A group of 14 recognized mental health professionals in Chios visioned the foundation of a nonprofit Organization, The Child and Adolescent’s Center. The lack of an appropriate therapeutic framework throughout the North Aegean area, suitable for children and teenagers with mental health problems and for their families, has been the motive to put forward this venture. The first step was made with the Child and Adolescent’s Center Department, which operates as a first degree mental health unit, providing specialized therapies for children and teenagers with development and emotional mental disorders and for their families as well.

The Mobile Mental Health Unit is a reality and works under the supervision of the Child and Adolescent’s Center. It is part of the program “Psychargos”. It provides mental health services in the community for the residents of the islands of Chios, Inusses and Psara. It holds an established license (number Υ5β/Γ.Π.οικ.147422/13-10-2008) and an operation license Υ5β/Γ.Π.82961/10-11-2014, according to the decisions of the Deputy Health Minister.

“Helianthos”, a Specialized Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Center for Children and Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families, starts operating at the Peristeri area.

In order to promote research activity and scientific documentation, the Scientific Documentation and Education Department (TETE), starts working. A further objective of the Department is to develop a strategic and policy education at the Child and Adolescent’s Center, which involves not only the staff of the organization but also the development of new educational services for certain target groups.