Private Organization Accreditation
Private Organization Accreditation is the accreditation of social services provided by nonprofit and for-profit entities and involves the review of the entire organization including administrative operations and all services for which COA has an applicable standard.
For information about the meaning and value of accreditation, see the Accreditation Overview page.
Snapshot
- Four-year accreditation*
- In-depth review of the organization’s services and administration and management functions
- User-friendly, online process
- Process typically takes 12-18 months
- An Accreditation Coordinator assists the organization through the process
- Standards and accreditation materials are free
*Except for opioid treatment programs which are mandated to be accredited by SAMHSA for three years
Private Edition Services
- Child, Youth and Family Services
- Behavioral Health Services
- Aging Services
- Homeless Services
- Developmental Disabilities Services
- Residential Services
- Additional Social Services
Timeline and Process
Most organizations are able to complete the entire accreditation process in 12-18 months. It is COA’s experience that this time frame provides sufficient opportunity for the active involvement of all parties—consumers, personnel, and stakeholders—and sufficient time for the organization to undergo growth-promoting change.
For a detailed look at the steps in the accreditation process, see part IV of the Accreditation Guidelines.
Standards for Private Organizations
The Standards for Private Organizations are divided into three parts:
- Administration and Management Standards
- Service Delivery Administration Standards
- Service Standards
Organizations must demonstrate implementation of both the Administration and Management and the Service Delivery Administration Standards because they encompass aspects of operations that apply to all organizations regardless of the services provided. Additionally, organizations must demonstrate implementation of specific Service Standards that reflect the services it provides.
COA’s standards are web-based and can be accessed at any time. View the standards.
Eligibility Criteria
COA makes a preliminary determination of eligibility after it receives a completed application from a human services organization.
Read COA’s Eligibility Criteria for Private Organizations.
Fee Information
The cost of accreditation varies based on an organization’s size and services. Fees associated with a four-year accreditation cycle include an application fee, accreditation fee, Site Visit costs, and maintenance of accreditation fees.
Further Reading and Recommended Trainings
Accreditation Guidelines
For more detail regarding the accreditation process, download and review the Accreditation Guidelines.
Accreditor Comparison
Understand the differences between COA and CARF to find the best accreditor for your organization.
Recommended Trainings
Learning Plan
For a comprehensive guide developed to assist organizations in learning the fundamentals of the accreditation process and COA standards, including links to recommended self-paced trainings and tools, download and review the COA Accreditation Learning Plan.
Request a Digital Info Kit
Interested in learning more? Request a digital info kit.
- Accreditation Guidelines
- Policies and Procedures
- Training and Resources
- Updates
- Glossary
- Promote Your Accreditation
- Solutions to FAQs
WHO IS ACCREDITED?

Private Organization Accreditation
Sweetser, a Maine non-profit agency operating since 1828, provides comprehensive mental and behavioral health and substance abuse treatment services. Statewide, it serves around 15,000 consumers a year, including children, adults, and families in outpatient, office-based, and residential settings.
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ORGANIZATION TESTIMONIAL
Orange County Government, Youth & Family Services Division
Rodney J. Hrobar Sr., LMHC, CPP, Quality Assurance Manager
As the lead agency in Orange County, providing the safety net for children and families, it is reassuring that our clients can be confident that their needs will be addressed in accordance with the most stringent standards of public, as well as private, accountability as monitored and reviewed by the Council on Accreditation.
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