Our History
Over 50 Years of Transforming Lives
In the early 1970s, a group of dedicated volunteers recognized the importance of addressing adolescent drug and alcohol use in their community. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into one of Southern California's leading integrated healthcare organizations, proudly serving nearly 300,000 people.
Where It All Began
From Volunteers to a Professional Organization
Based on preliminary observations, the founding volunteers conducted an extensive survey of the level and frequency of drug and alcohol use among high school age youth in Inglewood, Centinela Valley, and Redondo Beach Unified School districts of Los Angeles County. The intent was to discover the circumstances affecting use, and if a problem existed, to assess where assistance was available to meet the challenge.
These data identified a community need, providing the group the evidence needed to apply for a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Initiation and Development grant — with which the volunteer contingent transitioned to a professional service organization with a definable mission and structure.
Our Journey
Key Milestones
A Community Need Identified
A group of dedicated volunteers conducted an extensive survey of drug and alcohol use among high school youth in Inglewood, Centinela Valley, and Redondo Beach Unified School districts. The data identified a critical community need, providing the evidence to apply for a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Initiation and Development grant.
Centinela Valley Drug Abuse Coalition Founded
Originally incorporated as the Centinela Valley Drug Abuse Coalition, the agency began offering outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) counseling in Inglewood through a State-funded, County-administered contract. The volunteer contingent transitioned to a professional service organization with a definable mission and structure.
Emerging as a Community Leader
By 1974, the Coalition emerged as a leader in the drug and alcohol treatment community. To meet the growing need for innovative services, the program expanded with a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) grant, adding outpatient services for alcoholics, residential care for SUD patients, and social model detoxification.
Renamed to Behavioral Health Services
On May 23, 1975, the organization was officially renamed Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (BHS) to reflect the broader range of services offered — from outpatient counseling to residential care and detoxification.
CARF Accreditation
BHS achieved its first accreditation from CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and has maintained continuous accreditation ever since — a testament to the organization's commitment to quality and excellence.
Primary Care Health Centers Launched
BHS launched its first Primary Care Health Center, integrating physical healthcare with behavioral health services. This marked a pivotal expansion into comprehensive, whole-person care.
26 Locations, 300,000+ Lives Transformed
BHS now provides services from 26 locations encompassing withdrawal management programs, a sobering center, residential and outpatient SUD treatment, primary medical clinics, outpatient mental health clinics, a mobile medical clinic, recovery bridge housing, and transitional housing — proudly having served nearly 300,000 people.
Today
Our Network of Care
An extensive, comprehensive network has been built upon which services could be broadened and tailored to meet ever-changing community needs. Today BHS provides services from 26 locations across Los Angeles County:
Diverse Populations
Specialized Programs
Realizing the diversity throughout Los Angeles and the need to address the unique needs of various populations, BHS augmented services to include programs for:
- Persons with first offense DUI convictions
- Persons addicted to heroin and other opiates
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- Persons dually diagnosed with substance abuse and mental health conditions
- Persons with HIV and AIDS
- Prison parolees
- Youth and adolescents
- Batterers and victims of domestic violence
- Recipients of Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and General Relief
A Legacy of Excellence
The success of BHS over the past 50 years has been demonstrated by numerous awards and formal recognition, through continued and sustained funding of services, and through its continuous accreditation since 2000 by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
However, the most significant signs of success are the outcomes of our patients. Today, systems are in place at BHS to measure clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Patients are involved in their care and recovery from intake through participation in graduation and alumni activities.
300K+
People served
26
Locations
50+
Years of service
25+
Years CARF accredited
“BHS transforms lives by providing hope and opportunities for recovery, wellness, and independence.”
