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What Should You Plan For When Opening a New Behavioral Health Clinic Location?

By Korey Akinbami ·

Plan the space around the care you will give, then line up the permits and paperwork your license needs, such as zoning, fire inspection and a certificate of occupancy. Make the space accessible under the ADA and design it so people can talk privately. Check with your licensing agency before you sign a lease, because licenses often tie to a specific location.

Plan the space around the care you will give, then line up the permits and paperwork your license needs, such as zoning, fire inspection and a certificate of occupancy. Make the space accessible under the ADA and design it so people can talk privately. Check with your licensing agency before you sign a lease, because licenses often tie to a specific location.

Check licensing before you sign a lease

In Georgia, a license may be tied to a place. The DATEP rule (82-10) says a license can't be transferred to a new location. It also says that, starting July 1, 2026, new branch programs need their own license. DBHDD handles DATEP licenses. It took over that job from DCH on January 1, 2026.

The DBHDD Provider Manual adds that if a place is regularly used as a service site, you may need to enroll or license it as a site. Call DBHDD and DCH before you commit.

The paperwork a site needs

DBHDD's DATEP application packet (October 2026) lists site items such as:

  • Proof you own or lease the property.
  • A fire safety inspection showing no violations, dated within 12 months.
  • A certificate of occupancy, or a letter saying one isn't required.
  • City or county zoning approval for your use.
  • A floor plan with labeled rooms and the square footage of each room.
  • A sanitation agreement.

Even if you are not a DATEP program, your city, county and payers may ask for similar items.

ADA: access is required

The ADA and Section 504 require health care providers to give people with disabilities full and equal access. ADA.gov says new construction and alterations must meet the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Older buildings must remove barriers when it is "readily achievable."

ADA.gov also says both landlords and tenants are responsible, though a lease may split the duties. Its guidance for medical offices includes points like:

  • Accessible routes into and through the space.
  • Doors with at least 32 inches of clear width.
  • Enough room to turn a wheelchair.

Have a qualified professional review your plans.

Design for privacy

Behavioral health is personal. Think about where people can be overheard:

  • Plan sound control for therapy and group rooms.
  • Keep screens and paper records out of public view.
  • Plan a check-in area where people don't have to share details out loud.
  • Lock record storage and server spaces.

The DBHDD manual says records must be kept onsite at approved service locations for at least 90 days after the last service, so plan secure storage. Add the new site to your HIPAA risk analysis, too.

Plan the flow of care

Walk through a client's visit from parking to exit. Where do they wait? Where do staff chart? Is there a safe exit for crisis moments? A layout that fits your service model saves money and stress later.

Budget time, not just money

Permits, inspections and licensing reviews take time. DBHDD says the first review of a DATEP application takes up to 30 business days, and that is only one step. Build buffer time into your opening date.

Exam rooms and tax help

If your clinic does medical exams, ADA.gov gives more detail. For example, it describes clear floor space of at least 30 by 48 inches beside an exam table, and exam tables that lower to about 17 to 19 inches from the floor. It also says staff should be trained to help patients with disabilities.

ADA.gov notes two federal tax benefits that may help with access costs: the Disabled Access Credit (IRS Form 8826) and the Section 190 deduction. Ask a tax professional whether they apply to you. Questions about the ADA can go to the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301.

Key takeaways

  • Talk to DBHDD and DCH before signing a lease; licenses can tie to a location.
  • Gather zoning, fire inspection, certificate of occupancy and floor plan early.
  • ADA access is required; landlords and tenants share responsibility.
  • Design for sound privacy and secure record storage.
  • Build extra time into your opening date for reviews and inspections.

How DIG helps

Ducere Investment Group (DIG) has consulted mental and behavioral health agencies for 14 years and helps Georgia practices with facility planning tied to their care model. We can help you plan the paperwork, timeline and layout questions. We are a business consultant and cannot promise licensure or inspection results.

For construction work, our related company, Ducere Construction Services, can give a separate proposal.

See our services or contact us. Call 404-565-0181.

Sources

Written by Korey Akinbami, Founder & Principal. Published by Ducere Investment Group, Inc.

This article is general information, not legal, medical or billing advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move my licensed program to a new address?

Under Georgia's DATEP rule, a license can't be transferred for a change of location. Contact DBHDD before you move.

Who is responsible for ADA access in a leased office?

ADA.gov says both the landlord and the tenant are responsible. The lease may decide who handles which parts.

Do I need a fire inspection to open?

DBHDD's DATEP packet requires a fire safety inspection with no violations, dated within 12 months of the application. Other programs may have similar local rules.

Does a new site affect my Medicaid enrollment?

It may. The DBHDD manual says a regularly used service site may need to be enrolled or licensed. Check with DBHDD and DCH.