Strengthening individuals, families, and communities throughout the Black Hills with high-quality, effective mental health services.
Strengthening individuals, families, and communities throughout the Black Hills with high-quality, effective mental health services.
A Legacy of Compassionate Care
West River Mental Health’s journey began in 1948 with a single psychiatrist offering mental health care just a few hours each week. Today, we are a dynamic, community-driven organization serving individuals across a 20,000-square-mile area in western South Dakota.
In 1948, Dr. Thomas Fox, a psychiatrist at the Fort Meade Medical Center, began offering his services for a half-day each week in Rapid City. At the time, it was the only mental health option available to the public, and Dr. Fox’s effort eventually drew the attention of community leaders. This consideration led to the incorporation of a not-for-profit organization called West River Mental Health Center (WRMH), where Dr. Fox was joined by a small team of mental health care providers.
A turning point for WRMHC came in the early 1960’s when President John F. Kennedy called for “a bold new approach” to the prevention and treatment of mental illness. His appeal was poignant for the WRMHC, and the Black Hills Center responded by expanding outpatient counseling services, launching new programs for adults with major mental illness, and opening additional offices in Spearfish and Hot Springs, South Dakota.
By the 1980s, demand for a decrease in the government funding of such institutions resounded across public and political forums. While many not-for-profit agencies were forced to curtail their available services, the WRMHC Board of Directors took a different approach by expanding outpatient services offered to adults, children, and families in the Black Hills.
Over the decades, West River Mental Health has grown from a single provider in Rapid City to a network of five locations across the Black Hills. Our services have evolved to include outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, crisis intervention, and inpatient addiction recovery programs.
Today, we serve people across a 20,000 square mile area, addressing their mental health and addiction needs.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our key mission: Provide high-quality and effective mental health and addiction services helping clients lead full and productive lives while contributing to the health and well-being of our communities.
The strength of West River Mental Health isn’t just in our history, it’s in the passionate, dedicated individuals who bring our mission to life every day.
Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of others? At West River Mental Health, we’re always looking for compassionate, skilled professionals to join our mission.
West River Mental Health offers an exceptional internship program for students who are completing their Master’s level education in Counseling or Social Work.