History of CMHC
Sertoma’s Community Mental Health and Counseling division (CMHC) was developed as a program in 1978 to provide vocational training to patients from the Tinley Park Mental Health Center. In 1995 CHMC adopted an empowerment model focused on community integration and became licensed as a Medicaid Rehabilitation Option (MRO) provider of psychosocial rehabilitation services. In 1997 Sertoma was awarded “Connect 98” DHS/DMH funding which allowed expansion of service components to include peer support and community resource development. The program continued its use of evidenced-based curriculum purchased from University of California at Los Angeles and University of Chicago. Over time, additional modules were developed to meet consumers’ needs. Since 2007, through Community Support services, CMHC has been providing services in the consumer’s natural environment. In 2009 CMHC was moved to a free-standing building in Matteson, Ill., to better accommodate a growing population of individuals and organizations seeking its treatment and community education services. Since 2014, CMHC’s community service programs have continued to grow — a result of our partnering with the state for various initiatives.
