Southwest Behavioral & Health Services was established in 1969 as a federally funded program under a partnership known as St. Lukes Jane Wayland Community Mental Health Center.
Incorporated in 1974 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the organization continued to grow as Phoenix South Community Mental Health Center when federal funding ceased in 1979.
A merger acquisition of Community Behavioral Health in 1995 strengthened its position as one of the largest community-based behavioral health providers in the state.
The merger acquisition of Rim Guidance Center in Payson, Arizona in 2000 allowed Southwest Behavioral & Health Services to achieve a major, long-term goal: to expand services beyond Maricopa County and thereby reduce dependence upon a single source of revenue. After over 40 years of community service, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services continues to prosper.
In January 2011, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services acquired the existing Toby House, Inc. corporation, adding housing inventory for more than 170 seriously mentally ill adults, in addition to staff and services.
Our agency employs over 1,000 full-time staff and an additional workforce available from part-time positions and contracts. Staff and volunteers reflect the cultural diversity of the community. SB&H is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of approximately 15 community volunteers. Our service area includes the Phoenix metropolitan area, rural Maricopa County, Gila, Mohave, Coconino, and Yavapai Counties.
