MHS Founder, Max Graves, M.D., served Springfield and Clark County residents in many capacities over an illustrious 50+ years. He was a physician, Springfield’s first psychiatrist, a school board member, the founder of Mental Health Services in Clark County, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, a statewide advocate for behavioral health, and also a dedicated husband and father.

“Max”, as he is affectionately known, simply cared about people. This care led him to initiate a comprehensive, well integrated and principled organization (Mental Health Services) to provide behavioral healthcare to Clark County residents. From its very inception, the organization demonstrated and delivered the high level of care and compassion Max insisted on providing to those he served.

Max was Mental Health Services’ first Chief Executive Officer, and later served as Chief Clinical Officer and Medical Director of Inpatient Services. He was an exemplary mentor to many aspiring physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers and counselors. Though Max retired to his home state of Kansas, his spirit of ethical practice, extension of oneself in the care of others, and respect for the dignity of all we serve still penetrates to the very core of Mental Health Services for Clark and Madison Counties.

To honor Max, we have placed his name in the title of our annual golf tournament, which raises awareness and funds to provide housing for the severely and persistently mentally ill.