Our History
An evolving continuum of care built around real individual needs.
Decades of experience helping adults and families navigate the space between intensive psychiatric care and more independent community living.
What began as structured aftercare following hospitalization has grown into a continuum of residential, transitional, apartment-based, and in-home support.
Wild Acre begins in Lexington
In the early 1970s, McLean psychiatrist Dr. Bernard S. Yudowitz recognized that many adults needed continued support after long-term hospitalization. In 1972, he purchased an inn in Lexington, Massachusetts, located on an acre of bramble bush known as the Wild Acre Inn. That first residence became the foundation for Wild Acre’s community-based model of clinical support.
Belmont House opens
Wild Acre expanded with the addition of a second home in Belmont. Belmont House provided a stable, home-like residential setting for adults who benefited from ongoing support outside the hospital.
A changing model of care
John Sciretta, LICSW, became Chief Clinical Officer during a period of major change in psychiatric treatment. As managed care and shorter hospital stays became more common, Wild Acre adapted by developing more active treatment options and strengthening its residential model for adults who needed continued structure outside the hospital.
Support expands beyond residential care
The Supported Apartment Program and Home Care Services were established to help individuals receive support in less restrictive settings. These services allowed Wild Acre’s model to extend beyond residential care and support people at different stages of independence.
Wild Acre Mental Health Solutions takes shape
Belmont House became the first residential program to operate under Wild Acre Mental Health Solutions, helping define the organization’s current continuum of care. The Supported Apartment Program and Home Care Services also became part of the organization that year.
Transitional residential programs open
Wild Acre expanded its transitional residential offerings with Cushing House in 2016 and Waverly House in 2019. These shorter-term programs were designed to help individuals build routines, strengthen daily living skills, and prepare for greater independence in the community.
A continuum built around individual needs
Today, Wild Acre and Mental Health Solutions provides DMH Licensed Residential Programs, transitional living, supportive apartments, case management, and home care services. Across every level of care, Wild Acre remains focused on helping adults receive the right support at the right time as they work toward greater stability, connection, and independence.
What this history means today
Wild Acre’s history is not simply a record of added programs or expanded services.
It reflects a consistent belief that psychiatric support should meet people where they are, with the right balance of structure, clinical guidance, community connection, and independence.
Over time, that belief has shaped a continuum of care that allows individuals to receive more support when they need it, build skills as they are ready, and move toward greater independence without unnecessary disruption.
Today, Wild Acre continues to serve adults and families with the same practical focus that shaped its beginning: helping each person find the level of care that supports stability, progress, and a more connected life in the community.
Learn how our model works today.
Wild Acre’s history has shaped a care model that is structured, relational, collaborative, and focused on each person’s path toward greater independence.