Mental Health Program Certification Section
Back to Mental Health Licensing and Certification
The Mental Health Program Certification (MHPC) Section provides oversight and determines compliance with State law, regulations and other governing requirements for residential mental health treatment programs that serve children and adults. The MHPCS is responsible for approving and/or certifying the mental health programs of licensed residential facilities on an annual basis. For more information on specific programs and resources review the program type below.
Adult Programs
Special Treatment Programs
Special Treatment Programs (STP) are licensed by the Department of Public Health as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) that has opted to have a mental health program approved by the Department of Health Care Services. STPs provide mental health services for patients who have a diagnosed chronic psychiatric impairment and whose adaptive functioning is moderately impaired.
Application
Regulations
If you have questions contact us by email: AdultMHCertification@dhcs.ca.gov
Social Rehabilitation Programs
Social Rehabilitation Programs (SRP) are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and have a mental health program certified by the Department of Health Care Services. SRPs provide a wide range of alternatives to acute psychiatric hospitalization and institutional care based on the principles of community-based treatment. Community-based treatment includes a high level of care provided in a homelike setting, individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, pre-vocational and vocational assistance, community participation, and linkages to other community services.
Applications
Regulations
If you have questions contact us by email: AdultMHCertification@dhcs.ca.gov
Children's Programs
Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program
Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP) are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and provided a Mental Health Program Approval by the Department of Health Care Services. STRTPs are residential facilities that provide an integrated program of specialized and intensive care and supervision, services and supports, specialty mental health services, mental health treatment; and short-term, 24-hour care and supervision to children.
Application
Regulations
Resources
Children's Crisis Residential Program
Children's Crisis Residential Programs (CCRP) are licensed by the California Department of Social Services as a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program and have a mental health program approved by the Department of Health Care Services. CCRPs serve children experiencing an acute mental health crises as an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization.
Application
Regulations
Community Treatment Facilities
Community Treatment Facilities (CTF) are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and have a mental health program certified by the Department of Health Care Services. CTFs are residential facilities that provide mental health treatment services to children in a sub-acute, secured, and home-like setting. CTFs serve as an alternative to state hospital stays or out-of-state placement and enable children with mental health needs to receive treatment in a less restrictive setting.
Application
Regulations
Program List
For a statewide list of all DHCS certified and approved mental health residential programs (STP, SRP, STRTP, CCRP, CTF),
click here.
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services and Behavioral Health Information Notices
Please access the Behavioral Health Information Notices at the webpage,
MHSUD Information Notices.
Information
If you are looking to access mental health services, contact your local county mental health department.
For information regarding Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRC), Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHF), Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) or Licensed and/or Certified Substance Use Disorder programs (SUD), please visit
Licensing and Certification Division (LCD) .
Technical Assistance Resources
In partnership with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the Catalyst Center provides FREE training and technical assistance for Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) programs. Click here to access these resources: Catalyst-Center
Contact Information
