Schedule an Appointment / Creekside Center
Schedule an Appointment:
To schedule an intake appointment for mental health services or to find out what program might best meet your needs, call us at 503.397.5211. You can also email our administration staff to ask specific questions about our services.
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Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide quality services to families in need of mental health, addiction and developmental disabilities services throughout Columbia County.
Columbia Community Mental Health was founded in 1975 when Columbia County turned over the responsibility to our non-profit organization, to provide services to the county's citizens in need of mental health, addiction and developmentally disabled services. Over the years, we have grown and evolved in ways to stay relevant to our purpose and in support of our community.
During fiscal year 2003-04, approximately 3,386 individuals and families received outpatient services from Columbia Community Mental Health. The majority of clients are seen in our outpatient treatment facilities in St. Helens, Oregon; however, we also have satellite offices located in Vernonia, Clatskanie, Scappoose and Rainier. Five residential facilities and multiple adolescent professional foster treatment are also located in St. Helens. Skills training and case management for children, adults and families are held in client's homes throughout Columbia County. CCMH is the only non-profit mental healthcare organization in rural Columbia County.
There are approximately 90 employees of which 11 provide administrative services for the organization. The core budget is $5 million. In addition, $3 million is contracted to other agencies providing housing and a shelter workshop for persons with developmental disabilities.
Background
The population of St. Helens has grown approximately 33% in the past ten years, and city officials believe this rate of growth will continue or increase in the future. However, the local economy is weak with one of Oregon's highest unemployment rates. “The Chronicle” newspaper stated on July 21, 2004, that the unemployment rate is 9.2% while the state averages is 6.9% and the nation 5.8%. Columbia County has had one of the highest unemployment rates in Oregon over the past two years reaching double-digit numbers for 17 months in a row.
The high population growth rate, coupled with unemployment and poverty, separates people from health benefits. These factors have increased the obligation of CCMH to serve those with low income and no insurance. Approximately, 85% of the clients we see meet the federal poverty guidelines. The county's rural nature and lack of an acute care hospital or emergency department has also accelerated the need for crisis services.
The U.S. Surgeon General states that the majority of US citizens with mental health disorders go untreated, especially in rural America.
The review found CCMH to be capable of assuming the financial obligation associated with the USDA loan.
During the spring of 2002, after evaluating the costs, risks and benefits, the Board determined the best course was to construct a new facility. The decision was based upon the organization's capability to improve efficiency, stabilize the cost of operation and manage future growth .
Creekside Center
In June 2002, the CCMH Board of Directors authorized the purchase of 4 acres on McNulty Creek. This wooded location was chosen for easy access and the setting, which was conducive to privacy and the efficient delivery of services.
An architectural firm was engaged to develop a plan, which was completed in December 2002. The facility is designed with two distinct wings to house the addiction and psychiatric rehabilitation programs. A third wing will include outpatient mental health
and developmentally disabled services. Administrative services are included in the third wing. There will be 33% increase in the number of individual therapy and group therapy rooms.
Key factors around the privacy and confidentiality of the clients influenced the design. Three separate waiting rooms will be situated off the lobby. A private entrance to be used by law enforcement agencies is included. In addition, different populations using different services can be segregated and use private designated entrances. An innovative psychiatric rehabilitation program includes a working kitchen where clients will be supervised in a new business enterprise. They plan to serve deli meals and beverages to staff, clients and the public.
A community room has been designated for community outreach purposes and to address the shortage of meeting space in St. Helens. Our long-term goal is to educate our community regarding mental health, addiction, and developmentally disabled issues. We are hoping that bringing the public into our new facility will decrease the discomfort associated with the mentally ill.
The total budget of the new facility is $3.3 million. Major financial support was received from a Community Development Block Grant and a long-term USDA Rural Development low interest loan, both playing a significant role in the project's momentum. These significant commitments laid a strong foundation for CCMH to launch a private fund-raising community campaign in the amount of $900,000.
Capital Campaign
The Board began the Capital Campaign in 2003 by recruiting both a Steering Committee and an Advisory Committee comprised of members from Columbia County and the Portland area. The fund-raising goal of the campaign is $900,000, the full amount to be dedicated to the reduction of the low-interest loan. This action is consistent with the fiscally conservative operating history of CCMH. The motivation in this endeavor is both to fully protect any cuts in future programs and importantly, to engage the community toward the goal of reducing the stigma of mental illness
The capital campaign is ending December 2005. The Board of Directors has a l00% participation. Significant grants have been received from the Murdock and Collins Foundations. Business support include cash and in-kind contributions from Boise Solutions, Malarkey Roofing, Stimson Lumber, US Gypsum, Cascade Tissues, Columbia County National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Hudson Garbage Company, Dahlgren Lumber and the Greater Oregon Behavior Health, Inc. Importantly, our goal of community engagement has also raised contributions through rummage sales, bowling tournaments and concession sales at local festivals. Creekside Center opened in the summer of 2005.
We look forward to continuing to work with our community partners in helping individuals and families live healthier and productive lives!