Rogers Behavioral Health History
Wondering how we got started? Our first center opened in 1907. Arthur Rogers, MD, and his wife, Theresa opened the Oconomowoc Health Resort that summer. It started off tucked among acres of woods and lakes in Wisconsin Lake Country. The two laid the foundation for what is now one of the country’s largest, private, independent behavioral health systems. We are incredibly proud of our history, which started our mission of supporting those who need mental health treatment.
The History of Rogers Behavioral Health
Dr. Rogers, a leader in the field of mental health in his time, understood mental health concerns as something you could treat. Early on, he pushed to offer innovative treatments, like the Baruch Hydrotherapeutic Plant, for individualized bathing in spring water.
Shortly after the Oconomowoc Health Resort opened, the building burned down. Dr. Rogers’ response? He sold stock to finance reconstruction and, in the process, added several new buildings to house therapeutic services.
In 1935, he converted the hospital to a nonprofit charitable institution and renamed it the Rogers Memorial Sanitarium Corporation to honor his late wife. Mrs. Rogers would leave her own legacy: the beautiful gardens that drew people from miles around. Seeds from those original gardens remain part of today’s therapeutic landscaping at the Oconomowoc campus.
In 1955, the name changed to Rogers Memorial Hospital when Owen Otto, MD, became chief of staff. In 1958, treatment of more seriously ill patients began after a new wing of the main building opened.
Expanding the Rogers Network
Dr. Rogers’ initial vision continued to thrive under the stewardship of David L. Moulthrop, PhD. Rogers was dangerously close to closing in the early 1990s, with few patients and one location. Moulthrop broadened the array of services with the addition of specialized residential centers, which have become a hallmark of Rogers’ quality care. Dr. Moulthrop retired in 2012 as the president and CEO of Rogers Behavioral Health System, which then included two hospital campuses, five residential programs, and satellite outpatient locations in Madison, Kenosha, and Brown Deer.
In 2012, Patrick Hammer was named CEO of a growing system. Since then, we have seen the completion of new residential facilities and programs in Oconomowoc, the opening of a third hospital campus in Brown Deer, and the start of a national network of specialized outpatient centers to further support mental health needs across the country.
Bringing Care to More Patients
From 2014 to 2022, our network of outpatient clinics expanded to 10 states:
We also opened The Ladish Co. Foundation Center at our Oconomowoc campus in 2021. The center houses the Ronald McDonald House Charities Family Room, bringing hospitality services for families, as well as meeting space for support groups and spiritual care. It also is home to the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation and the Rogers Research Center, both of which help guide our mission to bring better mental health care to more people and families who need it.
Scroll through our helpful links to guide you or your loved one on their healing journey.
Moving Forward with Rogers Behavioral Health
In 2022, Cindy Meyer, MSSW, became Rogers’ first female chief operating officer and quickly became the first female president and CEO in her first year with the organization. Under her leadership, Rogers continues to grow and expand our impact to provide gold-standard mental health care to even more patients and families.
From a history of humble beginnings to near closure, Rogers Behavioral Health looks to the future with confidence. Ours is an incredible story of perseverance, commitment, and an unwavering focus on serving patients in need of life-changing mental health and addiction treatment.
When you or a loved one needs help, turn to providers you can trust. For more than 100 years, we’ve helped our patients rediscover health, happiness, and hope for the future. Call 833.308.5887 or contact us online now.
