About Us
Serving Southern West Virginia since 1968
Our Mission
Since 1968, Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center has served as the mental health safety net for rural Southern West Virginia. For 56 years, we've been here when families in Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, and surrounding counties needed us most—through economic hardship, the opioid crisis, and generational trauma unique to Appalachia.
As one of West Virginia's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC), we operate under a fundamentally different model than traditional mental health providers. We cannot turn anyone away due to inability to pay. This federal designation means we provide the full continuum of care—crisis stabilization, therapy, psychiatric care, substance use treatment, peer support, and care coordination—all under one roof, regardless of insurance status.
What makes us different: We don't just treat symptoms. Our integrated care model connects mental health with primary care, addresses social determinants like housing and transportation, and coordinates with schools, courts, and community partners. When you walk through our doors in crisis at 2 AM, you'll see the same care team who will support your long-term recovery. That continuity—rare in rural healthcare—saves lives.
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, all major insurance, and offer sliding-scale fees. Our 24/7 crisis line isn't outsourced to a national call center—it's staffed by local clinicians who know our community. Six locations across three counties mean care is close to home, because we know that in rural West Virginia, a 90-minute drive to the nearest provider isn't just inconvenient—it's often impossible.
Our Values
What We Stand For
Guiding principles that shape everything we do
Compassion
We treat every individual with dignity, respect, and understanding. Your story matters, and we're here to listen without judgment.
Excellence
Our credentialed staff delivers evidence-based treatment within a fully integrated system that meets rigorous CCBHC standards.
Accessibility
24/7 crisis services, multiple locations, walk-ins welcome, and we accept all insurances. Care when and where you need it.
Integrity
Confidential, professional care provided equally to all, without regard to race, color, or national origin. Your privacy is sacred.
Collaboration
We partner with families, schools, primary care providers, and community organizations for coordinated, whole-person care.
Hope
Recovery is possible. We believe in your strength and potential, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Quality Assurance
CCBHC Certification
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we meet rigorous federal and state standards for clinical quality, safety, and coordination of care. This prestigious designation ensures that every individual receives:
Evidence-Based Treatment
Proven therapeutic approaches backed by research
Coordinated Care
Seamless integration across all services and providers
Comprehensive Services
Complete continuum from crisis to long-term support
Quality Monitoring
Continuous evaluation and improvement of outcomes
Our Service Area
We proudly serve residents of Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, and all surrounding counties in Southern West Virginia.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for dedicated professionals who share our commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.