Behavioral Health
Our holistic, person-centered quality framework of standards reflects leadership in the field internationally through the promotion and advancement of programs and services for integrated behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorders/addictions, psychosocial rehabilitation, and family services.
What we accredit
Standards for the following types of programs/services are in the Behavioral Health (BH) Standards Manual:
Specific population designations
Accreditation for CCBHCs
A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is a form of provider within the U.S., established by the Excellence in Mental Health Act. CCBHCs are designed to provide whole-person care by integrating physical health with a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services to vulnerable individuals.
The SAMHSA 2023 Criteria for CCBHCs encourages states to require accreditation by an independent accrediting body. CARF has converted the SAMHSA criteria into ratable standards for the purpose of accreditation.
The standards are available in the 2024 Behavioral Health Standards Manual when CCBHC is surveyed along with other accreditation programs and in the 2024 CCBHC Standards Manual when CCBHC is the only program surveyed.
Get to know the standards
Education and training
See the training calendar for details about our training opportunities and educational webinars.
Purchase the standards
The standards are available for purchase through our online store.
Additional information
CARF Connection blog
Learn about current trends, improving services, and the latest CARF news.
Promising Practices
Read articles that spotlight innovative provider practices.
Performance Management Workbook
Designed to walk providers through the process of designing a performance management system.
Demystifying Relapse Series
Senior Managing Director Michael Johnson is a contributor of this two-part series on substance use disorder relapse.
We are your partner for quality and success
Value of accreditation
Our consultative peer-review process promotes active, dynamic planning focused on impact and outcomes. Learn how we can help your organization.
Steps to accreditation
Accreditation takes time to prepare for and requires ongoing improvement efforts. We will be with you every step of the way.
Suicide — a global public health issue
Go to our suicide prevention page for resources and to learn about CARF’s involvement in bringing awareness to the issue.
We’re here to help!
No matter where you are in your accreditation journey, we are here to answer your questions and provide assistance.
The Managing Director
Michael Johnson is a certified addictions professional with more than 30 years of experience as a clinician, manager, and executive working in mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual disabilities.