ABOUT CHARTIERS CENTER

In 1966, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed the Mental Health/Mental Retardation Act which had as its major purpose “to make it possible for every person with a mental disability to receive the kind of treatment he needs, when and where he needs it.” Catchment areas were set up statewide and each area was headed by a Base Service Unit (BSU). The BSU was to see that the mandated services were offered to the public. As a result, a community meeting was held in July of 1968 and a plan was endorsed to create Chartiers Community Mental Health and Retardation Center (Chartiers MH/MR Center). In May 1969, the first official meeting of the Chartiers MH/MR Center was held, and a permanent Board of Directors was elected. A series of task forces and committees were created that included community constituents whose purpose was to identify the services that would best benefit and meet the needs of the community’s citizens. 

A search was held to find suitable space for the Center. Space was leased in the Bridgeville Professional Building at 437 Railroad St., Bridgeville, PA. Bridgeville was chosen for two reasons: 1) It is the geographical center of our catchment area. 2) Transportation is available to the Center from almost all parts of the region served.

In September 1970, staff was hired and the BSU was operational and ready for the delivery of services. In June 1972, Chartiers MH/MR Center expanded the facilities to include the entire 2nd floor of the Bridgeville Professional Building. In April 1978, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital approved Chartiers MH/MR Center as a psychiatric facility.

In 2012, Chartiers began serving the chronically homeless with a behavioral health diagnosis and in 2014, Chartiers opened the Substance Abuse Treatment Program which serves consumers with co-occurring disorders (including behavioral health and substance abuse). In 2014, through a grant from the Staunton Farm Foundation, Chartiers was able to officially change their name from Chartiers Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center to Chartiers Center.

As of June 1, 2023 we have extended our services to include Washington County. With the opening of our Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic we are proud to serve our neighbors in the Washington communities. The clinic is located at 90 W.Chestnut St., East Wing Entrance. 

Today, Chartiers Center is a private, non-profit corporation funded by state, county, third-party insurances, and private funds. Services have grown to include a wide range of programs and service locations to assist behavioral health consumers and families, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To best meet the consumer’s needs, the focus is on the integration of physical health and mental wellness. Our comprehensive service continuum ranges from outpatient therapy to mental health residential services, and psychosocial rehabilitation. 

Chartiers Center has enjoyed working with and serving the Bridgeville community and residents of Allegheny County since 1970. 

Alesha McGough, Director Outpatient Services, Washington, said, “In preparation of our June 2023 opening, we have received a warm welcome from the Washington County provider community, and we are excited to develop those working relationships in service to the wellness of the Washington County community.”

A heartfelt thank you to both communities who are very supportive of our mission to serve individuals in need.