Columbia Wellness is a private, non-profit organization with tax-exempt and charitable status under IRS code 501(c)(3). It was founded as a child guidance association by the Longview Junior Service League in 1947, and incorporated in 1953. In 1963, when the Community Mental Health Act was enacted in the State of Washington, the Center enlarged its focus and accepted the role of a comprehensive outpatient community mental health center. A seventeen-member volunteer Board of Directors governs the Center. The Board serves in an advisory capacity and sees as its charge that of: assuring financial stability of the organization, developing the mission of the Center, and establishing policy and procedure to accomplish the mission. The Board employs the Chief Executive Officer, who manages the operations and implements policies and procedures.