About Us

History

The history of Memorial Behavioral Health illustrates how far we have come in understanding behavioral health and our continuous journey to improve services in the community.

The roots Memorial Behavioral Health were based in the efforts of dedicated community members to serve individuals who were not being served in the hospital setting. Since that time the organization has transformed and evolved with different names, care models and methods, and acquisitions and mergers, all while society’s understanding of behavioral health expanded.

  • 1947

    Community Fund, which is currently known as United Way of Central Illinois, formed the Mental Hygiene Committee.

  • 1950

    The Mental Hygiene Society emerged and rapid change in the psychiatric profession and its philosophy on treatment helped to respond to dramatic changes in the state hospital system.

  • 1981

    The Mental Hygiene Society was renamed to Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois (MHCCI). We moved to our current location on 710 North Eighth Street in Springfield and services continued to expand.

  • 1993

    With the help of state legislatures, Mental Health Center of Central Illinois acquired a vacant treatment and residential center on West Lake Drive in Springfield.

  • 1996

    MHCCI became an affiliate of Memorial Health System, and shortly after Community Counseling Services in Jacksonville and Logan-Mason Mental Health in Lincoln merged with MHCCI.

  • 1999

    The Memorial Medical Center Foundation funded an innovative program called the Child and Family Diagnostic Clinic.

  • 2006

    MHCCI in Springfield partnered with SIU School of Medicine to open the Acute Care Psychiatric Clinic.

  • 2008

    The Children's Healthcare Partnership (CHP) was formed with The Hope Institute for Children and Families, The Autism Program of Illinois, SIU School of Medicine's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and The Children's Center of MHCCI.

  • 2016

    Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois changed its name to Memorial Behavioral Health to more strongly associate our services with those provided by Memorial Health System.

Although much has changed over the years, the constant has been the recognition of need and our desire to improve health, especially in children. Memorial Behavioral Health continues to grow to meet the needs of our community, and like those who came before us, we are committed to seeking the most innovative methods to drive our community toward a more healthy and whole vision of wellness.