Benefits of Accreditation
Benefits
There are numerous Recovery Residences throughout Virginia. Many of the residences and their programs provide effective, safe, ethical, nurturing housing for their clients. Unfortunately, there are some programs in Virginia that are not. Certification from VARR ensures that operators demonstrate compliance to a rigorous set of standards, set forth by NARR and VARR. Adherence is determined through submitting an extensive application, annual onsite inspections conducted by trained VARR staff, participating in VARR sponsored training, and responding to all reported concerns and/or complaints.
Benefits to VARR Accredited Recovery Residence Operators
VARR is Virginia’s only nationally recognized accrediting body that develops and maintains a standards system to accredit recovery residences in Virginia in accordance with the NARR Standards.
Pursuant to VA State Code 37.2-431.1, achieving VARR accreditation is a step in the DBHDS Certification of Recovery Residences; as of July 1, 2025 the certification of recovery residences is mandatory in Virginia.
Your organization will be listed on VARR’s website as an accredited recovery residence operator, further increasing public visibility, and act as a referral source. We will include a brief description, contact information and the date of your last on-site inspection.
Participate in discussions on policy and related recommendations that affect Virginia’s recovery residences, peer support services, and related fields. Attend VARR’s Annual Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly
Opportunities to participate in exclusive training and conferences.
Opportunities to access funding.
Participate in VARR”s monthly Recovery Residence Operator Open Call
Develop relationships and be part of a network of recovery residence operators with experience in the field.
VARR staff are accessible to provide technical support, guidance, and experience on a day to day basis via phone and email.
Have an established third-party grievance procedure for residents.
Access to Behave Health’s Sober Living App; a recovery residence management and CRM software.
Access to the REC-CAP, an evidence-based assessment & recovery planning instrument.
