Mainline Health Systems announced today plans to assume operations of Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System’s (SABHS) behavioral health clinics in Star City and Sheridan, ensuring continued access to essential behavioral health services as the nonprofit organization concludes an extraordinary 62 years of service to Arkansas communities.
At the same time, Arcare will assume operations of SABHS’s clinics in Stuttgart and Pine Bluff, creating a collaborative transition plan that preserves access to care for patients throughout southeast Arkansas.
Founded more than six decades ago, SABHS was Arkansas’ first community mental health center and has served generations of children, adults, and families through compassionate, community-based behavioral healthcare. While changes in the healthcare landscape have made it increasingly difficult for the organization to continue operating independently, its mission will continue through organizations committed to carrying that work forward.
“For more than 60 years, Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare has played a vital role in improving the lives of individuals and families across our region,” said G. Allan Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of Mainline Health Systems. “We are honored to continue that legacy in Star City and Sheridan and remain committed to ensuring patients have access to the high-quality, compassionate behavioral healthcare they deserve.”
“For our Board of Directors, this decision has always been about protecting our patients, our employees, and the mission we have served for the past 62 years,” said Sherrie James, SABHS CEO. “We are grateful to have found partners who share our commitment to community-based behavioral healthcare and will continue serving the people who have trusted us for generations.”
The transition is not a traditional acquisition or purchase. As SABHS dissolves as a nonprofit organization, certain assets, including the Star City and Sheridan clinics, will become part of Mainline Health Systems, allowing services to continue without interruption.
Honoring the People Behind the Legacy
For decades, SABHS’s physicians, therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff have built trusted relationships with patients and families throughout southeast Arkansas.
Pending final employment agreements, Mainline Health Systems expects to welcome many of the current clinical and support team members into the organization. Their experience, compassion, and commitment to the communities they serve are invaluable in ensuring continuity of care and preserving SABHS’s mission for future generations.
For patients, the transition is designed to be seamless. Patients can expect to continue receiving care from the same trusted providers, therapists, psychiatrists, and care teams. Existing behavioral health services for both children and adults will continue, with no interruption in care resulting from the transition.
“Our focus is on continuity of care and preserving the relationships patients have built with their providers,” said Jaime Harvey, Director of Behavioral Health for Mainline Health Systems. “We want patients and families to feel confident knowing that the services they depend on will remain available in their communities.”
What Will Change and What Will Stay the Same
The transition is intended to provide stability while supporting long-term access to behavioral healthcare services.
Patients can expect:
- Expanded services in Star City and Sheridan.
- The same behavioral health services for children and adults.
- The same care teams and providers whenever possible.
- Minimal interruption in patient care during the transition.
Mainline Health Systems will work closely with staff and community stakeholders to evaluate future opportunities to enhance services while maintaining the high-quality behavioral healthcare patients already know and trust.
Looking Ahead
As a community health center serving rural Arkansas for decades, Mainline Health Systems remains committed to expanding access to integrated, patient-centered healthcare across the region. The expansion of services in Star City and Sheridan represents an important step in strengthening
The transition is expected to become effective September 28, 2026.
About SABHS
Founded in 1964, Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System (SABHS) has served communities across southeast Arkansas for more than 62 years, providing compassionate, community-based behavioral health services to individuals and families. Throughout its history, the organization has remained committed to expanding access to mental health care and improving the well-being of the communities it serves.
