CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers. We are an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services you use to meet your needs for the best possible outcomes.

Whether you are seeking rehabilitation for a disability, treatment for addiction and substance abuse, home and community services, retirement living, or other health and human services, you can have confidence in your choice. Providers that meet our standards have demonstrated their commitment to being among the best available.

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http://www.carf.org
CARF International surveyors and providers interviewed about the value of accreditation.

"The fact that every survey I do reaffirms that the process works, that it is focused on quality improvement, and that it truly gets to the level of making sure quality services are provided.

"The process is...You'll find it rewarding. You'll find that it brings your staff together. Again, working from a common sense of purpose, there's absolutely no reason not to go through the CARF accreditation process.

"What happens is you've got excellent support. It's a ton of work, but I will tell you the end result is absolutely worth it. It transformed my organization. We're at a point now where we have no wait lists for service, and it's created a level of efficiency and, more importantly, effectiveness in how we work with children and families.

"In my experience, the organizations I've worked with and the organizations I've surveyed, is everybody always gets a return on their investment. And not to let the cost intimidate you or influence you, but realize that you will get more than your money's worth from going through the CARF survey process.

"Really what CARF allows you to do is it allows you to join the organizations that, in my opinion, are innovators and leaders in the field. So what it does is that it just takes you to the next level. So don't be afraid; come and join the leadership circle."

http://www.carf.org

CARF surveyors and providers on the value of accreditation

To our network of accredited programs, surveyors, partners, and friends:

We appreciate you and value our partnership. We look forward to our continued partnerships in 2025.

CARF 2024 End-of-Year Video

http://www.carf.org
 
In this video, executives at health care providers in Chile, Sweden, and Portugal discuss the benefits of being part of CARF's network of internationally accredited organizations.

Juan Carlos Vélez, Hospital del Trabajador, Chile
Micael Edblom, County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden
Verónica Teixeira, Centro de Medicina de Reabilitação do Sul, Portugal

“Our organization has more than 25 years working with the community with very good quality of service. But we wanted to know from an outside perspective how we were doing. So we contacted CARF and since the beginning their team of specialists has worked for us, teaching us their philosophy of work and how we can improve our quality.
 
“I think that peer consultation is the really great thing about CARF accreditation. You get the chance to meet colleagues that face the same challenges as we do in their daily work. And we meet colleagues with great experience and knowledge in both standards but also from rehab units all over the world. 

“The surveyors are part of your team, so they are really interested in what you do. The way you do it, they want to learn from you and they have the ability of exchanging knowledge with you. 

“As a result of CARF standards, I think the main issue is that patients and the community are more involved in the service that they receive. We are providing them what they want. We are taking more on account their decisions and their needs.

“I think the persons served at our clinic are well aware that we are an international accredited organization and they know it’s important for us to have dialogue with them in order to continuously working with improvement of our business and they know that they come to an organization with the very best rehab quality.

“Now our staff is more motivated. They are convinced that they are working at an accredited organization with better processes, better communication, improvement plans. And they really know that they are delivering a good product for their patients.

“Just imagine how proud and how honored you feel like because you have been recognized, you have been recognized by your peers and by your other staff members, and by the community, so you look at your work in a different way.

http://www.carf.org

International providers on the global value of CARF accreditation

http://www.carf.org
In this video, CARF surveyors and providers are interviewed about the benefits and value of choosing CARF accreditation.

"The thing that's most unique about CARF as an accreditor is the peer-to-peer consultative approach. And that is extremely beneficial to our organization as well as other organizations.

"The person that's there surveying, today they're my consultant, they're my surveyor. But yesterday and tomorrow they're my peer. They're facing the same issues and challenges that I'm facing, the same mountain highs and valley lows. They are able to give me information based on, not only what's occurring at their own organization, but organizations that they've surveyed over time. As well as the benefit of networking with other surveyors to find out what's going on and what's best practice in various facilities.

"CARF standards are established by a peer-review process. And to be able to have input in those standards, but then also to work with the CARF staff that provides a lot of resources in terms of seminars, educational materials, the whole gamut. It's a very customer driven organization.

"CARF is unique in that it's collaborative in all parts of the process. From the time that you want to become a CARF accredited organization, attending their trainings, studying their information on the website, you can call them and ask questions, to the survey process where surveyors come and truly want to add value to what you do, not just look at how you meet the standards and if you meet them as other state inspecting bodies and other bodies might do.

"It's a very consultative experience. It's very educational. One of the best things that happens with the CARF experience is that staff get to really talk to surveyors about what they're passionate about.

"Then in that exit conference when outside experts are actually giving positive feedback back to your staff and to your team. That's an incredibly empowering experience for them and it really gives them pride.

"At first when we started accreditation it was mandated by our stakeholders and now we're choosing to maintain accreditation because of the value of the accreditation process.

"Whenever we have question, whenever we have problems with implementing processes, CARF is always there.

"For the staff it's the teamwork process. And it really provides an opportunity for staff to be engaged in understanding the organizational mission, the process of rehabilitation, and understanding the standards that were really created by their own peers.

"I can rely on CARF setting standards that are really going to help my program move forward and at the same time ensure that we're meeting the needs of the persons we serve.

"It's making sure that not only are we taking care of the patient at this particular moment, but our business practices are in place and solid so that we'll be available to take care of those patients in the future.

"CARF accreditation positions your organization to provide optimal care to the persons served in terms of respecting their cultural beliefs, dignity, and providing care that is right for them in the various specializations and informing them of how we're doing so they know, when they come in, the type of care they're going to get and the outcomes they are expected to achieve from our program, which I believe is the greatest strength of CARF accreditation.

"CARF has a real focus on persons served. You know, often after a brain injury, people cannot speak for themselves or make choices or preferences known.

"And by focusing on the real specific needs of that person, CARF requires us to always remember who we're serving and why we're serving them. And it makes a real difference.

"CARF truly adds value to what you do."

http://www.carf.org

CARF surveyors and providers on the benefits of choosing CARF

http://www.carf.org
CARF International accredited providers interviewed about their experiences with CARF and why they would recommend it to colleagues.

"As a CEO, I'm always looking to provide the best services, the most efficient, cost effective for quality, and CARF means that. And my staff will live up to that.

"I would highly recommend CARF accreditation to my colleagues. Again, it's a gold standard, it's that seal of approval, it's like having that credential after your name. People know what it took for you to get that credential, or to get that accreditation. And other payer sources also look at that as an organization that means something too.

"We recommend CARF to our colleagues all the time, and we do so for a number of reasons. While it's a rigorous, thorough, accreditation experience it's also a very consultative accreditation experience. So, we think we've gotten a lot of help, so we recommend it all the time.

"We've had an interesting story in that, we're really proud, we were the first worldwide, CARF-accredited, student counseling service. And that was an incredible process. And we actually looked for that at other accrediting bodies who do that type of work. And we chose CARF in an intentional way. That wasn't haphazard, it wasn't an accident. We were really thoughtful about it and CARF was very interested, I think, in developing standards. And we knew that a seal of approval, if you will, from CARF vs. some of the other accrediting organizations would be better.

"What I do know is, is that that first survey was kind of instrumental in me being successful at the start of my tenure.

"We were really changing in how we were doing business. We were going from a fee-for-service company to a managed-care company, essentially within a six-month period of time. The surveyors came in, and I met with them in the beginning, and it was really nice because I was used to some other accrediting organizations in my prior job. And it was very consultative, very collegial, and I was asked 'is there anything you would like us to do when we conduct the survey' and I said 'Yeah. I'm really new. This is a large organization, we've got 20-some sites, we've got a lot of people... Could you do an assessment for me and basically tell me where I need to pay attention, particularly right in the very beginning?' And they did a wonderful job of that.

"I've always felt that there was really no choice to be made. For people who are in behavioral health care, I felt CARF really helps you establish the blueprint. And the whole consultative, collegial, nature of how it's done doesn't make it feel like a chore. It makes it feel like it's something you actually want to do instead of something you have to do."

http://www.carf.org

Accredited providers on why they recommend CARF

http://www.carf.org
CARF International surveyors interviewed about what motivates them to be surveyors.

"Before I became a CARF surveyor, I had undergone seven three-year accreditations on the provider side of things. And I was very impressed and motivated by the surveyors who came into the surveys at my organization. I was ready, at that time, to give back to a field that had given so much to me.

"It's a marvelous opportunity to learn and interact and have a relationship with those folks across the country. So I think just the aspect of being able to continually learn about new service areas that have developed.

"There's nothing I've done that's more beneficial to my professional development. It's enhanced my writing skills, my public speaking, the ability to work under pressure. And also the fact that you get a chance to meet some terrific people across the country -- both colleagues you are surveying with, plus the organization leadership and the people that they serve. Coming from a small town in Iowa, I never imagined I would be in some of the places I've been. And that's been the opportunity for me is to really have an impact on a national basis with people with disabilities.

"I've had the opportunity to work with VA sand doing some VA surveys with the Employment Services. There was one specific survey where I had the pleasure --and I felt like the honor --of getting to interview veterans all the way from World War II. It really gave me a perspective of their story, their struggles, what the VA has been doing for them. And I think that really affirms for me the importance of including people served in the CARF review process.

"I'm really appreciative that the CARF survey process has allowed me to visit areas and talk to individuals that I may not have been able to, maybe in my lifetime. As a CARF surveyor, being able to talk to the CEOs, professionals, service providers, persons that we serve, and family, people with or without disabilities, and that crosscutting interviews really allow me to understand that lifestyle is like this in this part of the world. I cannot say enough, both from a surveyor point of view or provider point of view. And I have really gained a lot of knowledge that I would carry for myself, personally, and also be able to benefit the organization and the persons that we serve, wherever I go."

http://www.carf.org

CARF surveyors on what motivates them

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Behavioral Health and the programs included.

Introduction to Behavioral Health

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Aging Services and the programs included.

Introduction to Aging Services

This video provides an introduction to accreditation for Opioid Treatment Programs and the programs accredited.

Introduction to Opioid Treatment Program

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in  Medical Rehabilitation and the programs included.

Introduction to Medical Rehabilitation

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Employment and Community Services and Vision Rehabilitation Services and the programs included.

Introduction to Employment and Community Services

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Child and Youth Services and the programs included.

Introduction to Child and Youth Services

http://www.carf.org
In the dawn of an environment of consumer choice, a new quality framework has emerged. CARF introduces ASPIRE to Excellence®. What does this mean to you?

The new framework organizes CARF's standards into logical, action-oriented business practices.

The focus of your mission and vision is the person served.

Your leadership assesses the context of your environment and guides your organization towards achieving your mission.

Governance holds your leadership accountable.

The balance between where an organization is and where it needs to go is a challenge that requires thoughtful, well-planned strategies.

Developing strategy includes obtaining the input from a wide variety of sources.

And no strategy is complete without vital input from persons served and other stakeholders.

The people you serve are the reason you exist as an organization. Their feedback is essential to the design and delivery of quality services.

Input extends to funders, regulators, community members, the public and other stakeholders. Their contributions are also important.

You've taken the time to strategize, get input, and now is the time to fit it all together as you implement the plan. 

You ensure that:
You meet your legal and regulatory requirements
You have fiscally sound practices
You manage risks and mitigate your loss
You provide a safe and healthy environment
You value your human resources
You integrate technology
You protect and communicate the rights of the persons served
You eliminate all barriers to accessibility

You've designed your plan, you've implemented your plan, now it's time to review your results.

You measure how well you've done against how well you wanted to do.

Now that you know your strengths and know where you need to do better, it's time to effect change and improve performance.

http://www.carf.org

CARF International - ASPIRE to Excellence

As part of the celebration of our 50th anniversary, we are showcasing artwork from some of the 10 million people served annually by CARF-accredited providers. View these short slideshows that feature paintings, photography, and other mediums along with statements from the artists about their work.

Artwork of Persons Served Slideshow Album 3

In 2016, CARF International marked its 50th anniversary. This year has been a period for us to reflect and take stock of what we have done and what needs to be done in the coming years.

50th Anniversary End of Year Video Card

April 8 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Presenters:
Michael Johnson (CARF)
Dustin Richardson (Lifelines)

Objectives:
- An overview of the CARF standards and recent updates
- How to complete a UIO Facility Assessment using CARF standards
- CARF Best Practices for UIO site visits with special emphasis on changes during COVID-19

Accreditation Standards, Preparation, and Best Practices: CARF

expert-spotlight-advancing-child-youth-behavioral-health-with-mbc

Expert Spotlight: Advancing Child & Youth Behavioral Health with MBC

Managing Director of Child and Youth Services

Children and youth today face increasingly complex mental health challenges, requiring care that is personalized, evidence-based, and responsive to evolving needs. Measurement-Based Care (MBC), also referred to as Measurement-Informed Care (MIC), is a proven framework that leverages client-reported data to guide treatment decisions, enhance engagement, and improve clinical outcomes. With CARF’s updated accreditation standards now requiring MBC in youth services, organizations globally are prioritizing its adoption.

 

 On September 30, Greenspace Health brought together a panel of experts including Theresa Lindberg, MSC, LPC, Managing Director for Child and Youth Services, CARF International, who shared real-world examples, lessons learned from successful implementations, and actionable strategies for embedding MBC in youth-serving organizations.

The webinar was recorded and is available below for viewing.


 This is an important topic, and if you are interested in learning more - then let us help.

Theresa Lindberg is Managing Director of Child and Youth Services at CARF International. If you are looking to connect with Theresa , view her profile below to arrange an interview today.


expert-spotlight-measurementbased-care

Expert Spotlight: Measurement-Based Care

Our experts can explain what it is and why it's driving care quality

Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health

Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is rapidly becoming a core standard of excellence for evidence-based, behavioral health services. Organizations across North America are adopting MBC to improve outcomes, demonstrate accountability in their services, and drive care quality. This shift is being reinforced by leading accrediting bodies, with CARF now embedding MBC into its requirements. As one of the most influential accreditors, CARF’s emphasis signals the growing importance of MBC in delivering evidence-based care and measurable clinical impact.

On May 15, Greenspace brought together a panel of experts including Michael Johnson, Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health at CARF, to explore the evolving role of Measurement-Based Care in accreditation and clinical practice. 

View the webinar  below:

 Michael Johnson is the CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health. If you are looking to know more or connect with Michael, view his profile below to arrange an interview today.


expert-spotlight-ai-and-accreditation-in-behavioral-health

Expert Spotlight: AI and Accreditation in Behavioral Health

Recently, Mike Johnson, MA, CAP, Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health at CARF International sat down with the host of the podcast No Notes to discuss how the major accrediting agencies are thinking about AI—and whether an organization’s use of AI ultimately impacts their accreditation. 

Tune into this captivating discussion using the link below.



 Michael makes a point in the podcast that CARF has no  issue with AI tools being used for documentation as long as the notes meet established standards for quality and accuracy. There are positive effects and benefits of responsible AI use in behavioral health—from reduced provider burnout and turnover to better client engagement and outcomes.  But, how do these technologies stack up against behavioral health accreditation standards? And how do the industry’s top accreditation bodies feel about the use of AI in behavioral health practice?

Michael Johnson is the CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health. If you are looking to know more or connect with Michael, view his profile below to arrange an interview today.


CARF International Expert Center

Featured Experts

Terrence Carolan, MSPT, MBA

Chasity Chamberlin

Penny Gagnon, MA

Emily Hosea, MEd, NCC

Michael W. Johnson, MA, CAP

Theresa Lindberg, MSC, LPC

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