OUR STORY

South Central Mental Health opened our doors in 1962 to become one of the first community mental health centers (CMHC) in the state of Kansas.  It was recognized by a group of citizens in Butler County that there was a need to address a person’s psychological health in addition to their physical health.  In addition, the group firmly believed that persons with severe mental illnesses could be better cared for in their own communities then in the large psychiatric hospitals that existed at that time.  Susan B. Allen hospital generously donated space for our fledging organization.  “Women’s Worry” educational groups became very popular at the time as did Parenting Teens and Grief groups.  The long journey towards reducing stigma regarding mental health and treatment had begun.
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In 1965 the Community Mental Health Center Act was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy.  The State of Kansas followed with a mandate that all counties in Kansas provide financial support for a local CMHC.  The center gave presentations to various county commissions and opened its doors to officials from around the state to help provide models for others to develop CMHC’s.  There are now 26 CMHC’s in Kansas. SCMH has continued to help develop, cultivate, and support social service organizations in Butler County and around the state of Kansas.  Our partnerships are wide and varied but our singular goal is simply to assist building healthy individuals and communities in order to help shape promising futures.

Our Vision

To provide exceptional care that results in a meaningful difference.

Our Mission 

To serve our community by delivering quality mental health services that empower individuals, families, and communities to help shape promising futures.​

Our Values

Humility, Optimism, and Strong Work Ethic​