MHS History

Mental Health Systems opened its doors more than thirty years ago with its first program, an adult psychiatric day treatment program located in North San Diego County.  Just six months later it opened its’ second program, a neighborhood alcohol recovery center.  These two programs marked just the beginning.  Again and again in the years that followed, as the need for more services became evident, we set out to make certain that they were met.  MHS now operates more than 90 community-based programs throughout California, as well as an adolescent residential treatment program in Utah

Our success can be attributed to the outstanding efforts of our staff and volunteers. Our team takes great pride in the satisfaction that comes from the positive results reflected in the lives of our clients, their families, their homes and our communities.

Over the years, our array of mental health and substance abuse services has grown to include vocational placement, community outpatient clinics, psychosocial rehabilitation, in-custody treatment services, and co-occurring disorders treatment. We are a non-profit 501(c) 3 and our services are publicly funded. We assist those within our communities who are in the greatest need of our services. Each year we help thousands of individuals. Among this number there are people living on the streets, those trying to find employment, children and families struggling with mental illness, paroling mothers who are working on change and building a good life for their children, as well as the chronically mentally ill who are able to achieve greater independence and stability with our support.  

In 2004, the passage in California of Proposition 63, known as the Mental Health Services Act, enabled us to expand our services by implementing a variety of new programs. These programs include several Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs, supported employment services, enhanced psychosocial rehabilitation, youth leadership development, and wrap around case management for transition age youth, older adult and other targeted populations. We are honored and proud to be able provide years of service and build trusted relationships with our clients and communities.

In addition to our direct services, MHS continues to participate on planning, strategy and implementation committees in Counties throughout the State of California. We remain involved in this level of planning and advocacy in the areas of prevention and early intervention services, innovations, information technology, workforce education and training, and community services and supports.

MHS, through the Mead Academy, is well known for providing cutting edge education, training, staff development and conferences to our employees and the community. We believe that keeping our community and staff abreast of all new and innovative treatment strategies ultimately lead to improving the lives of individuals, families and our communities.  An exciting milestone for MHS Mead Academy was the opening of our school the William R. Mead Training Academy, where students can obtain the academic hours needed to become certified alcohol and drug counselors. The school is attended by MHS employees as well as community members. The school also serves to honor Dr. William Mead, our company’s co-founder, who  retired from his role as a co-funder and our clinical director in 2005. Dr. Mead’s integrity, service and dedication to MHS continues to be reflected in his ongoing membership on our Board of Directors.  Please visit the William R. Mead Training Academy’s web page for more information on the Academy and its training programs.