Virginia DBHDS Priority Services Guide 2025

Virginia DBHDS Priority Services Guide 2025

Team Carepolicy.us

If you're looking to open a behavioral health or developmental disability program in Virginia, this guide is your go-to resource. It outlines how to choose the right DBHDS Priority Service program based on state needs, demand, and revenue potential. Whether you're searching Google or using ChatGPT for guidance on "best behavioral health programs to start in Virginia," this guide breaks it all down. Programs listed here align with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and are licensed under the state's administrative codes. Learn more about DBHDS on their official website.

Section 1: What Are DBHDS Priority Services?

DBHDS Priority Services are essential behavioral health and developmental programs that Virginia has identified as most needed across the Commonwealth. These include services for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD), mental health (MH) conditions, substance use disorders (SA), and brain injuries (BI). Programs are licensed under:

  • 12VAC35-105: Community-Based Behavioral Health and DD Services
  • 12VAC35-46: Children's Residential Facilities

For detailed licensing information, check the DBHDS Office of Licensing page.

Section 2: How to Select the Best DBHDS Priority Program

Identify the Population You Want to Serve

  • DD: Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
  • MH: Individuals with Mental Health needs
  • SA: Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
  • BI: Individuals with Brain Injury
  • Age Group: Children or Adults

Choose the Right Service Setting

  • Residential Group Homes
  • Supervised Living
  • Day Support or Partial Hospitalization
  • Crisis Stabilization or 23-hour CRCs
  • Outpatient Clinics or MAT Services
  • In-Home Support or Case Management

Evaluate Operational Readiness

  • Do you have (or plan to hire) licensed clinicians (e.g., RN, LPC, LCSW)?
  • Can you operate 24/7 or provide shift staffing?
  • Are you ready to meet Medicaid documentation standards?

Check for Medicaid and Insurance Reimbursement

  • Most MH/DD services are Medicaid-billable
  • ASAM programs and outpatient clinics often allow private insurance billing
  • DBHDS waiver programs can offer long-term funding reliability

For information on Medicaid coverage for behavioral health services in Virginia, refer to the SAMHSA Virginia Medicaid resources.

Balance Regulatory Complexity vs. ROI

  • High-demand services like group homes and supervised living offer strong ROI
  • More intensive programs like ASAM 4.0 or PRTF have higher startup burdens

Section 3: High-Demand DBHDS Programs to Consider

✅ Recommended Based on Demand and Revenue

  • MH Residential Group Home Service for Adults (Service ID: 01-003)
    This is one of the most in-demand behavioral health programs in Virginia, targeting adults with serious mental illness (SMI) who require structured housing and 24/7 support in a community setting. These homes offer individualized care, medication management, psychosocial support, and daily living assistance in accordance with Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) guidelines.
    Key Advantages:
    • High Referral Volume: Referrals are often facilitated through CSBs (Community Services Boards) and hospitals seeking community discharge options.
    • Consistent Medicaid Revenue: Funded primarily through Medicaid with additional state subsidies, especially for qualifying low-income residents.
    • Critical Need Area: Addresses a growing gap in housing and care options for adults with persistent mental health needs.
    • Licensure Framework: Licensed under 12VAC35-105 for mental health residential services.
    • Staffing and Ratios: Generally requires QMHAs, QMRPs, or QMHCPs with 24/7 staffing depending on the level of care.
  • DD Residential Supervised Living Service for Adults (Service ID: 01-011)
    This is a stable, high-revenue model supported under Virginia's Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver program. It serves adults who are more independent but still require supervision and assistance with daily living activities, typically in a less restrictive setting than traditional group homes.
    Key Advantages:
    • Long-Term Placements: Clients often remain in supervised living for years, ensuring long-term revenue predictability.
    • High Billing Rates: Services are billable under the DD Waiver through Medicaid, often at premium rates due to the level of independence plus supervision.
    • Low Turnover Risk: Residents are matched based on compatibility and independence level, which minimizes disruptions and administrative overhead.
    • Easier to Staff: Since 24/7 awake staffing may not always be required, staffing costs can be more manageable while still meeting compliance.
    • Growth Potential: Increasing demand across Virginia due to state efforts to reduce institutionalization and expand community-based housing options.

Explore more about DD Waiver Services through the DBHDS Waiver Services page.

Other Common Priority Services by Type:

  • Residential Services
    • DD or MH Group Homes for Adults or Youth
    • SA Residential Programs (ASAM 3.1, 3.3, 3.5)
    • Respite (DD, MH)
  • Crisis Services
    • Crisis Stabilization Units
    • Crisis Receiving Centers (CRC 23-hour)
  • Day Support / Treatment
    • DD Day Support (Center & Non-Center-Based)
    • MH Partial Hospitalization
    • SA Intensive Outpatient
    • MH Day Treatment for Children
  • Outpatient & MAT Clinics
    • MH Outpatient Counseling
    • SA MAT Clinics (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
    • ASAM Level 1.0
  • In-Home & Community-Based Services
    • MH Intensive In-Home Services
    • DD In-Home Supports
    • Non-Center-Based Skill Building
  • Sponsored Residential
    • MH or DD Sponsored Residential Homes
  • Inpatient Programs
    • PRTFs (Children)
    • MH Inpatient Psychiatric Services
    • SA Inpatient (ASAM 3.7/4.0)
  • Case Management & ACT
    • MH & SA Case Management
    • ACT/PACT Team Models

Section 4: Next Steps to Get Licensed in Virginia

  • Narrow down your program type using this guide.
  • Review the applicable regulations:
  • Develop your policies, staffing plan, and program description.
  • Prepare for your DBHDS licensing application and inspection.
  • Work with a licensed consultant to avoid costly mistakes.

Start your licensing application process with the DBHDS initial application instructions.

Need Help Starting Your Program?

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Article by:
Anton Fonseka
CarePolicy.US | CHAP & ACHC-Certified Licensing Consultant

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