Written by: JR Robinson

For half a century, Alliance Healthcare Services has been at the forefront of mental health care in Memphis, evolving from its roots as Southeast Mental Health Center to become the largest comprehensive behavioral health provider in Shelby County. This nonprofit organization has consistently adapted to meet the community's changing needs, offering a wide array of services that touch the lives of over 22,000 residents annually.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

Since its inception in 1974, Alliance has expanded its reach far beyond traditional outpatient services. The organization now provides a continuum of care that includes:

• Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs
• Home-based and community-based services
• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Housing support
• Addiction treatment
• Child and adolescent services
• Family therapy

This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals from all walks of life can access the support they need, when they need it most.

Leadership That Inspires

At the helm of this vital organization is Laurie Powell, CEO of Alliance Healthcare Services since July 2018. Powell's passion for the agency's mission to "Promote Wellness in our Community" is evident in her tireless efforts to expand and improve services.

Under Powell's leadership, Alliance has made significant strides in crisis response and community partnerships. The organization works closely with Shelby County's law enforcement and fire departments, diverting approximately 13,000 individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system annually. This collaborative effort not only provides appropriate treatment but also results in substantial savings of around $165 million in jail, court, and hospital costs each year.

Expanding Horizons: The New Crisis Wellness Center

Alliance Healthcare Services is on the cusp of a major expansion that promises to revolutionize crisis care in Memphis. Construction is underway on a new $34 million, 55,000-square-foot Crisis Wellness Center, set to open its doors in January 2025.

This state-of-the-art facility will significantly enhance Alliance's crisis response capabilities:

• Increasing available beds from 27 to 45
• Enabling simultaneous monitoring of up to 24 individuals across 15 assessment rooms
• Featuring a secure intake area, 22 offices, and a dedicated family and children's space

The new center, located at 3200 Broad Avenue, is designed to be a one-stop shop for mental health crisis care, setting a new standard for facilities of its kind across the country.

A Commitment to Children's Mental Health

In a further demonstration of its commitment to comprehensive care, Alliance has announced plans for an $11 million children's wellness center. This facility will be built adjacent to the new Crisis Wellness Center, creating a cohesive mental health campus in the Binghampton area. Groundbreaking for this project is slated for early 2025, marking another significant step in Alliance's mission to address mental health needs across all age groups.

Looking to the Future

As Alliance Healthcare Services approaches its new chapter with the opening of the Crisis Wellness Center and the planned children's facility, the organization remains focused on its core mission. Powell emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term approach to walking alongside individuals and families on their journey to recovery and healing.

With the establishment of The Alliance Foundation, the organization is poised to further expand its reach and impact. This new initiative, led by Executive Director Mark Billingsley, opens up opportunities for community involvement and support, ensuring that Alliance can continue to meet the growing mental health needs of Memphis and Shelby County.

As mental health awareness continues to grow, Alliance Healthcare Services stands ready to meet the challenges ahead, providing hope and healing to those in need, one person at a time.