National Accrediting Bodies in Behavioral Health

National accreditation is a mark of quality and credibility for behavioral health organizations. If your group is onboarding to the pie credentialing platform, understanding the role of these accrediting bodies—and why accreditation matters—can help you navigate payer requirements, demonstrate your commitment to excellence, and ensure compliance with state and federal standards.

What Is National Accreditation?

National accreditation is a formal recognition awarded to behavioral health organizations that meet rigorous standards for quality, safety, and operational effectiveness. Accreditation is granted by independent, nonprofit organizations that evaluate providers through comprehensive surveys, documentation reviews, and ongoing compliance checks.

Major Accrediting Bodies

Several national organizations provide accreditation for behavioral health facilities:

• The Joint Commission (TJC)

  • Recognized as a leading accreditor for hospitals and behavioral health organizations.

  • Sets standards for safety, patient care, leadership, and performance improvement.

• CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)

  • Focuses on rehabilitation, behavioral health, and substance use treatment programs.

  • Emphasizes person-centered care, outcomes measurement, and continuous improvement.

• NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance)

  • Accredits managed behavioral health organizations, focusing on care coordination, quality management, and credentialing.

• Council on Accreditation (COA), now part of Social Current

  • Accredits organizations serving children, families, and communities, including behavioral health providers.

• BHCOE (Behavioral Health Center of Excellence)

  • Specializes in accreditation for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy providers.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

• Demonstrates Quality and Safety

  • Accreditation shows your organization meets nationally recognized standards for care, safety, and operations. It signals to clients, payers, and regulators that you are committed to best practices and continuous improvement.

• Required by Many Payers and States

  • Increasingly, Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurers require behavioral health organizations to be accredited as a condition of network participation or reimbursement. Some states mandate accreditation for licensure or certification, especially for community-based and residential programs.

• Streamlines Regulatory Compliance

  • Accredited organizations often find it easier to comply with complex state and federal regulations, as accreditation standards are designed to align with or exceed these requirements.

• Enhances Reputation and Trust

  • Accreditation serves as a “seal of approval” that can attract clients, referral sources, and high-quality staff. It reassures families and partners that your organization is dedicated to safe, effective, and ethical care.

• Supports Operational Excellence

  • The accreditation process includes third-party audits, feedback, and resources to help your organization improve policies, procedures, and outcomes.

When Is Accreditation Relevant to You?

• Credentialing and Contracting: Most payers will ask for proof of accreditation during the credentialing process. Without it, your organization may not be eligible for network participation or reimbursement.

• State Licensure: Some states require national accreditation as a prerequisite for facility licensure or certification, especially for new or expanding programs.

• Quality Improvement: Even if not required, accreditation can help your organization benchmark against national standards and drive ongoing improvement.