Our Mission
Carol Burns Smelley founded an organization called Youth Home in 1966 with $8,000 and a dream to help low income youth with mental illness who had been given up by their families. She housed these youth and in family homes all across Little Rock where each client received treatment and connection.
The organization's revenue quickly grew to over $2 million as Smelley worked to teach our Little Rock neighbors about the ramifications of mental illness and the unique needs these youth had. The program eventually developed into a medical model in the 80s, when Youth Home became a behavioral health care facility. We opened our first building on our Colonel Glenn road to serve boys and girls ages 12-17 in need of intensive treatment.
Twenty five years ago, Youth Home expanded into an outpatient therapy clinic called Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas.
At Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas, we serve families, parents, couples and individuals of all ages. We also offers a school-based therapy program for youth in need of psychiatric care in our local school districts.
Our mission is to equip and empower youth, adults, and families to become healthier contributing members of the community by providing compassionate emotional and behavioral health care. Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas is accredited by The Joint Commission.
Our Team
Youth Home, Inc.'s vision is to be recognized as a premier treatment and professional training center. We accomplish this by offering an array of specialized treatment programs led by our extraordinary staff:
Executives
PEGGY KELLY, LPC,
Chief Executive Officer
LARRY BETZ,
Chief Operations Officer
BHSA Team
ANGELA SHY, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
SANDRA MATHES, LCSW, Clinical Therapist
Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thoughtful leader who has made significant contributions to our programs. Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to benefit our organization, and we are so thankful for their service.
