Business Plan Information

Business Name: Substance Use Counselor For Older Adults

Cost to Start Business: $25.00 – $100.00 (If you have a computer & printer)

Equipment Needed:

• Desktop Computer or Laptop Computer
• Internet Access
• Telephone or Cell Phone
• Printer (Optional)
• Basic Office Supplies

Non-Medical License Information:

This new business model is designed as a non-medical supportive services business. It does not provide medical treatment, diagnosis, therapy, prescription services, or licensed clinical counseling. Faith-based organizations, churches, ministries, nonprofits, and community groups throughout the United States may generally provide non-medical supportive services, mentoring, companionship, wellness education, recovery support, spiritual guidance, peer support, and referral services, subject to applicable state and local laws. Federal law recognizes the participation of faith-based and community organizations in providing supportive human services through various programs and protections, including:

• Charitable Choice Provisions (42 U.S.C. § 604a)
• Religious Freedom Restoration Act (42 U.S.C. § 2000bb)
• First Amendment protections for religious organizations
• Federal partnership initiatives supporting faith-based community services (42 U.S. Code § 1395i–5)

Business owners should always verify state and local requirements before offering services.

Comprehension Level: Minimum 9th Grade Education.

Type of Business: Home-Based Business

Disclaimer: This Business Report, titled “Substance Use Counselor for Older Adults: Non-Medical Supportive Services Business Guide,” is provided for educational, informational, and business development purposes only. It is designed to help individuals, nonprofit organizations, churches, ministries, and community-based groups understand how to establish a non-medical services.

Executive Summary

America's senior population continues to grow, and many older adults struggle with alcohol misuse, prescription medication dependency, loneliness, depression, grief, and social isolation.

Non-medical Substance Use Counselors for Older Adults provide supportive services that help seniors access community resources, maintain accountability, improve wellness, and connect with recovery programs. This business can be operated from home with minimal startup costs and may serve individuals, families, churches, senior centers, assisted living facilities, and nonprofit organizations.

Non-Medical Reimbursement Services From Medicaid & Medicare

Non-medical care services can create long-term funding opportunities when offered through approved Medicare- or Medicaid-funded programs, where eligible. Many states support services such as care coordination, peer support, case management, wellness education, recovery support, community outreach through qualified providers, and even Christian nonprofit agencies, such as: Chruch Groups, Consultants, non-medical services.

Start by identifying covered non-medical services in your state, connecting with your state's Medicaid agency or managed care organizations, completing the required provider enrollment or contracting process, and documenting services properly for reimbursement. Every state has different requirements and covered services. For organizations that qualify, Medicare- and Medicaid-funded programs can become a stable source of revenue, allowing your nonprofit to expand services, hire staff, and serve more people in your community.