Virginia DBHDS Priority Services Guide

Your step-by-step roadmap to launching profitable, compliant behavioral health and developmental disability programs in Virginia.

If you are thinking about opening a group home, day support center, mental health clinic, or community service program in Virginia, this guide will help you choose the right DBHDS service based on:

• State demand
• Startup cost
• Licensing complexity
• Medicaid reimbursement
• Long-term revenue stability

GTM Enterprises, LLC specializes in helping providers build compliant, high-performing DBHDS programs that meet Virginia’s most urgent service needs.

What Are DBHDS Priority Services?

DBHDS Priority Services are the programs Virginia has identified as most critically needed across the Commonwealth. These services support individuals with:

• Developmental Disabilities (DD)
• Mental Health needs (MH)
• Substance Use Disorders (SA)
• Brain Injury (BI)

All priority services are licensed under Virginia regulations:

• 12VAC35-105 – Community Behavioral Health & DD Services
• 12VAC35-46 – Children’s Residential Services

These are the programs most likely to receive referrals, waiver placements, and Medicaid funding.

How to Choose the Right Program for You

Step 1: Choose Who You Want to Serve

• Adults or Children
• Developmental Disabilities
• Mental Health
• Substance Use Recovery
• Brain Injury Support

Step 2: Choose Your Service Model

Model

What It Looks Like

Residential Group Homes

24/7 housing & support

Supervised Living

Semi-independent housing

Day Support

Daily skills & community activities

Crisis Stabilization

Short-term behavioral support

Outpatient Clinics

Counseling & MAT services

In-Home Services

Supports delivered in client homes

Step 3: Understand Staffing & Readiness

Before licensing, you must be ready for:

• Required clinical staff (RN, QMHP, QIDP, etc.)
• 24/7 staffing if residential
• Medicaid documentation & audits
• Incident reporting & quality improvement programs

GTM Enterprises builds these systems for you.

Step 4: Funding & Reimbursement

Most DBHDS services are funded by:

• Medicaid
• Virginia Waivers
• Private Insurance (for outpatient/MAT)

Waiver programs offer long-term financial stability and consistent census.

Top DBHDS Programs We Recommend

Adult Mental Health Residential Group Homes

High Demand | Strong ROI | Fast Placement

• 24/7 supervised housing
• High hospital & CSB referral volume
• Medicaid funded
• One of the fastest programs to reach full census
• Licensed under 12VAC35-105

Perfect for providers wanting predictable income and strong community demand.

DD Supervised Living (Adults)

High Revenue | Long-Term Stability | Easier Staffing

• Semi-independent housing
• Long-term waiver placements
• Higher Medicaid billing rates
• Lower staffing burden than group homes
• Rapid growth across Virginia

One of the most profitable and sustainable DBHDS models.

Other High-Need DBHDS Programs

Category

Examples

Residential

MH/DD Group Homes, SA Recovery

Crisis

CRC 23-Hour, Crisis Stabilization

Day Services

DD Day Support, Partial Hospitalization

Clinics

Counseling, MAT, IOP

In-Home

MH & DD Supports