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Evolve’s Licensure, Certification, and Accreditation

Evolve’s Licensure, Certification, and Accreditation

Our Commitment to Excellence

Founded in 2014, Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health provides industry-leading programs for teens ages 12–17 who are struggling with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges. From the start, we have been guided by a clinical-first model rooted in evidence-based treatment, safety, and accountability.

Evolve programs don’t just meet regulatory requirements; they go beyond them. By maintaining both state licensure and multiple national accreditations, Evolve ensures that every teen and family we serve receives care that is safe, ethical, and of the highest clinical quality.

State Licensing in California

All Evolve programs are licensed by the California Department of Social Services (Community Care Licensing Division). State analysts work closely with our team to ensure ongoing compliance with California’s Health and Safety Code and all related regulations. This oversight helps safeguard our clients and provides families with confidence in the safety and quality of our care.

The Joint Commission

Evolve programs are accredited by The Joint Commission, one of the nation’s leading accrediting bodies for healthcare organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates behavioral health and substance use treatment centers on their ability to provide safe, effective, and high-quality care. To achieve and maintain this accreditation, programs undergo a comprehensive on-site evaluation every three years to demonstrate compliance with national standards for safety, quality, and clinical care. This recognition confirms that Evolve follows strict safety protocols, delivers evidence-based treatment, and provides care that is client-centered and clinically sound. For families, Joint Commission accreditation is a trusted assurance that Evolve delivers care at the highest level.

CARF International

Evolve is also accredited by CARF International, a respected accrediting body for behavioral health and substance use treatment programs. To earn and maintain CARF accreditation, programs complete an in-depth review every three years and must demonstrate that they meet rigorous standards for quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. CARF accreditation confirms that Evolve provides high-quality, person-centered care, uses outcomes to guide improvements, and continually strengthens our services to better meet the needs of adolescents and families.

Holding both Joint Commission and CARF accreditation reflects our deep commitment to excellence, accountability, and the highest standards of adolescent care.

Staff Qualifications

Hiring Standards & Clearance

Safety and professionalism are the foundation of our care. Before joining our team, every Evolve staff member must pass a Live Scan background check, which includes clearance through the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). In addition, all staff must hold the appropriate education, credentials, and qualifications required for their role at Evolve. These standards ensure that every individual entrusted with the care of your child is both thoroughly vetted and professionally prepared. Families can feel confident knowing our team members meet the highest requirements for safety, professionalism, and clinical expertise.

Training & Development

Our commitment to excellence continues long after hiring. Once on board, staff complete extensive training and competency evaluations before fully transitioning into their roles. From shadow shifts to specialized certifications, every team member continues to grow their skills so they can provide safe, compassionate, and effective care. This ensures our staff are not only qualified when hired but remain equipped to deliver the highest quality treatment throughout their time at Evolve.

Safety Training & Certifications

The safety of our clients and staff is our top priority. To ensure our team is fully prepared to respond to emergencies, safeguard client confidentiality, and maintain a safe treatment environment, all program staff at Evolve are required to hold essential safety certifications, including:
CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI)
CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification
Water Safety Certification
• HIPAA and Confidentiality Training
• Mandated Reporter Training

Clinical Training

All clinicians and team members are licensed or certified in their areas of expertise and receive specialized training in working with adolescents. Because teens have unique developmental and emotional needs, our staff are trained in evidence-based approaches proven effective for this population. Some of the key required trainings are:
• Adolescent Development
• Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders
• Cultivating a Culture of Belonging
• Diversity and Inclusive Care
• Using DBT at Evolve

Our team is committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Staff participate in ongoing clinical and operational trainings to stay current with best practices and provide the highest quality care for teens and their families.

Insurance Partnerships

Evolve is also an in-network provider with most major insurance companies, including Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, TriWest, HealthNet, Aetna, Cigna, and more. Being in-network means that insurers have vetted our programs to confirm we meet strict clinical and operational standards. This not only makes treatment more affordable but also reassures families that our services meet the high requirements set by national insurance providers.

Certifications

LegitScript Certification

Evolve is certified by LegitScript, a third-party organization that monitors online advertising and marketing practices for healthcare providers. This certification verifies that Evolve operates transparently and ethically, meets rigorous standards for safety and legality, and is approved to advertise behavioral health services on platforms such as Google. LegitScript certification reassures families that Evolve is a trusted and credible treatment provider.

great place to work by newsweek

Great Place to Work® Certified

Evolve is proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work® Certified organization, a distinction based on direct employee feedback that reflects our commitment to a positive, supportive, and mission-driven culture. When our staff feel supported and inspired, they provide more compassionate, high-quality treatment. This certification confirms that Evolve meets the highest standards while fostering an environment where both staff and adolescents can thrive.

Setting the Standard in Teen Treatment

At Evolve, licensure, accreditation, and certification are not just checkboxes, they are part of our unwavering commitment to keeping teens safe, protecting families, and ensuring every aspect of treatment reflects the highest professional standards in adolescent care.​ Our mental health and substance use treatment programs for teens provide a safe, positive, and productive environment where real change happens daily.

Learn More About Evolve

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