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CACS Overview

Our region has utilized the services at Capital Area Counseling since 1968. Capital Area Counseling is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation established to meet the mental health and addiction needs in Central South Dakota. CACS serves the nine counties of Hughes, Stanley, Haakon, Jones, Lyman, Buffalo, Hyde, Sully and Potter.

VISION

Capital Area Counseling Service, Inc. aspires to be a great place to receive care and a great place to work in central South Dakota.

MISSION

Providing exceptional and effective care to individuals and families in central South Dakota by empowering those we serve, focusing on strengths, and promoting wellness within our communities.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

We believe in timely access to high quality, individualized care that focuses on outcomes important to those we serve.

We believe in providing comprehensive, holistic care that focuses on the well-being of our citizens and communities.

We believe in professional, highly qualified staff who are compassionate, self-motivated, empowered and accountable.

We believe in sound financial, business and governance practice that supports the sustainability of our organization and ensure future growth.

We believe in the importance of community partnerships to help individuals, families, and our communities thrive.

Where It All Began

In March 1962, thirty doctors, ministers, hospital administrators, social workers, teachers, nurses, and other interested citizens from the Pierre area met to explore the possibility of organizing a chapter of the Mental Health Association. The result was the formation of the Center Area Chapter for Mental Health, the primary goal of which was to work toward initiating the provision of mental health services in the Pierre community. The Chapter elected its first officers in April 1962*. In March 1963 the group completed an extensive survey to determine the needs of the area, which included Hughes, Stanley and Sully Counties. Alcoholism and “family breakdown” resulting in disciplinary problems at home and school were identified as the two leading problems. In December 1986, the first group home was established in a rented property on Euclid Avenue. The home was named “Betty’s Place” in honor of Betty Larson’s long-term efforts to improve the quality of life for the chronically mentally ill.