About Us

The Aya Center is a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facility (CARF) accredited, community-based mental health agency that was founded upon the belief that children and adults experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges deserve the opportunity to experience optimal health and to live at their maximum level of functioning when community supports and therapeutic service are appropriate and available. As a result of a deep concern with the need for comprehensive mental health and substantive youth development services in Durham, N.C. The Aya Center was established in 2003.

Our Mission & Our Background

The Fern (Aya) is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he/she has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty. (Willis, The Andinkra Dictionary).

The mission of our agency is to awaken the Aya of our consumers by strengthening persons experiencing developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges through the provision of community support services, and outpatient treatment.

Since then, The Aya Center’s proven experience and community-based approach has assisted numerous public and private institutions by providing mental health service in the areas of disability determination, psychological testing, short-term individual and couples therapy, crisis management, and case management.

Moreover, the agency has helped over 1,200 individuals and 250 families in the state of North Carolina reach individual goals, and build a basis for a lifetime of positive growth, development and learning. The Aya Center works in close collaboration with parents/guardians, schools, community organizations and a broad range of academic and behavioral specialists. Our consistent, individualized therapeutic approach to adult mental health and youth development ensures all clients receive a tailor made, personal-centered experience.

SYMBOLIZING Endurance & Resourcefulness

About Us

Our Mission & Our Background

Nationally Accredited with CARF since 2008