Opioid Treatment Program

Our holistic, person-centered quality framework of standards reflects leadership in the field internationally through the promotion and advancement of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for persons diagnosed with opioid use disorder.

Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) provide medication-assisted treatment for persons diagnosed with opioid use disorder using any of three FDA-approved medications (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone).

OTPs dispense medication and are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). To be certified by SAMHSA, an OTP must be accredited by a CSAT-approved accreditor such as CARF. We accredit the majority of OTPs in the United States.

What we accredit

Standards for the following types of programs/services are in the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Standards Manual:

OTPs must select one core program:

  • Detoxification
  • Outpatient Treatment
  • Residential Treatment

OTPs offer a comprehensive continuum of services can apply supplementary standards for:

  • Court Treatment
  • Day Treatment
  • Health Home
  • Integrated Behavioral Health/Primary Care
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Specific population designations

The following may be added to a program:

  • Children and Adolescents
  • Criminal Justice
  • Older Adults

Welcome video

This video provides an introduction to accreditation for Opioid Treatment Programs and the programs accredited.

Medicare reimbursements for OTPs

The Support Act of 2018 included a requirement that OTP services be reimbursed through the Medicare program. View the Medicare billing and payment fact sheet. More information is available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website.

Get to know the standards

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Education and training

See the training calendar for details about our training opportunities and educational webinars.

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Purchase the standards

The standards are available for purchase through our online store.

Additional information

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CARF Connection blog

Learn about current trends, improving services, and the latest CARF news.

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Promising Practices

Read articles that spotlight innovative provider practices.

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Performance Management Workbook

Designed to walk providers through the process of designing a performance management system.

Resources

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Substance use disorders

Learn more about accreditation for a full continuum of substance use disorder treatment.

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Opioid overdose prevention toolkit

Publication for first responders, prescribers, persons with substance use disorder, and family members.

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Community relations tips for OTPs

Flyer with tips to help OTPs with community integration efforts.

We are your partner for quality and success

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Value of accreditation

Our consultative peer-review process promotes active, dynamic planning focused on impact and outcomes. Learn how we can help your organization.

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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.

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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

Headshot of Emily Hosea, managing director of Behavioral Health and Opioid Treatment Programs
Emily Hosea, MEd, NCC
Managing Director of Behavioral Health and Opioid Treatment Programs

Emily Hosea has experience in a variety of settings that focused on substance use disorders, mental health, and crisis intervention.