​APCTC was established in 1977 as a directly-operated program of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. APCTC was the very first mental health center in Los Angeles County specifically developed to meet the unique needs of rapidly increasing numbers of Asian Pacific immigrants and refugees who were in need of a wide range of mental health services. Through intensive program development efforts in response to ever-growing service needs, APCTC has since expanded to its current operation with multiple funding sources. In 1990, APCTC made a major transition through privatization to become a non-profit agency under the auspices of Special Service for Groups, Inc (SSG).