About Park Center Nashville - Mental Health & Housing Support

Who We Are

Creating Pathways to Independence

Park Center has been serving Nashville for over 40 years, providing a place of hope and recovery for people seeking mental health, substance use, and homelessness support.

We meet people where they are and provide support through housing, day programs, homeless outreach, and employment services to help them live and work in their community.

Our Services

Our Locations

Park Center Main

1935 21st Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-242-3576

Programs at this location:

Substance Use Recovery Services (Intensive Outpatient & Outpatient Treatment Program)

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm

Park Center East

948 Woodland St.
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-242-3576

Programs at this location:

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm

Our History

Park Center opened in 1984 as a 501c3, nonprofit agency for people who have severe and persistent mental illness. Park Center is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

1980s

1983: Park Center received funding to offer vocational services to people with mental illness. Jack Hollis was hired as the first Executive Director.

1984: In February, Park Center opened its doors to eight members and seven staff members. In August, the first transitional job placement was made – a dishwashing job at the Ramada Inn.

1986: In January, Park Center became a United Way agency.

1987: Park Center merged with the House of Friendship, an organization offering socialization and support services for people who have mental illness.

1988: Park Center started its Residential Services program by renting a house for three members who needed a place to live.
1990s

1990: Park Center began 12-step sessions for people who have mental illness and substance use disorders.

1991: A capital campaign was launched to raise funds for a new building at the 12th Avenue South location.

1994: The new building is completed and named the Katzman-Garrison Building in honor of Board members Louise Katzman and Frances Garrison. Park Center won the HCA Achievement Award for completing the project.

1997: Tipper Gore served as honorary chair of Park Center’s first fundraising event, “How About Dinner And A Movie?”

1998: Barbara Quinn is named Executive Director.
2000s

2000: A second capital campaign is launched to purchase an additional location in East Nashville.

2001: Park Center East opened.

2006: Park Center began serving people experiencing homelessness through its Homeless Outreach Services. The agency also received the NAMI Program of the Year award.

2008: Park Center expanded its programs by offering services to young adults, ages 18-24, through the Emerging Adults Services.
2010s

2010: Park Center implemented the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) method of delivering employment services and was the first agency in the state of Tennessee to do so.

2011: Park Center began training staff for the national Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) exam. Park Center now has 18 CPRPs on staff, more than any other mental health provider in the state of Tennessee.

2012: Park Center received a three-year CARF accreditation for three of its programs.

2015: Park Center received another three-year CARF accreditation.
2020s

2020: Long-time President & CEO, Barbara Quinn, retired. Will Connelly was named CEO..

2021: Park Center has earned a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF for the following programs: IPS Supported Employment, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Outpatient Program (OP), and Supported Housing.

2024: Amanda Bracht named CEO.

2025: Park Center expanded its programs to include health and wellness support through the Peer Wellness Initiative.