Thirty-five years ago, a group of citizens got together and took the initial step in founding a community mental health center for the mentally challenged population of Shelby County.   Under the name of Southeast Memphis Mental Health Center, they acquired a Charter of Incorporation from the State of Tennessee in September of 1973 as a private, non-profit corporation organized for the purpose of providing comprehensive community mental health services to residents of census Catchment Area 27 in Shelby County, Tennessee as defined by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.  Even though the group originally met at the Memphis City Board of Education, they soon moved to 3520 Getwell  Road.  They remained at the Getwell Road location until 1979 when they relocated to 3810 Winchester Road, Memphis, Tennessee which today houses the corporate offices and a clinic for mentally ill Children and Youth.   A second clinic, which remains in operation today, was opened in May of 1980 in the Orange Mound community at 2579 Douglass.  This clinic serves mentally ill adults, and also houses a full service pharmacy.   A third clinic, which also remains in operation today, was opened in May of 1997, serving mentally ill adults.

The Center is governed by a community oriented Board of Directors.  This Board of Directors, serving in the public trust, has the legal responsibility for the operation of the Center.  The Center’s first Board President was Dr. Jerry Boone, and  James A. Baker, Jr. is the current Board president.

Mr. Tom Miles was the Center’s first Executive Director, and in September 1976 was succeeded by Dr. Leon Lebovitz, who had been a Board member since the Center’s inception.   Dr. Lebovitz served as Executive Director for 13 years at which time he was succeeded by the late Andrew Fox.  Mr. Fox was succeeded by Gene Lawrence in 1992, who continues to serve as the Director of the agency .  Under the leadership of Mr. Lawrence, the agency has experienced tremendous growth.   Southeast presently manages some seven (7) corporations.  There are three licensed mental health clinics, four licensed supportive living facilities, three semi-independent group homes, and three Apartment complexes, with over 160 residential beds in the community.   Southeast also sponsors Turning Point Peer Support Center.  In 1999, Southeast partnered with a local private hospital to open a 50-bed inpatient Psychiatric Unit for the mentally ill in the downtown area of Memphis, which remains in operation today.

Southeast Mental Health Center is and has been a viable presence in the community, serving 2500-3000 active cases at any given time.  It is the only county-wide mental health facility with a full continuum of care, the largest MediCare provider, and the largest provider of mental healthcare services for children in Memphis.  Services include Psychiatric Services & Chemotherapy, Pharmacy Services, Individual & Family Counseling, Specialized Educational groups, Consultation & Education Services, Employee Assistance Programs, Children & Youth Services, Psychoeducational  Evaluation of Children, Parenting Classes, Alcohol & Drug Treatment Services, Intensive Support Focus Groups, Supportive Living Facilities, and a Full Range of Other Housing Opportunities, Case Monitoring, Case Management, and Liaison Services to Local Hospitals.