations for “Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs” but the list is very limited. BSAS’ website hosts some forms such as the “Key Personnel Change Form,” and the “Regulatory and Contractual Waiver Request Form” but, critically, not the application for licensure or the form for license renewal. Most states make their application available online for public review. In Massachusetts, you have to contact the state directly to get an application packet.

You’ll Need to Directly Contact the BSAS Licensing Inspector to Get Started with Addiction Treatment Center Licensing in Massachusetts

BSAS encourages addiction treatment centers looking to open in Massachusetts to reach out directly to the “BSAS Licensing Inspector” closest to their location. You’ll find a list of licensing inspectors and their contact information here. Central, Western. Metro West, Northeast, Greater Boston and Southeast all have dedicated Licensing Inspectors. 

Licensing Fees in Massachusetts Are Relatively Low for Addiction Treatment Centers 

All new licensing applications are assessed a flat fee of $300. You’ll also need to budget an additional $75 if you wish to add a satellite office or medication unit. If you wish to add a service to your care options, you’ll also need to spring for an extra $75. Good news—these fees rank among some of the lowest licensing fees in the United States.

Even better? If you live in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, your fees are waived completely. That means that the licensing process is free for all in-state applicants. 

Need Help Opening an Addiction Treatment Center in Massachusetts?

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!