Recovery Housing

Recovery Residence Certification Organization Application

Pursuant to Public Chapter No. 406, beginning January 1^st, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) will begin selecting and approving Recovery Residence Certification Organizations in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 33-2-1401. Recovery Residence Certification Organizations selected and approved by TDMHSAS are required to meet minimum standards as set forth in § 33-2-1404. Once selected and approved by TDMHSAS, these Recovery Residence Certification Organizations will be listed on this webpage.

TDMHSAS will approve Recovery Residence Certification Organizations for a period of three (3) years.  TDMHSAS will review applications on a rolling basis. All applications will be reviewed, and approval will ultimately be made by the TDMHSAS Commissioner. Applicants will be notified within 30 business days if their application is approved. Applications will be submitted through the web-based platform called Formstack. This application can be found at this link.  Applications are due by March 2, 2026.

Please understand that selection and approval or reapproval as a Recovery Residence Certification Organization may be granted, denied, suspended, or revoked at the sole discretion of the TDMHSAS as it deems fit. There is no legal right to or interest in being selected and approved as a Recovery Residence Certification Organization and being selected and approved does not create a legal right to or interest in retaining approval. Although TDMHSAS may choose to reconsider any decision it makes regarding the denial, suspension, or revocation of a Recovery Residence Certification Organization’s approved status, there is no legal right to reconsideration or to review or appeal of TDMHSAS’s decision regarding the same.

Please also note that pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503, all state records are considered open for public inspection, unless otherwise protected under the law. Accordingly, the State cannot and does not guarantee the confidentiality of this application, any notes, files, reports or other documents received by the State or in possession of the State in conjunction with this application.

Oxford House

Oxford Houses are safe, supportive housing options for adults at least 18 years old who are in recovery from alcohol abuse and/or drug abuse. Individuals must be motivated to live in a disciplined, supportive, alcohol- and drug-free living environment and able to gain employment or receive some type of legitimate financial assistance. Residents pay a weekly fee that includes rent, utilities, cable, and internet connection. The fee varies between $80 and $110 per week, depending on the location.

A listing of Oxford Houses in Tennessee along with vacancies and contact phone numbers can be found at this link.

Tennessee Association of Recovery Residences

Tennessee Association of Recovery Residences (TN-ARR) is a founding member of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the availability of well-operated, ethical, and supportive recovery housing.  They have developed a widely-referenced national standard for the operation of recovery residences. They work with and support 30 state affiliate organizations including one in Tennessee. NARR and these organizations collectively support over 25,000 persons in addiction recovery who are living in over 2,500 certified recovery residences throughout the United States.  

Learn more about the Tennessee Association of Recovery Residences at this link.

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

CARF International, a group of companies that includes CARF Canada and CARF Europe, is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services.  Through accreditation, CARF assists service providers in improving the quality of their services, demonstrating value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards.  CARF accredits Recovery Residences under their Behavioral Health Programs Community Housing standards.

Link to CARF.org Accredited Provider Search

The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission is an international accreditation organization with expertise in monitoring standards of care across many different healthcare settings.  The Joint Commission accredits recovery residences as a part of its accreditation of treatment settings.  

Link to The Joint Commission substance use disorder treatment provider search

National Sober Living Association

The National Sober Living Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence, support, certification, inspection, operation/management and training for 12 Step, abstinence-based sober living homes and Recovery Centers.

Learn more about National Sober Living Association members in Tennessee at this link.

Creating Homes Initiative

Through the department's Creating Homes Initiative (CHI), we have created and continue to create and support permanent recovery housing opportunities across Tennessee.  The list of TDMHSAS-Recognized Permanent Recovery Housing Options below will continue to grow as we issue new grants and community based organizations open new opportunities.

Addiction Recovery Program

Through the department's Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), we support community-based providers who offer transitional housing services. 

Recovery is the New High (RITNH)

RITNH is a Tennessee-based Recovery Housing certifying entity committed to promoting quality and ethical recovery housing. Guided by national best practices and the Tennessee SAFE Act, it offers comprehensive certification, training, and technical assistance to ensure that homes adhere to the highest standards of care, safety, and resident support. In addition to certification, RITNH provides consulting services, peer-informed best practice guidance, and community education to assist providers in cultivating sustainable, person-centered recovery environments. For further information regarding the certification process or to submit an application, please visit recoveryisthenewhigh.com/recovery-housing.