What Community Support Services does

Community Support Services, Inc. (CSS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit behavioral health and primary care provider founded in 1988 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, serving approximately 4,000-5,000 individuals annually across Summit County. The organization operates as an integrated Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, delivering a continuum of psychiatric services, counseling, case management, 24/7 crisis intervention, primary care, nursing, pharmacy, expressive arts therapy, supported employment, and permanent supportive housing under a single Body/Mind/Community framework. Service sites span six primary Akron locations — including the Margaret Clark Morgan Integrated Care Clinic, the Mental Health Recovery Center, the Alphonso Turner Homeless Outreach Center, the CSS Employment Center, and the headquarters at 150 Cross Street — plus 120 units at The Commons at Madaline Park, 68 Stoney Pointe apartments, the Veteran Safe Haven, the 14-bed THRIVE House, the Naomi Project eight-bed facility, and the Dr. Fred Frese Residential Center (under development).

CSS's business model blends fee-for-service patient revenue with Medicaid, Medicare, MyCare Ohio, and select commercial insurance contracts alongside substantial grant and contract funding. Per disclosed financials, FY 2025 total agency revenue was $43,302,592, with Patient Services contributing 44.1%, Other Revenue (largely contracted and pass-through) 45.5%, Government Grants 9.3%, and Earned Income 1.2%. Uninsured clients are billed on a sliding fee scale tied to family size and income, consistent with FQHC Look-Alike charity-care obligations. Major revenue partners and referral sources include the Summit County ADM Board (primary county funder and oversight body), OhioMHAS, ODJFS, the Social Security Administration, Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, AMHA, Child Guidance & Family Solutions, and CHC Addiction Services.

The go-to-market is sales-led and community-embedded: clients are acquired primarily through referral partnerships with hospitals, courts, schools, shelters, and government agencies, supplemented by walk-in intake and street-level homeless outreach. GTM motion is reinforced by community engagement events such as the annual Art of Recovery fundraiser and peer-specialist outreach. Technology is limited to EHR infrastructure; CSS does not develop proprietary platforms or use AI-driven tooling, and its growth has come through facility expansion (housing developments and new clinics), regulatory designations (CCBHC, FQHC Look-Alike), and program breadth expansion from 18 services in 2015 to over 30 today, including a new youth services line launched in 2023.

Name

Community Support Services

Legal name

Community Support Services, Inc.

Website

https://cssbh.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Community Support Services is an Akron, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating an integrated behavioral health, primary care, housing, and employment services platform as a CCBHC and FQHC Look-Alike, serving 4,000-5,000 individuals annually across Summit County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Behavioral Healthcare Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Health Centers (FQHCs & Look-Alikes) (HLAFAGAB), Crisis Stabilization Units & Psychiatric Emergency Services (HLAFACAH), Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Services (BPAGAEAN)

Keywords

• Behavioral health services
• Mental health treatment
• Primary care clinic
• Supported housing services
• Homeless outreach programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Akron

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Patient/Client Services Revenue: CSS generates revenue from patient and client services billed through insurance contracts including Medicaid, Medicare, MyCare Ohio (a managed care program for dual-eligible individuals), and select commercial insurance plans. Services include primary care, behavioral health treatment, psychiatric services, and peer support. This is the primary revenue-generating stream for the organization.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: CSS receives federal, state, and local government grants and contracts to fund specific programs including housing assistance, homeless outreach, crisis intervention, and community integration services. These grants support programs such as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), the PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program, and the GUND Foundation-supported housing initiative.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Community Support Services (CSS) is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike that delivers an integrated continuum of behavioral healthcare, primary care, supported housing, and homeless outreach services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness, youth, veterans, and low-income populations in Summit County, Ohio. The organization co-locates mental health treatment, psychiatry, primary care, case management, crisis intervention, peer support, supported employment, and permanent supportive housing under a single Body/Mind/Community care model, with revenue drawn primarily from patient services, government grants, and contracts.

Product overview

Community Support Services (CSS) provides a comprehensive, integrated system of behavioral healthcare and wellness services as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike. The organization operates as a single unified platform offering mental health services, primary care, and social support services. The core portfolio includes psychiatric services, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and nursing (under the Body/Mind/Community framework), complemented by specialized programs including the Margaret Clark Morgan Primary Care Clinic, Expressive Arts Therapy (Art of Recovery), Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Supported Employment, Homeless Outreach, Housing Services, and Peer Support Services. Recent additions include Youth Services (2023), THRIVE House (2024), and the Dr. Fred Frese Residential Center (groundbreaking 2024). The organization serves adults with severe and persistent mental illness and has expanded to serve youth aged 14-18. Services are provided directly and through designated collaborating organizations including Child Guidance & Family Solutions, CHC Addiction Services, and Portage Path Behavioral Health.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Primary Care Clinic (Margaret Clark Morgan Primary Care Clinic) Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike providing preventive care, disease management, wellness support, women's health including on-site mammograms, diabetic screening, HIV screening, eye exams, dental clinic, and podiatry services. Open to both CSS clients and the general community.
• Psychiatry Services Psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric care for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other conditions.
• Counseling/Mental Health Services Individual and group counseling services offering hope, promoting independence, and helping change lives for individuals with mental health conditions.
• Case Management Comprehensive case management services providing problem-solving support for clients whether the need is a home, a job, healthcare, or psychiatry. Case managers locate required resources to provide every person with the best opportunity for recovery.
• Crisis Intervention Services 24/7 crisis mental health services available to help individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. Services include psychiatric emergency services and mobile crisis response.
• Homeless Outreach and Intake Center The Alphonso Turner Homeless Outreach Center provides supportive services for persons experiencing homelessness under one roof. Services include laundry, showers, restrooms, private interview rooms, and connections to housing and treatment services. Programs include PATH (homeless individuals with severe mental illness), SSVF (homeless veterans), and CABHI (chronically homeless).
• Housing Services Range of housing possibilities including residential treatment facilities, supported living options, and permanent supportive housing. Includes properties such as The Commons at Madaline Park (120 units), Stoney Pointe (68 apartments), Veteran Safe Haven, and various scattered site housing programs.
• Supported Employment Services Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment program helping people with severe mental illness identify, acquire, and maintain integrated competitive employment. Includes benefits advocacy and time-unlimited supports.
• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Intensive, team-based mental health service providing comprehensive, locally-based treatment to individuals with severe mental illness. Includes 24/7 crisis availability and multiple daily contacts for high-need clients.
• Expressive Arts Therapy / Art Therapy Creative therapy program where clients use artistic expression to explore feelings, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Includes Open Art social recreation group and annual Art of Recovery exhibition.
• Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) Thirty-five week intensive program for persons with thought disorders (schizophrenia) combining computer exercises with educational sessions to improve attention, memory, cognitive problem-solving, and social cognition. Includes aftercare program.
• Peer Support Services Recovery Specialist services staffed by individuals with lived experience of mental illness providing peer support, helping clients access resources, and shared empathy.
• Nursing Services Ongoing coordination of care for clients including health assessments, identification of medical issues, risk factor identification, client advocacy, and ongoing education to ensure clients actively participate in treatment planning.
• Pharmacy Services On-site pharmacy (Klein's Pharmacy) providing medication dispensing and pharmaceutical care for clients.
• Wellness Program Health and wellness programming including exercise groups, chronic disease self-management, and activities promoting physical and mental well-being for clients.
• Older Adult Services Mental health services specifically designed for older adults dealing with age-related challenges, mental health conditions, and social isolation.
• Veteran Services Services for veterans including the Veteran Safe Haven (opened 2014) following Housing First model, intensive community-based mental health care, and connections to VA healthcare and benefits.
• Forensic Services Services for individuals involved with the criminal justice system including Mental Health Court (first in Ohio, established 2001), returning citizens programs, and coordination with jail diversion programs.
• Youth Services Mental health and supportive services for children and adolescents aged 14-18, including counseling, health screenings, assessments, psychiatry, and case management. Added in 2023 as part of CCBHC expansion.
• THRIVE House A 14-bed transitional housing facility in West Akron providing housing for unhoused individuals newly released from Summit County Jail who participate in the jail's THRIVE program for mental health and substance use disorders.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,700 patients served annually through the Primary Care program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMHA is the primary public housing authority in Summit County, Ohio. CSS collaborates with AMHA on the Cross Street Housing Development — a multi-unit affordable and permanent supportive housing project in Akron. AMHA provides project-based housing vouchers and regulatory oversight, while CSS provides on-site supportive services including case management, peer support, and behavioral health care for residents with mental illness and disabilities.
• National Church ResidencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Church Residences is a national nonprofit developer of affordable and supportive housing. CSS partners with National Church Residences on the Cross Street Housing Development project in Akron, combining National Church Residences' housing development expertise with CSS's clinical supportive services to create integrated housing for individuals with mental illness.
• Testa CompaniescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTesta Companies is a regional development firm and housing developer in Northeast Ohio. CSS partners with Testa Companies as a co-developer on the Cross Street Housing Development, leveraging Testa's real estate development and construction capabilities to expand affordable housing capacity for CSS clients.
• Summa Health SystemcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSumma Health System is the largest health system in Summit County, Ohio. CSS has a referral and care coordination partnership with Summa Health for behavioral health services, crisis intervention, and hospital discharge planning. Summa Health refers patients with mental health and substance use needs to CSS for ongoing outpatient treatment, while CSS coordinates with Summa's care teams for integrated management of co-occurring conditions.
• Cleveland Clinic Akron GeneralcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCleveland Clinic Akron General is a major hospital and healthcare provider in Akron. CSS partners with Akron General for referral-based behavioral health services, psychiatric consultation, and post-discharge community care coordination for patients with mental health and addiction treatment needs.
• Summit County ADM BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADM) Board is the county-level mental health authority and primary funder of behavioral health services in Summit County. The ADM Board provides CSS with grant funding, regulatory oversight, and performance accountability. In 2025, the ADM Board named CSS its Agency of the Year, underscoring the depth and importance of this partnership.
• Child Guidance & Family SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChild Guidance & Family Solutions is a behavioral health organization specializing in children's mental health services in Summit County. CSS partners with Child Guidance & Family Solutions to deliver coordinated care for youth and adolescents, combining CSS's adult-oriented services with specialized child and family mental health programming through referral coordination and integrated treatment planning.
• CHC Addiction ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHC Addiction Services is a substance use disorder treatment provider in Summit County. CSS partners with CHC Addiction Services to serve clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, coordinating treatment plans that integrate CSS's behavioral health and primary care services with CHC's addiction treatment programming.
• University of Akron (BHPP Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSS partners with the University of Akron's Behavioral Health Professions Program (BHPP) to provide clinical training opportunities for graduate students in behavioral health disciplines. This partnership supports CSS's workforce development while providing the university with practical training sites for its students.
• Walsh Jesuit Catholic High School (Labre Program)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCSS partners with Walsh Jesuit Catholic High School's Labre Program — a student-led outreach initiative — to engage volunteers in supporting CSS's homeless outreach and housing programs. Students gain hands-on experience in community service while contributing to CSS's mission.
• NAMI Summit CountyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Summit County is the local chapter of the nation's largest mental health grassroots organization. CSS collaborates with NAMI Summit County on community education, advocacy, and awareness programs, and CSS staff members have received leadership awards from NAMI Summit County.
• Social Security AdministrationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal referral and benefits agency. CSS serves as a referral resource for SSA beneficiaries with mental illness who require supportive services, helping clients navigate the disability benefits application process and access housing and employment resources.
• Akron Public SchoolsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAkron Public Schools is the primary public school district in Akron, Ohio. CSS partners with APS to provide school-based mental health services and referrals for students and families in need of behavioral health support.
• FedEx Custom CriticalminorOthersFedEx Custom Critical, a critical logistics and transportation company headquartered in Akron, is a corporate donor and community partner supporting CSS through financial contributions and employee volunteer programs.
• ABM Parking ServicesminorOthersABM Parking Services, an facility services company, is a corporate community partner that supports CSS through donations and employee engagement activities.
• Wayside FurnitureminorOthersWayside Furniture, a regional furniture retailer, supports CSS's housing programs by donating furniture and household goods for newly housed clients transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing.
• North Coast Community HomesminorOthersNorth Coast Community Homes is a nonprofit housing organization that may collaborate with CSS on housing development and supportive housing initiatives for individuals with disabilities in Northeast Ohio.
• Summit County Food BankminorOthersThe Summit County Food Bank is a hunger relief organization. CSS partners with the Food Bank to address food insecurity among its homeless and low-income client population, connecting clients to food resources as part of a broader whole-person care model.
• VANTAGE AgingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVANTAGE Aging is an organization serving older adults in Summit County. CSS partners with VANTAGE Aging to provide mental health and supportive services to senior clients, and a CSS staff member (Dr. Schwartz) has been recognized by VANTAGE Aging for collaborative work in aging and mental health.
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerODJFS is the state-level agency overseeing workforce development, child welfare, and public assistance programs in Ohio. CSS partners with ODJFS to provide employment services, job training, and benefits navigation for its clients, aligning with CSS's supported employment and housing-first programming.
• Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOhioMHAS is the state agency responsible for behavioral health policy, funding, and regulatory oversight in Ohio. CSS receives state grant funding through OhioMHAS to support PATH program operations, Permanent Supportive Housing, and other core mental health programming.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• FrontLine Service: Cleveland, Ohio-based behavioral health and homeless services nonprofit operating a CCBHC and 24/7 crisis services. Comparable in integrated mental health, substance use, and homeless outreach model to CSS, serving neighboring Northeast Ohio.
• CHC Addiction Services: Summit County, Ohio nonprofit providing substance use disorder treatment. Directly comparable in co-occurring disorder treatment and a formal partnership with CSS for integrated care coordination.
• AxessPointe Community Health Center: Federally Qualified Health Center serving Summit, Portage, and Trumbull counties in Northeast Ohio. Directly comparable to CSS's FQHC Look-Alike primary care operations and serves overlapping Medicaid/uninsured populations.
• Coleman Professional Services: Kent, Ohio-based nonprofit behavioral health and recovery provider serving multiple Ohio counties. Directly comparable to CSS in scope of mental health, substance use, housing, and employment services, and is a former employer of CSS CEO Robert Stokes.
• Compass Corporation for Recovery Services: Akron-area nonprofit providing substance use disorder treatment, recovery housing, and mental health services. Directly comparable to CSS's addiction and housing programming and is a former employer of CSS CEO Robert Stokes.
• Portage Path Behavioral Health: Akron, Ohio-based CCBHC-designated community mental health provider explicitly listed as a CSS designated collaborating organization. Offers overlapping outpatient, crisis, and substance use services in the same Akron/Summit County market.
• Child Guidance & Family Solutions: Summit County, Ohio nonprofit specializing in children's mental health. Co-collaborator with CSS on the CCBHC grant; directly comparable in behavioral health delivery and a core referral partner.

Broad incumbents

• CareSource: Ohio-headquartered managed care plan that administers Medicaid (including MyCare Ohio for dual-eligibles) in Ohio and is a payor for CSS patient services. Operates as a broad incumbent in the same payer-provider ecosystem.

Emerging players

• National Church Residences: National nonprofit developer of affordable and supportive housing and a formal co-developer with CSS on the Cross Street Housing Development. Comparable in the supportive housing component of CSS's model and a likely candidate for expanded partnership.

Regional players

• Summit County Public Health: Local government public health agency serving Summit County. Comparable in providing primary care, mental health, and social services to vulnerable populations in the same geographic area as CSS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cssbh
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@CommunitySupportServices-fv3dd
• Facebookfacebook.com/CommunitySupportServices
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-support-services-
• Instagraminstagram.com/communitysupportservices_css

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Support Services