How to Start a Mental Health Center?

125 comments
5 expert advice
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You have two options if you plan to start a mental health center. You can create your own, or you can become an affiliate. Starting your facility can be costly and challenging, but with a plan of action, you will know what to do.

Start running your facility and cater to the needs of the family, relatives, and the local community.

How to Start a Mental Health Center in Your Area

Do you have family members and relatives with mental problems? Can you find mentally sick people in your community? By answering these questions, you can now determine if there is a need for a mental health center in your local area. If you think this option is viable, you can now create your business plan. The plan will cover all the aspects of the business, such as marketing, funding, finances, and many others. First and foremost, you have to study the market. If you can find a local mental center, you have to talk to their staff about managing the center.

If the market study proves the mental health center is feasible, you can pursue your venture. You will need funding because you must get a facility or building. Aside from the building, it would help if you also got all the necessary equipment, furniture, fixtures, and other essentials. You can lease or purchase the property and the building, but you must study the options first. If your capital can cover the purchase of the facility, this is a better choice.

Another Option on How to Open a Mental Hospital

You should pick an ideal location for the mental health center. Hiring the needed staff is very important as well. You must employ licensed nurses and other professionals to help you run the center. Advertising methods should be utilized to promote the center, so families in the local community will learn about your center. If you think starting your mental health center is overwhelming, you can become an affiliate. Find a reputable center in your area or at the national level. Determine if the health center requires affiliates, and you can become part of them.

It would be best to have a background in business management and other related courses to manage the center better. Starting a mental health center can be challenging, but you will surely enjoy serving people in need once it is up and running. You will be able to provide all the needs of a family member or relative suffering from mental illness, and at the same time, you can also help others in need. Once the facility is ready and you’ve already circulated the news about it, you can launch it, and in a matter of days, you will indeed have a lot of patients to serve.

125 Comments

Laura Ortiz said on June 17, 2010
i want to start a mental health center in Saint Petersburg, Fl, United States
DANH DOAN said on September 14, 2010
I WOULD LIKE TO START A MENTAL HEALTH CENTER IN FLORENCE SC AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. I JUST NEED HELP WITH APPLYING FOR ALL THE RITE APPLICATIONS. FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME BACK ANYTIME. THANKS
Linda hopkins said on October 14, 2010
need all information from the board of directors to janitorial needs.
Dorcas L. Mc Crae said on October 31, 2010
I would like to start a mental health facilty in Miami, Fl. Are there samples business plans that I can look at? I am starting from ground zeros, so any help is appreciated.....
Bonnie Best said on November 11, 2010
I would like to start a mental health facility in mt area...I am in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake area...
Sandra W said on December 2, 2010
I would like to start a mental health facility in north carolina( rowan county).
betsy said on January 14, 2011
i would like to start a mental health agency in the dc metro area.i am starting from point zero.i will really appreciate any help.thanks
Anita said on January 15, 2011
I never realized that the community had so little to offer until my son was diagnosed at the age of 21. This experience has lead me to believe that I should at least investigate the possibility of housing for the mentally ill. Anyone with information please contact me. Georgia has very little to offer in terms of help.
Ken-netta said on February 11, 2011
I am looking to start a mental health agency in Pittsburgh PA....any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Cindy said on March 17, 2011
I am a resident of Zachary, Louisiana and I am interested in opening up a Mental Health Rehabilitation agencies. I have many years of experiences and there are so many children that are in need of this services. Can you please help. Thank you
Charlotte parker said on March 24, 2011
I would like to open a mental health clinic in Oakland, CA. I am not sure what the process is and what a business plan should look like.
nakia bell said on March 29, 2011
I would like to open a mental hospice in Memphis.tn any suggestions on who to contact involving the state requirement will be helpful at this point. I'm starting from ground zero. thanks for your help!!
Leticia said on April 22, 2011
We would like to open a Mental Health agency in New Orleans, LA. My husband and I have years of experience working in the mental health field. We are starting from the ground and would like to know what options are available. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Wallace said on June 9, 2011
I am planning to start a mental health facility in Southeast GA.I am a Sp Ed teacher with many years of experience. I am starting from ground zeros, so I will need all information from the board of directors, staffing, finance and lawn care. As soon as you can email me please do,also tell me about become an affiliate. Thanks
Andre said on June 25, 2011
Like Leticia I'm in need of assistance with start up a mental health agency in new orleans, la I have start up capital and applications and things of that nature I'm just missing a few things please get back with me and let me know.
Perveen Rasheed said on July 24, 2011
Dhaka, Bangladesh, I have been contemplating to open my mental health facility as a private practitioner in Dhaka. As far as mental health is concerned,the business of mental health is the call of the psychiatrists. I am a woman psychologist and have a post graduate degree in psychology. I do not have years of formal facility or office-based experience, but I have been into counseling, and experimenting color and sound therapies for specific cases and intellectual activity therapies for sets of cases. I have been more formally an agronomist. There's good market for mental health services (non-psychaitric)in Dhaka. It is the cost of a rental premises in a market-wise good location that has bogged me down. Dhaka is very expensive. I have been a CEO of a social business company for 7 years, so I won't see problem managing a facility and providing services. I can't think of loan in Dhaka for payment of rent. Would appreciate any support/direction. Many thanks
Yolanda Johnson said on August 22, 2011
I'm planning to start my mental health center in Atlanta Ga. I have 6+ years experience in mental health. I'm starting from the ground up and its getting a bit overwhelming and if you have information that could help me and point me the right direction I would greatly appreciate it.
Connie Wilson said on October 14, 2011
I would like to be apart of a company starting geri-psych units either free standing or hospital based. I was the director of a well established unit and recently assisted in starting a geri-psych unit. I have policies and procedures plus a range of careplans and forms.
Paul Hagenburger said on October 17, 2011
I am thinking about opening a mental health clinic in El Centro California. Any and all ideas are welcome
Mary Ward said on November 25, 2011
I am in the process of starting my own counseling and mental health center in the Washington DC and surrounding Maryland counties. This facility would provide care for offenders realeased and housed in prisons, juveniles who are mentally ill, battered spouses and veterans of war.I need to find creative and profitable ways to obtain funding for start up capital. I am open to any suggestions from those who have been successful in finding and accomplishing the same goal I am seeking in locating these much needed funds. As with the others, Any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Crystal K said on December 7, 2011
@Sandra.. I am also in NC (Charlotte) and was interested in starting my own. Maybe we could put some of our ideas together and go from there. I'd love that!
elizabeth font said on December 11, 2011
I am interested in opening a mental health clinic in philadelphia area or any where in pa
charles h said on December 18, 2011
I want to start my own counseling and mental health facility in Toledo, Oh and possibly expand to Cleveland, Oh. My vision is to provide mental and vocational services to those with mental illnesses, battered spouses, family therapy, marriage counseling. I would like more information on how to obtain grants, loans and other funding to start, operate, and provide services, a list of licensed professionals needed ex: nurses, therapists, social workers etc. Please email me back with suggestions, tips, partnerships and other requested information at hinesch1@gmail.com
quentinv said on January 3, 2012
Crystal K and Sandra W i'm in the concord area working in the mental health for over 12 years. I have been think and looking in to start a company also. I would love to speak with you ladies. you can contact me at quentin082@hotmail.com
Ashley said on March 11, 2012
I want to start a counseling and mental health facility in New Otleans, LA
sandy hagan said on March 23, 2012
I'm in the Kern County area and would love to open up a mental health facility. Can anyone help me with more information? Thanks.
Mary said on March 27, 2012
Myself and a friend wants to open up a mental facility in New York City area either in Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and my friend already had worked in a mental health center all I need now is any information on how to start it. Please contact me at marynkenke@gmail.com
Faruk Azam said on May 26, 2012
We want to open a mental health center in NJ. To treat chronically ill after their discharge from hospital and providing partial care. How to get started, where to apply, how to get funds? Thanks
Demetrius said on May 29, 2012
looking to start mental health agency in luisiana or ohio. Please help.
Ian Boyd said on July 6, 2012
I have been dreaming of opening a consumer-run, exclusive mental health facility to compete against state funded agencies in Kansas. I am needing to know more about starting such a facility. Please share with me any information so I can achieve my dream to help those who have SPMI. Thanks...IBoyd@cableone.net
Ms Simpson said on July 21, 2012
I am the Executive Vice President and Assistant Program Director of a CMHC located in Texas. I am also a consultant for a Mental Health Consulting firm. We offer services for established and start-up CMHC's across the U.S. Please feel free to email me if you would like to discuss our services. csimpson@superioremg.com Ms. Simpson
Angela Clark said on August 5, 2012
Would like to open a much needed mental health facility in South Florida, Homestead area, FL 33030. Please, if anyone can give me information on where to start, funding opportunities, interested affiliates, financial gains/losses, all information welcome. Please contact me with any available information so I can get started helping those in need! Much appreciation, Angela
Roy Harris said on August 6, 2012
Living in the USA and wanting to be involved in a mental health facility or advocacy project? We would like to hear from you. Our South African based organisation www.mentalhealth.org.za is currently doing a need and market analysis as we are considering to establish branches in the USA. You can send us your ideas, proposals and CV's to ceo@royharris.co.za
sharon hunter said on August 25, 2012
my heart is set on opening a mental health home in BATON ROUGE, louisiana i was in the park the other day and i saw a lost soul, if only he had someone that cared and help him with his daily medications-my heart goes out to the mentally challenge, i grew up around this, my mom-if u know anything about louisiana requirements please let me know
selvakumar parthiban said on September 3, 2012
my name is selvakumar parthiban i completed pg in psychology i want start a mental health hospital in coimbatore i have land and experience.
eli hilman said on September 10, 2012
I'm an LSW AND HOPING TO BECOME AN LCSW. I want to open a Mental Health facility in Lakewood, NJ 08701 USA. I would appreciate any advice. Eli
Rev. Burruss said on September 14, 2012
I would like to open a Heath care facility in sliver spring, md. I have the building and the people with the years in the field. working on paper work and open for other funding, maybe a partnership, email me roweshea@gmail.com on building a plain to gather I have the land etc
Gary Lawrence said on October 3, 2012
I would like to open a mental health office in atlanta GA, any information in regards to completing the proper paper work would be greatly appreciated!
Shaun said on October 17, 2012
I would like to open a Mental Health office in Pompano Beach, FL any information in regards of starting the proper paper work would be appreciated.
Robin Whitmarsh said on October 18, 2012
I would like to open a mental health facility in Lake Elsinore, California. There is nothing in the surrounding cities. I have mental health issues and I finally went for help. Where I was at, was amazing. Now I want to give back. I will be going to NAMI classes starting next week and then I was told there are training classes afterwards. So I would like to give back and help those who are in need. I will be starting from the very bottom. If anyone has anything to help it would be very grateful.
Demi said on October 24, 2012
I am hoping to start a Mental Health agency here in Greensboro, NC...I am an LCSWA...the process just seems so overwhelming...would love to share ideas with someone.
dr nand kishore said on October 26, 2012
I am well qualified Psychiatrist having MD degree from AIIMS New Delhi. I also have 3 years of experience in working a neuro psychiatric center at delhi. now i am planning start a psychiatric center at kurukshetra haryana, india. I don't have much of finances to start it. please guide me. Thanks
Denise (LCSW) said on October 26, 2012
Anyone out there from Muskegon, MI and interested in starting a private practice? Also, anyone with any ideas I would love to hear from you - I don't have a clue what I"m doing so marketing ideas would be great!!!!
Debra beginner adviser said on November 8, 2012
Denise (LCSW), I would be willing to assist in developing a business plan for you and helping with your set-up. I own a consulting business and have Masters in Business and Psychology.
dlyons0123@aol.com || Consultant
desmond robinson said on November 20, 2012
i would like to open my own mental health group home for adults i am richmond va. I would appreciate any help to get started. des897@yahoo.com
mimi said on November 28, 2012
I'm interested in opening a rec center for the mentally ill on the East End Of Long Island. We do have the traditional day rehabilitation but I am looking to branch out into a more holistic motivational type of a program. In any event I would like to know if someone can offer me any information as I too will be starting @ ground zero. Thank you.M
Greg said on November 29, 2012
I want to open a mental business in Houston,TX. I would like to know what are all the applications that are need to start. Thank You G.S.
abdulnazar said on December 9, 2012
planning to start a complete mental health centre at Omassery, kozhikode, kerala, india annexe to santhi hospital
shaynna said on December 9, 2012
I would like to stat a mental health clinic in plaquimine, la can any one help with what is needed to do that. Thanks
Lauren Gann said on December 16, 2012
I am looking at helping create and manage a mental health clinic. I am already working on my business plan. Paul Hagenburger---I live in PB california. I would love to talk sometime.
Ann said on December 31, 2012
I am in central NC. I have a Mental Health private practice but am interested in opening a mental health hospital to facilitate the waiting lists that exist at the clinics and other state hospitals. Any help and ideas would be appreciated. savvy4u@msn.com
Victor lobo said on January 1, 2013
I have a mental health Center already , recognized by state government. Looking for affiliation to have better facilities for opd and in house people . Have almost all required staff, doctors, and infrastructure . At : satpala, virar west, dist. Thane, Maharashtra India
Benjamin Harrison Brown Jr. said on January 9, 2013
I am interested in starting up a mental health case management agency in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Pa. I have an MBA and a B.S. in psychology. I have been in the field of community mental health for over 27 years. I want to start up a specialized case management agency.
Steviin james said on January 9, 2013
I am wanting to start a behavioral mental health agency in florida or Miami Fl. Need a initial consulting help. Willing to give points, partner up or pay for the start-up consultations. Thanks a bunch.... emai, -- steviinj@gmail.com
gladys said on January 27, 2013
I want to open a counseling and mental health center in new jersey, any ideas and help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Jason Forbes said on February 8, 2013
I want to start a behavioral base Mental Health agency in Tampa, FL. I need some consulting help. Please email me at j.forbes1105@yahoo.com
Naphisa03 said on February 12, 2013
I will like to start up and open a psychiatric facility or a geriatric nursing home in Palm Coast, Florida. Any insight will be appreciated! thanks!
Hank Tang said on February 16, 2013
I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I have already had an outpatient clinic. I am very interested in setting up an child and adolescent inpatient facility in Oklahoma in order to better help those youth with mental illness. Any information regarding how to start would be greatly appreciated. Please email me at tang5168@yahoo.com
Roy Harris said on March 5, 2013
If you are interested in opening a mental health facility, and have the passion and experience to do a need survey, register, start up and manage such a facility on our behalf or in partnership with us, please contact us at 33983usa@gmail.com and attach a Resume.
Arlene Adkins said on March 17, 2013
I am planning on opening a mental health clinic in New Haven CT. I am not sure where to begin so any and all help would be greatly appreciated. There is such a great need for a clinic in my area. I am not sure about what licenses I would need in Connecticut. Thanks. Please email me at marrosmith@yahoo.com.
Antonio Smith said on March 17, 2013
I am interested in opening a Behavioral and Mental Health Facility in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. With an emphasize on working with adolescents and Adults w/ severe Mental and Behavioral Disorders. As well as, Rehabilitation instead of incarceration for offenders with pyschological dispositions. I have begun writing my business plan. I have years of experience working in the mental health field. I am starting from the ground and would like to know what options are available. I am also seeking any Information as it pertains to: Board of Directors, licensed professionals,finance, and affiliations. I would greatly appreciate any information to help me get started on my Vision for Behavioral and Mental Health in Florida. Please email me at adsfsu2000@gmail.com with any relevant information or contacts. Thank You
Tyra P. said on March 28, 2013
I would love to start a Mental Health Facility in New Orleans, LA. I am an RN, with a BSN. What certifications would I need?
Gerald McClellan said on May 7, 2013
Hello I live in Hope Ar and I would like to find out how to start a business for housing the mentally ill. Thanks
kimberly tyre said on May 28, 2013
hello everyone my name is kimberly tyre and I'm interested in starting a mental health facility in newyork. please forward me information on getting started
Shannon said on June 4, 2013
Would like to start mental health clinic in Montana. Need help to find all applications. Thanks
Sherry said on June 13, 2013
I would like to open a Respite apt duplex for young adults in virginia. Would love to get some help to start me in the right direction.
Bakashaka mbabazi said on June 19, 2013
There is no affordable mental healthy services in uganda. This has caused a lot suicidal as a result and broken families and marriages. Use of drugs at rumpant and luck of anger management , I am a midwife nurse counselor and have worked with community organizations in uk.i feel sad when I compare the way people need services in uganda as compared to here. Who is out there to help me develop the idea of starting affordable mental health facility to cater for the larger group of people who badly need these services. eg youth both employed and i am welcoming any idea from any with such passion like me and will guide me on how and where to get funders that can help me with dream of rehabilitation centre/ mental health ,counseling.
John V Lewis Sr said on June 28, 2013
I want to open a mental health facility in Leavenworth Ks, the need is definitely there, i have over a decade in mental health services, and need to get out on my own to better serve the mental health population in Leavenworth Ks.
Tobi said on July 2, 2013
I will like to provide care for offenders released and housed in prisons, juveniles who are mentally ill and need information on how to go about it. I am in DMV area but will like to locate in the South Eastern part of the Washington DC. tobi197@yahoo.com Kind regards, Tobi
martin said on July 20, 2013
i would like to know the process to open a mentally ill centre in tamil nadu,dharmpuri dist,india,pls mail me as soon as possible
Melvin Salaiz said on August 16, 2013
I am looking to start a mental health business in the metro Orlando, Florida area. Anyone care to give some advice or even know any health care professionals that would like to help me get it started. email me back at hrdsly@yahoo.com... thanks
Andrea said on August 18, 2013
I'd like to open a clinic in NY (Queens, Nassau, Suffolk counties) & I'd really appreciate any guidance you can offer. I've been an independent contractor for 7 years with nearly 20 years of experience, but I have no idea where to start and what applications I'd need to fill out to abide by all NY city/state regulations. Please help!
Robin said on September 17, 2013
Wanting to open an independent peer support business that works in tandem with two mental health agencies in area
Tamesha P said on October 23, 2013
I am hoping to start a home health/ mental health care agency in Savannah, Ga, any info will help!
p v srinivasan said on November 15, 2013
i have more than ten years of experience in the field of psychology and also now practicing at psychaitric hospital' thanks with regards from p v srinivasan. pl.help me in this regard.
fatima Evans said on January 6, 2014
I would like to start my own mental institution in Lancaster CA 93535 I have been working with mentally ill people for 12 years with my mom and children. with autism.
Dr.Chandramohan said on January 9, 2014
Dear Sir, I wish to start a Home for the mentally ill women at the Tirunelveli district, we already have a school for the mentally retarded called Bishop Sargent School for Mentally Retarded for 200 children. kindly convey the model application form and a model project. thanking you, Yours, T.Chandramohan
Subhash Pathak said on March 8, 2014
Dear sir, I wish to start center for old age persons and also for addicts near Pune, Maharashtra, India. Kindly convey the legal process, licenses required and model project Thanking you. Subhash Pathak
Travis beginner adviser said on April 4, 2014
I would like to help.
travis@less4you.com || Consultant
Travis beginner adviser said on April 4, 2014
I would like to partner up with someone (experience in the mental health field required) in the following States to provide Mental Health Services: Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and DC/MD. I'm currently on the East Coast, but would like to expand to the Mid-West and West Coast. We are also open to working with individuals in Canada and Western Europe. I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached via email: travis@less4you.com
travis@less4you.com || Consultant
Earl said on June 29, 2014
I would like to own a mental treatment center. I am figuring areas of study to start running and owning the business. I am interested in helping and joining up with those who want to own and run a mental treatment center. I can be reached by via email: Winninghistory1@gmail.com Thank-you
Stanley Terry said on September 3, 2014
I have been working with elderly and disabled people in the community i would like to have help in getting information on getting my own client in stead of going through these small agency that didn't want to give u the right information on starting your own business owners
Christine Adong said on September 22, 2014
I would like to open a mental health center in Africa (in a rural area) where there is limited health care facilities. this will include women with postnatal depression, health education. How do i write the business plan? Any ideas or plan is welcome.
C. Johnson said on September 26, 2014
I am looking for assistance and/guidance to grow a behavioral health agency in southern Nevada. Thank you in advance for your response.
Kawanaca NeedumGreen said on October 21, 2014
I want to start a mental health case management center.
Brandy Wilson said on November 19, 2014
I am in New Orleans, Louisiana and I would like to open a Mental Health Rehab facility (outpatient). This would serve adults/adolescents/children with mental illness of all sorts. I am looking for assistance to help me get started, from obtaining money to rent space, getting the necessary furniture/equipment for an office, etc. I currently work in this field so I know what is needed as far as staffing goes. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
LINDA FULLARD said on February 2, 2015
i would like more info on how to start a mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation center in phoenix arizona, an inpatient and a out patient facility. Please respond as soon as possible.
Shaneel said on February 7, 2015
Hi, I am interested in opening up a mental health facility in NJ/NY area. I am a psychiatrist and I am looking to partner with people, preferably from a business background. If you are interested, please send me an email. Thanks!
charles said on February 19, 2015
I'm looking into opening a mental health center in the New Orleans la 70128 area and need help with doing so .I'm too are starting from the ground and any advice is helpful thanks.
zea Watlington said on February 25, 2015
Looking to start up my own facility as well. And need all the advice anyone can give need pointers in the TN area.
India said on March 11, 2015
I've just recently found out my 10 yr old have mental health problems i've always known something was going on because she never fit in with other she was always cast out or shunned from others and i dont want her or any other child or person for that matter to ever feel that way so i would like to open up a center where they are welcomed and never judge by anyone
Elen said on March 25, 2015
Dear, I'm looking to open the mental health facility in California so I'm looking some very good Legal agencies that can help me to open my own agency from A to Z any advice please go ahead and email me your information thank you. I will happily work with you poghosyanelen@yahoo.com
jose fernandez said on April 7, 2015
I`m opening a mental health clinic in Springfield Mass. I have 30 years in the field and having over 40 therapist coming with me and their clients .I need a Psychiatrist to be the medical director .
Allyson Lopez said on April 13, 2015
I would like to open a day treatment center for children with mental disabilities. I live in Tampa Florida and need any advice anyone can give me on how to do this. I want to help children after school to learn how to work through their disabilities and become productive adults.
Kurt said on May 4, 2015
I am in the process of determining if our medical center in the mid-Atlantic will apply for a C.O.N for a psychiatric in-pt unit. I am struggling to put together a business plan. I do understand the market, payor mix, and referral volume. However, in terms of specific costs e.g. FTE's and other costs to run in addition to DRG's and reimbursement rates - things are getting complex. Anyone know of sample business plans? Best, Kurt
Greenland family care said on May 18, 2015
if you will need any update how to start a mental health and behavioural health Agency contact me ; omoloba123@gmail.com , 7012208306
Liliana said on July 19, 2015
Hi, I want to open a mental health office in ft lauderdale, fl. At this moment I am a registered mental health counselor. My question is if I can hire someone with a license in the main time in order to open the business due to I have a lot of clients..,or, if I need to wait until getting my own license to open it.
John Ramirez said on July 29, 2015
Miami, Fl. Community Mental Health
Georgia said on August 5, 2015
I am interested in starting up a mental health facility in the UK. I can have a business plan drawn up but I need help knowing what things I have to apply for..
ikenna said on August 18, 2015
Hello, I am currently a board certified Psych RN and have worked in mental health for 6years. I would like to open an assisted living for patients with chronic mental illness. Please contact me with more info. 7329108673

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