Where to Go for Assistance

Established in 1974, but with a history of serving Missourians dating back to 1847, the Department of Mental Health works to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; to treat, habilitate, or rehabilitate persons with those conditions; and to educate the public about mental health.

For you, or someone you know, who has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, or gambling addiction, the Department of Mental Health provides services through a network of contractors who operate treatment facilities. To find services nearest you, click Division of Behavioral Health - Substance Use and Mental Illness.

For you, or someone you know, who suffers from a mental illness or disorder, including schizophrenia or profound depression, or has been ordered by the courts to receive evaluation and treatment, the Department of Mental Health provides services through long-term care and acute-care facilities, a children’s psychiatric hospital and a children’s residential treatment center, and 25 community mental health centers located around the state. To find the service nearest you, click Division of Behavioral Health - Substance Use and Mental Illness.

For you, or someone you know, who has a developmental disability such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, or another serious disability that occurred before age of 22, the Department of Mental Health provides services through 11 regional centers, six habilitation centers, and many contractual providers. To find the regional center nearest you, click Division of Developmental Disabilities.

For you, or someone you know, who wants to know more about the Department of Mental Health, its services, its organization, the Mental Health Commission, the legislative and appropriation processes, volunteer services, or public programs with the department, click Director’s Office.