Aspire Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Services is one of 22 Community Service Boards in Georgia. For decades, Aspire has provided mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services to individuals and families across Southwest Georgia.

Georgia’s current service system began to take shape in 1972, when the Division of Mental Health became part of the Department of Human Resources. At that time, local mental health and developmental disability programs operated under county boards of health. Each center had a great deal of independence, and care was based mainly on a traditional medical model.

In 1994, House Bill 100 changed how services were delivered. The law created Community Service Boards as independent organizations separate from county boards of health. Under this system, the state began contracting with CSBs to provide local services. Each CSB is led by its own local board. Board members are appointed by county commissions and represent the counties served. Boards also include individuals and family members with personal experience receiving or supporting services.

As Georgia moved away from state-run facilities and toward care in the community, the Albany Area Community Service Board was established to meet local needs. The organization later began operating as Aspire Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Services. Aspire became a safety-net provider for individuals with complex needs and built services around person-centered, recovery-focused care.

Today, Aspire serves more than 9,000 individuals and families each year. We continue our mission to lead communities toward health, hope, and recovery.