MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The faith and healthcare communities came together Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of a new mental health facility in Memphis near the Berclair neighborhood.
Mental Health Cooperative opened its first West Tennessee location on Summer Avenue near Highland Street.
The goal is to expand affordable mental health services for people of all ages in Memphis.
According to U.S. and World Report News, nearly 17% of adults in Shelby County struggle with frequent mental distress. So, the facility is offering outpatient services for severe behavioral health conditions and challenges related to poverty.
August White, Mental Health Cooperative executive director, said they focus on people who otherwise may not be able to afford their treatment.
"No one should have to decide between putting food on the table or getting their prescriptions,” said White.
Mental Health Cooperative opened its doors in Memphis in April 2023, and has serviced over 1,000 people so far. But they still wanted to hold a grand opening ceremony to get the word out, so they can help even more Memphians in need.
Mental Health Cooperative has 13 locations. Pam Womack, Mental Health Cooperative’s founder and CEO, is a Memphis native. She is passionate about bringing affordable mental health services to her hometown.
"Memphis is a place that is welcoming to this agency, that needs this agency. So, we're just happy to be here. We don't take private insurance. So, everybody is struggling with the effects of poverty,” said Womack.
Jacquelynne Young said her non-verbal autistic son has been going to Mental Health Cooperative for months. She said the unique approach the staff takes has been life changing for her son.
"It's just awesome. It's an awesome program. It's an awesome agency and I'm so appreciative that Memphis has something like this now because the other agencies don't meet needs the way that this agency does,” said Young.
Mental Health Cooperative said it's one of the only organizations in the state that solely focuses on mental health services for underserved populations.