On January 1 we’ll begin accepting applications for a new class of health care institution called counseling facilities.  New Rules (adopted this week) provide facilities a way to become licensed for counseling services.  The new rules will allow the facility to be stand-alone (doing all administrative activities itself) or to be affiliated with another counseling facility or an outpatient treatment center.  This new health care institution category will strengthen the behavioral health system and improve services to patients.