Virginia behavioral health providers are entering an important transition period. The Virginia Behavioral Health Redesign is replacing several legacy Community Mental Health Rehabilitative Services (CMHRS) with a redesigned service array. For providers seeking to offer the new services, understanding the licensing process and deadlines is essential.
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) issued a memorandum on August 26, 2026, outlining mandatory pre-application training, application timelines, and the closure of legacy services.
Mandatory Pre-Application Training Comes First
DBHDS requires providers applying for the new behavioral health services to complete mandatory pre-application training before submitting an application.
The training is designed to reduce incomplete applications and repeated submissions. It covers the CONNECT application and submission process, required documentation, staffing plan requirements, and policy requirements.
For currently licensed providers, completing the training is not optional. A provider that submits a service modification without first completing the required training may have the application administratively withdrawn and must restart the process.
Furthermore, the organization’s Main Authorized Contact (MAC) must attend the training for current providers. For prospective providers, at least one participant must be the organization’s owner or MAC.
Important 2026–2027 Dates
Providers should place the following dates on their compliance calendars:
August 31, 2026: DBHDS stops accepting initial applications, location modifications, and service modifications for legacy services. Applications submitted after this date will be automatically withdrawn.
September 8, 2026: Mandatory Behavioral Health Redesign Pre-Application Training begins for current providers of legacy services.
September 10, 2026: DBHDS begins accepting applications for the new behavioral health services through CONNECT. Applicants must include proof of training completion; prospective providers must also provide proof of passing the required exam.
November 2026: Providers and prospective providers must complete mandatory in-depth regulation training through TRAIN.
January 15, 2027: A complete application must be received by DBHDS. Providers should not wait until this deadline because deficiencies, corrections, and resubmissions can delay licensure.
July 1, 2027: Providers must be licensed for the applicable redesigned services to deliver them, while the legacy service licenses are administratively closed.
What About Legacy Services?
The redesign affects providers currently offering services such as:
- Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT)
- Intensive In-Home Services (IIH)
- Mental Health Skill-Building Services (MHSB)
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (PSR)
DBHDS states that these legacy service licenses will close as of July 1, 2027. Providers that want to continue serving individuals under the redesigned service types must complete the required training, submit an application, and obtain the applicable license.
DMAS separately confirms that these four Medicaid services will be retired on June 30, 2027, with the redesigned services beginning July 1, 2027.
Prospective Providers Have Additional Requirements
Organizations that are not currently licensed by DBHDS have an additional step.
Before applying, prospective providers must complete the Initial Applicant Orientation Training and pass the proctored exam. They must then complete the mandatory Behavioral Health Redesign Pre-Application Training. An application submitted without the required training documentation may be rejected.
Therefore, new applicants should begin preparing well before the September 10 application opening.
DBHDS Licensure Does Not Automatically Equal Medicaid Enrollment
Obtaining a DBHDS license is an important milestone, but it does not guarantee Medicaid enrollment, managed care credentialing, or contracting.
DMAS, managed care organizations, and other funding sources may establish their own deadlines. Providers are responsible for confirming those requirements directly with each applicable payer.
This distinction is especially important because licensing, Medicaid enrollment, credentialing, and contracting are separate processes.
Next Steps for Providers
Providers should act now rather than waiting for the final application deadline. First, identify the services your organization intends to provide and determine whether you are transitioning from a legacy service or applying as a new provider. Next, ensure that the appropriate owner or MAC completes the required training. Then, prepare your policies, staffing plan, supporting documentation, and CONNECT application materials. Finally, confirm DMAS, MCO, and other payer deadlines so your organization can complete the entire process before the July 1, 2027 implementation date.
The DBHDS memo specifically identifies olbhrdsupport@dbhds.virginia.gov as the contact for questions regarding the new behavioral health service application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the DBHDS pre-application training mandatory?
Yes. Providers applying for the new behavioral health services must complete the required pre-application training before submitting an application.
- When can providers begin submitting applications?
DBHDS states that applications for the new services will be accepted in CONNECT beginning September 10, 2026.
- What is the application deadline?
A complete application must be received by January 15, 2027 to allow sufficient review time before the July 1, 2027 licensure deadline.
- What happens if an application has deficiencies?
The provider may need to correct the deficiencies and resubmit. DBHDS warns that applications requiring resubmission may not be licensed in time for July 1, 2027.
- Does DBHDS licensure automatically enroll a provider with Medicaid?
No. DBHDS explicitly states that licensure does not guarantee enrollment, credentialing, or contracting. Providers must also meet applicable DMAS, MCO, and other payer requirements.
Final Takeaway
The Virginia Behavioral Health Redesign is not simply a change in service names. It requires providers to plan for training, licensing, documentation, staffing, policies, Medicaid enrollment, and implementation deadlines. Starting early gives providers more time to identify gaps, correct deficiencies, and complete the required processes before the July 1, 2027 transition.
