In 1970, the Center was incorporated as a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) entity. “Center, Inc.” as it was known then, served as an umbrella organization for five independent community agencies. In March 1976, a change in the charter permitted Center, Inc. to develop its own programs and seek funding for additional mental health services in the San Fernando Valley. In October 1981, the original concept of an umbrella organization was abandoned and San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc. came fully into its own.

The Center has since developed into one of the largest mental health centers of its kind in Los Angeles County, providing services to adults in our community who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness and youth who are diagnosed with severe emotional disturbance. In the current 45 programs across 13 program sites, the Center serves clients of all ages from infants to older adults with a full continuum of services for each age group. The Center also provides more specialized services for the homeless mentally ill; monolingual populations; victims of domestic violence; and, dually diagnosed consumers to name a few.