Ozark Guidance Center expands to north central Arkansas, to add 100 employees

Ozark Guidance Center (OGC) will add up to 100 employees as part of an expansion of services in north central Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas.

The Springdale-based mental healthcare provider will start operating in Baxter, Boone, Marion and Newton counties. Recently, the Arkansas Department of Human Services announced that OGC could start operating in the four counties. In Arkansas, the state agency determines in which counties a provider can operate, said Steven Hinds, vice president of philanthropy and development for OGC.

The services the provider will offer in the four counties include counseling and medication service for those with mental health issues, substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. Services will be provided to people of all ages in area facilities, schools and across the community. OGC is looking at lease options in the counties, Hinds said.

In Northwest Arkansas, OGC will expand its substance use disorder services in Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington counties. The services are being expanded in part because OGC has taken on the contract previously held by Decision Point. OGC also is looking at additional space to lease in Northwest Arkansas, Hinds said.

“We want to provide a continuum of care for clients,” said Laura Tyler, president and CEO of OGC. “We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals and families for better behavioral health, and we look forward to serving additional people in a larger geographic area.”

Ozark Guidance Center has 500 employees in Northwest Arkansas and provides services at 150 schools in 16 school districts. The 100 new employees will be primarily mental health therapists. OGC, which was recently reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for three years, offers therapeutic day treatment, school-based and outpatient services for children and adults. The nonprofit has offices in Bentonville, Berryville, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale.