Our History

Center Associates is one of the longest serving mental health centers in the state, after an informal meeting at the Lennox Auditorium on March 25, 1957 identified the need for community mental health services. This was initiated by a study group from the American Association of University Women, which later expanded to become the Marshall County Mental Health Association, which eventually formed the Mental Health Center of Mid-Iowa.

The Marshalltown office was a product of efforts assistance by Opal Fore, a social worker associated with the University of Iowa. After extensive organization and consultation with surrounding Iowa communities, it was decided that Marshalltown was a preferable location to reach a wide array of community members in need. The Iowa Mental Health Authority provided furnishings for the Center and the Center opened in 1958

In 1995, the Center was moved to 9 North 4th Avenue in the building known as the Evangelical School of Nursing Dormitory. Both the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit of Central Iowa (SATUCI) and the Center occupy the building. The Center attained accreditation from the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities within the Iowa Department of Human Services, and has since provided comprehensive mental health services to Marshall and Hardin Counties.

Center Associates opened a secondary office in 2013 in Toledo, Iowa, and has now expanded serves to Tama County.   In 2022 Center Associate relocated to its current location at 3809 S Center St, the former site of R.S. Stover Company.  Center Associates now serves three counties with a team of licensed professionals such as psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, care coordinators, case managers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.