Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) Licensing

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) defined and regulated in North Dakota through NDCC 25-03.2 and NDAC 75-03-17.  

A PRTF is a facility that provides children and adolescents with a comprehensive 24-hour therapeutic environment integrating group living, educational services, and a clinical program based upon an interdisciplinary clinical assessment and an individualized treatment plan that meets the needs of the child and family. PRTFs are available to children in need of and able to respond to active psychotherapeutic intervention and who cannot be effectively treated in their own family, in another home, or in a less restrictive setting.

PRTF Admission

Admission criteria are defined in ND law (NDCC 25-03.2-06).

A child may be admitted to a psychiatric residential treatment facility for children if: 

1. The child has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist as suffering from a mental illness or emotional disturbance;
2. The child's situation meets the definition of serious risk of harm; and
3. A less restrictive setting cannot meet the immediate treatment need.

"Serious risk of harm" means a substantial likelihood of: 

• Suicide, as manifested by current suicidal threats, attempts, or significant depression creating immediate risk of suicide;
• Killing or inflicting serious bodily harm to self or another person, as manifested by current act; or
• Substantial deterioration in physical health or substantial injury, disease, or death based on current poor self-control or judgment.

Families and providers are encouraged to contact a PRTF directly to discuss and apply for admission.

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities are licensed by North Dakota Health and Human Services' Behavioral Health Division and all carry accreditation by national accreditation bodies.

Download the PRTF One-Pager here.

For information on licensing, contact the Behavioral Health Administrator at (701) 328-8920.

Looking for behavioral health services and don’t know where to start?

The Behavioral Health Navigator can assist and is available to:

• Facilitate connection to mental health and substance use services
• Identify resources for individuals and families
• Assist in interpreting clinical language

Contact 701-328-8920 or dhsbhd@nd.gov. The Behavioral Health Navigator will be available during normal business hours.

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