How To Open A Rehab Center

(Click On Map Below To Learn More About How To Open A Rehab Center, or How to Start a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center In Your State)

We are proud to service all 50 states. Call today for a free consultation. Whether its a new startup center or an existing program, our team specializes in helping treatment centers navigate the complex process of start up as well as growth. Our use of evidence-based practices combined with hundreds of years of experience has produced some of the top rehab centers in the United States. 

How to Start a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center

If you are considering how to open a rehab center, starting a rehab facility is both a mission-driven and business-focused decision. At Orion Treatment Consulting, we are a fully staffed agency that can take your idea to success. We utilize multiple consultants with individual specialties to bring your idea to life. We offer support with:

• Business Plans, Feasibility Studies, and Financial Models – No one likes surprises. Treatment can be a difficult business.
• Licensing & Joint Commission Accreditation – Without proper approvals, you cannot legally open a center or retain in-network insurance contracts.
• Marketing & sustainability – Many facilities fail because they launch without a plan to attract and retain clients.
• Operations and Compliance – Without safeguards the organization will struggle.
• Clinical and Human Resources Support – finding and retaining high-quality staff is mission critical.

The truth is, a rehab center isn’t like opening a retail shop— it is a complex, yet rewarding business. You need a roadmap that balances compliance with a strong marketing strategy. That’s where Orion comes in.

👉 Contact Orion Treatment Consulting today to learn how we can help you open and scale your rehab facility.

What Does It Cost to Open a Rehab?

Startup costs typically range from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on location, services offered, and size of your program. Property, staff, and accreditation make up the largest expenses.

At Orion, we provide:

• Feasibility Studies – Market research to confirm demand in your chosen area.

• Pro-Forma Financials – A detailed financial model projecting revenue and expenses.

• A La Carte Services – Pick what consultants you want to work with.

• Full Service Consulting – A Full-Service solution to your business.

• Hourly Consulting – Tailored guidance on budgets and state-specific requirements.

No one likes surprises. Our team will meet with you to gather information and create a robust plan for your business. Included in the business plan are analysis of the area, target market, reimbursement rates, licensing and accreditation timelines, hiring plans, and more. Call us today to see how we can help bring your vision to reality.

Step 1: Conduct a Feasibility Study

The first step is determining what your community needs. Will you provide detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), or intensive outpatient (IOP)? Should you offer a full continuum of care?

👉 Work with Orion to identify the right model for your area.

Step 2: Licensing & Compliance

Every state requires licensing to operate. This often involves:

• Zoning approvals from local authorities.

• A detailed Policy & Procedures manual reviewed by clinical leadership.

• A complete program plan for services offered.

Licensing delays are common when paperwork is incomplete. Orion Licensing Consulting ensures your application is done right the first time. Our team has completed licensing applications in 32 states and we are confident we can get your treatment startup over the line. We will research, file, manage and support your licensing journey. Once licensed we will train the organization for ongoing compliance.

Step 3: Business Plan & Staffing

A strong business plan is essential for banks, investors, and your own roadmap. Staffing typically includes:

• Executive leadership

• A Medical Director and clinical team

• Admissions and intake staff

• Administrative support

Orion’s Business Plan Services prepare your treatment startup with a professional plan and financial forecast. We want to make sure you know what is coming. Whether residential or outpatient, having a solid plan to recruit, onboard, and retain high-quality staff is essential. Our team has hired hundreds of employees through the years and our process will help identify, recruit and onboard the team you will need to be successful.

Step 4: Accreditation

Most insurance payers require accreditation from CARF or The Joint Commission (JCAHO). Accreditation signals quality, opens reimbursement opportunities, and strengthens your reputation. Orion can guide you through this process.

👉 CARF Accreditation
👉 The Joint Commission Accreditation

Obtaining accreditation for your treatment startup is essential. Joint Commission and Carf are the highest standards in the nation for behavioral health centers. At Orion Treatment Consulting we ensure you will be prepared to pass these processes.

Step 5: Marketing & Growth

Many centers fail not because of clinical quality, but because they don’t budget for marketing. Orion builds custom strategies, including:

• SEO & Website Development to generate long-term traffic.

• Lead generation campaigns (Paid ads, SEO, Email Campaigns, social media, etc).

• Marketing budgets tailored to your bed count and goals.

By engaging marketing early, you’ll open your doors with clients ready to enroll. Unfortunately treatment is based on how to acquire patients. At Orion Treatment Consulting we leverage over 100 years of industry experience to help you create a multi-year marketing plan that includes, hiring, training, and supervising a marketing team.

We begin with creating a brand strategy, this is followed by creation of the brand, images, website design, internet strategy, etc. Orion Treatment Consulting offers full-service consulting to help create your brand and treatment identity.

Why Choose Orion Treatment Consulting?

We offer three flexible consulting models:

1. Hourly Consulting –

2. Project-Based – For specific needs such as pro-forma creation, policy audits, or billing setup.

3. Full-Service Consulting – A turnkey option where Orion manages everything from licensing and accreditation to staffing, marketing, and operations.

With over 50 years of experience, Orion’s consultants have owned, operated, and sold treatment facilities nationwide. We bring real-world expertise and a proven process to help you succeed.

👉 Schedule a Consultation with Orion Treatment Consulting today and take the first step toward building a successful facility.