To apply for certification (license) from the Office of Mental Health (OMH), providers must go through the Prior Approval Review (PAR) process.

Why Does Licensing Matter:

Title 14 of the Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of New York (14 NYCRR) Part 551 establishes the minimum standards to ensure that entities providing mental health services that seek an operating certificate from the OMH meet appropriate criteria for quality, safety, and fiscal viability.

Who Needs to Apply:

The State uses the PAR process to review projects/activities that need OMH prior approval for:

• initiation
• implementation
• completion
• operation of a program

To determine if the services you intend to provide require licensure, review the Licensed Program Type Definitions.

PAR Resources:

• Applications and Review Categories
• PAR Project Category Table
• PAR Application Status
• PAR FAQs
• Regulations

Crisis Stabilization Centers:

The Crisis Stabilization Center Certification Application is available now!

Per Mental Hygiene Law Article 36, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and OMH are authorized to jointly license Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSC).

Instructions for Accessing and Navigating NYS Electronic Certificate of Need Portal (NYSE-CON):

• HCS NYSE-CON Instructions
• Public Authentication NYSE-CON Instructions

How to Submit a CSC Certification Application:

Follow the steps below to submit a CSC Certification Application:

1. Download and complete the Attachment 1A - Prior Consultation.
2. Send Attachment 1A to the local government unit(s) (LGU), OMH Field Office, and OASAS Regional Office to request a prior consultation meeting.
3. Complete the Prior Consult Meeting and get the necessary signatures in section 4 of Attachment 1A
4. Download and complete the schedules that must be submitted as part of the NYSE-CON application. The schedules marked with an asterisk are only required for providers not currently licensed by either OMH or OASAS. Note: additional attachments may be required as indicated within the schedules.
1. Application Summary
2. Part I - Entity Information
3. Part II - Site Information
4. Part III - Service Description
5. Part IV - Resource Allocation
6. Appendix I - Governing Authority Questionnaire*
7. Appendix IV - Character and Competence Applicant Review*
8. Appendix V - Applicant Consent Form for Fingerprinting
5. Access the NYSE-CON portal to complete the application and attach schedules as indicated. For more information on how to access NYSE-CON see HCS NYSE-CON Instructions or Public Authentication NYSE-CON Instructions
6. After you've submitted the application, all communication will go through the NYSE-CON portal.