ReDiscover’s History

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

ReDiscover’s legacy of providing innovative care to the people of Jackson County, Missouri began in October 1968 when Shirley Fearon and a small group of volunteers formed the Southeastern Jackson County Mental Health Association.

We are motivated by the belief of our founders that people can remain or re-engage as stable, productive members of the community if they are provided innovative, comprehensive, and compassionate care. To that end, ReDiscover treats people with leading-edge, evidence-based practices and works to optimize access to behavioral health care so that people can live happier and healthier lives.

ReDiscover's History and Legacy

Legislation
Legislation

President John F. Kennedy signs the Community Mental Health Act which authorizes federal grants for construction of nonprofit community mental health centers.

Adult and Family Services
Adult and Family Services

Adult and Family Services opened for families and children at Unity Village, operated by trained volunteers and professional staff.

Name Change

Our name became Southeastern Jackson County Mental Health Center.

Five Locations and 45 Staff

Southeastern Jackson County Mental Health has five locations with 45 staff members. We change our name to Community Mental Health Center-South.

Research Mental Health Services

Community Mental Health Center-South becomes a subsidiary of Research Health Services to provide the mental health component to the existing health services and thus changing its name to Research Mental Health Services.

A New Facility Opens
A New Facility Opens

Research Mental Health Services opens doors to a new facility at 901 NE Independence Avenue in Lee’s Summit. This location is still in operation today providing mental health care and support.

Name Change to ReDiscover
Name Change to ReDiscover

Research Mental Health Services changed its name to ReDiscover to showcase our independence as a solo organization and to reflect the work you see happening in our community today.

ReDiscover Expands
ReDiscover Expands

ReDiscover purchased a second building in South Kansas City located at 6801 E 117th Street to house mental health services.

Women’s Substance Use Programs
Women’s Substance Use Programs

ReDiscover purchases two homes (Catherines’s Place & Friendship House) to provide residential and transitional living for the Women’s Substance Use program. For Women and Women with Children these homes provide a stable environment to grow and heal in a family-style home.

Serving More Clients

ReDiscover opens a third location in Lee’s Summit to serve more clients — understanding that access to care creates a community impact for those facing mental health challenges.

Safe, Affordable Housing

ReDiscover begins a housing program providing safe, affordable housing support in either an independent or supervised setting.

Certified Behavioral Health Clinics
Certified Behavioral Health Clinics

ReDiscover becomes one of the first Certified Behavioral Health Clinics in the US and Missouri as part of the eight original demonstration states.

Region’s First Behavioral Health Crisis Center
Region’s First Behavioral Health Crisis Center

ReDiscover, in partnership with local hospitals, police, EMS, KCMO and the Missouri Dept of Mental Health, opens the Kansas City Assessment & Treatment Center, the region’s first behavioral health crisis center. ReDiscover’s KCATC is committed to providing rapid access to triage, stabilization, and linkage to appropriate community services.

Opens a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic
Opens a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic

ReDiscover opens a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic to provide same day treatment to help those in immediate need of mental health services.

Youth Behavioral Health Urgent Care

ReDiscover expands their urgent care services, opening a Youth Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic to serve youth between the ages of 5-17. ReDiscover’s Youth Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic is one of a kind. Similar to a medical urgent care, clients can expect to receive behavioral health services in a timely manner.

South KC Crisis and Access Campus
South KC Crisis and Access Campus

In the fall of 2024, ReDiscover launched a capital campaign for a Crisis and Access Campus in ReDiscover’s South service area. By opening a campus we’ll be able to meet the growing need of mental health treatment by offering one place anyone can go to receive crisis services, to have an intake for our programs, and to be a hub for new and prospective clients to receive same-day services. Learn more at SKC Crisis and Access Campus. Opening in 2026!