At Birch Tree Communities, we don’t have patients or clients, we have members. The adults living in our therapeutic communities are members of a community and a family.

Members of Birch Tree Communities have a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and/or bipolar disorder. They are referred by the Arkansas State Hospital, behavioral health hospitals, community mental health providers, guardians, and loved ones.

Some members of Birch Tree Communities have been or are involved with the court system, such as those in the Act 911 program, who have been acquitted of criminal acts because of mental disease or defect. As these members walk the road to mental health recovery, our staff assists them in learning necessary skills to prevent relapse and re-offense.

While at Birch Tree Communities, members participate in rehabilitative day treatment, individual and group therapy, life enrichment activities, expressive arts and more. They live in secure group living or supervised community-based living which includes group homes and transitional apartments. In 2024, 65% of our member discharged to an independent setting.

Member Executive Council

Our members not only play an integral role in their individual recovery but also play an active role in our organization. We respect their voice and openly receive their ideas for improvement.

The Birch Tree Communities Member Executive Council is a group of members selected to represent and be the voice of the members of their branches. The council meets monthly and works together with leadership to resolve issues affecting members and implement ideas to enhance the lives of all the members of Birch Tree Communities.

The mission of the council is to be a bridge between members and staff and advance the lives of members through advocacy, policy, accountability, and empowerment. Some of the accomplishments of the council include:

• Assisted with the creation of policies to address issues such as smoking, cleanliness, and personal items in group and individual spaces.
• Provided feedback on satisfaction with meals and suggestions to improve food quality.
• Defined criteria for special award recipients.
• Lead fellow members in the participation of community and fundraising events.
• Continually report on individual branch needs such as maintenance and equipment.