McClendon Center

About

Founded in 1980, the McClendon Center is a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services in Washington, D.C. For over four decades, the Center has been a cornerstone of the community, supporting and empowering individuals with mental illness to enhance their quality of life and foster independence. As a certified community-based service provider under the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health, it offers a whole-person, person-centered approach to care. This methodology ensures that in addition to mental health, primary care needs and significant social determinants of health—such as housing and food insecurity, access to quality healthcare, and the impacts of stigma and social isolation—are addressed through wraparound services. The McClendon Center is uniquely positioned as the only independent mental health provider in the District of Columbia to be accredited by the Joint Commission, a testament to its commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality in healthcare. This accreditation has been maintained since 1999. The organization's services are extensive and tailored to client needs, including individual counseling, community support, medication management, housing assistance, expressive art and movement therapy groups, and substance use counseling. Annually, the Center serves more than 4,500 individuals, a majority of whom are African American and many of whom face homelessness. The Center operates a Day Program and a Core Services Agency, providing structured, supportive environments that promote recovery, creativity, and community participation. Its enduring mission is to support and empower people on their journey to becoming their best selves, envisioning a community that is educated about mental health and compassionate towards those in recovery.