History: Timeline

1970's
Along with the guidance from Ellin Mrachek, the mayor of Aurora formed a citizens' committee in 1972 to study ways to respond to growing drug use and other dangerous behaviors among adolescents.  Various city programs were established, but the committee continued to meet and work toward creation of a community mental health center in Aurora.

Fortunately, government approval and funding came in 1975 allowing Aurora Mental Health Center to open with eight full-time employees and 175 clients.  A year later, an additional federal grant allowed expansion to a total of 68 employees.

In 1978, the Center hired Randy Stith, Ph.D. as the Executive Director.  Twelve core services became operational: emergency response, assessment, outpatient, consultation, education, geriatrics, children services, partial care, hospitalization, after-care, and alcohol and drug programs.

1980's
Over the next decade, many more programs and services emerged and developed into top notch treatment programs. 

Started as a pilot project and the first of its kind in Colorado, the Adolescent Day Resource Center (renamed Hampden Academy) was opened to provide a therapeutic school offering a structured educational and therapeutic program for adolescents ages 13-18. As a result of it's success, a grant in 1983 funded an expansion.

In 1982, Aurora and Arapahoe Mental Health Centers formed a joint venture to obtain 16 HUD "202" apartments for clients who needed long-term supported living.  Aurora Mental Health Center assumed full title in 1984.

Several years later, additional centers were opened – the Southeast Clinic (renamed Hampden Center), the Center's Child Day Treatment Program (renamed Metro Children's Center) and the Therapeutic Preschool Program (renamed the Early Childhood and Family Center).

1990's
In the early 1990's, the Center joined with Arapahoe and Jefferson Mental Health Centers to form Hospital Based Intensive Treatment, Inc., to lease hospital space.  During the same time, the Mrachek House, a 15-bed residential facility, opened to provide life and social skills for adults with a developmental disability and a mental illness. 

The Center was awarded a five-year federal grant to research the effectiveness of different models in treating post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adolescents.  Furthermore, state funding allowed creation of a multi-faceted vocational program for clients with chronic mental illness.  By 1993, the Metro Children's Center was expanded to include therapists based in public schools.

A partnership of Aurora, Adams, and Arapahoe Mental Health Centers established Behavioral HealthCare, Inc. and won the state contract to provide mental health services to Medicaid-eligible clients in the region.  Meanwhile, the Center purchased Lima House, a residence for clients in transition from hospitalization to the community.  It began operations in 1997.  Hospital-Based Intensive Treatment added Adams Mental Health Center and later became InNET.

The Center's Intercept Day Treatment Program opened to provide services to adolescents with a developmental disability and a mental illness.  In addition, the Acute Treatment Unit opened in partnership with Aurora Behavioral Health Hospital.  The Center was notified it would receive a title to a 22,000 square-foot building at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center to provide adult residential treatment. 

By the late 1990's, the Center opened their Family Support and Reunification Services, which coordinated with county departments of social services to provide services to children in foster care and child placement agencies.

2000 - Today

Over the past years, Aurora Mental Health Center has made great strides in improving its programs, facilities, and staff, and developing further initiatives to reach more individuals.

In 2001, the Center opened the Fitzsimons Center to provide homeless adults with permanent housing and mental health services in an independent apartment-like setting, as well as the Intake/Emergency Services Program.  Also, in 2001, the Federal Department of Health and Human Services selected the Center to be a part of a nationwide effort to provide the best possible care to children who have suffered serious trama, and to serve as a role model for other providers.  In addition, the Center received accreditation status from the American Psychological Association for its psychologist internship program.

A year later, the Federal Government selected the Center to participate in an alliance with the Metro Community Provider Network to bring integrated behavioral and primary care to homeless adults.

Many of the staff at the Center have received special disaster training over the years and have been called to provide services during the Oklahoma bombing trial, the aftermath of 9/11, and Hurricane Ivan.  In September 2005, the Center's excellent reputation proved to be beneficial when evacuees from Hurricane Katrina arrived in Colorado.  Aurora Mental Health Center was the lead agency in coordinating and providing services to those individuals.

Aurora Mental Health Center will continue to build its future from the strong framework of present and past accomplishments.  The Center's Board of Directors and staff are proud, challenged, and dedicated to a better future for the people we serve.