History of Hamm Clinic
In the 1950's mental health had been identified as the nation's number one health problem, and attempts to deal with this fact were feeble and largely unsuccessful. Individuals without resources of their own to pay for treatment were neglected or segregated. Stigma surrounding mental illness was huge; the mentally ill were social outcasts.
Locally, those who could not afford private care got either no care, or received their treatment in a state hospital, away from family and community. Attempts had been made to serve people in the community, but efforts failed due to inadequate funding. Thus the working poor and even many moderate to middle income people received no treatment.
When the Hamm Foundation was established, the need to address this unmet yet crucial need was recognized. Hamm Memorial Psychiatric Clinic, established in 1954 by the family of Theodore Hamm, was founded on the belief that comprehensive mental health care is a basic human right for every community member. The initial staff was small and included psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers to ensure an empathetic and comprehensive approach to treatment.
Today, the goal of quality, accessible direct patient care still drives the clinic's work along with the vision for its sustainability and growth. Hamm Clinic is committed to thorough evaluation, sufficient and appropriate treatment for each client and coordinated care; a practice model that is exemplary and vital to the clients and the community we serve.