COEUR d'ALENE - A mental health care company that started operations in Coeur d'Alene in 2002 has grown again.

Aces Community Health Services has operated from a variety of leased spaces since beginning operations in Hayden, but is now in fully remodeled and specialized offices in the former Inkwell building at 1417 N. Fourth St.

Donald Gross, owner and president of the company, purchased the site last year, doubling their space to 5,200 square feet.

"I love the location," Gross said. "It's central, with public transportation access."

Aces, which began by working with group homes, has expanded over the years to Wallace, Boise and Nampa. Gross, who is the business operator, but not a mental-health professional, works with a staff of about 100 psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and therapists. Some work outside the office, which has space for 30-40 employees.

Many have been with the company for years, some since its inception.

"The type of service we provide means we hire people to be with us for the long term," Gross said. "When somebody explains the tragedy of their life, that's important."

Aces offers a wide array of mental health services, from counseling and therapy for children, adults and families to group therapy, psycho-social rehabilitation, medication management and ACT Team - Assertive Community Treatment - intensive services and mental health court programs.

"The two closest to my heart are the children's program and the adult drug and alcohol program," Gross said. "When children and families have a need, when we work with a child and the family, it can change the course of their life."

David Armstrong coordinates the ACT Team, which incorporates all angles of the care provided by Aces. He is also the face of their drug and alcohol program, which focuses on keeping people out of hospitals and prisons by working with the Kootenai County mental health court.

"It helps lower the cost to the community," he said.

He has been at it for about seven years because, he said, he wants to help people have a better life. Many clients require ongoing treatment. Some improve to the point where they can better manage their own lives by better making use of the skills they develop in treatment. Others decrease their need for care and live more independently because of the ongoing support.

"We do see people get better," said Amika DuPree, administrative director for Aces. "We believe in recovery."

By starting with was mostly an empty shell, Aces was able to design a facility that provides for individual patient needs. On one side of the offices, painted in soft earth tones and enhanced by wood and art, is an area for children. Administrative offices are closer to the wing dedicated to adults. Some rooms are bathed in sunlight, while others can be dimly lit, depending on the appropriate mood.

About 90 percent of the clients are on Medicaid, but the number of private-pay clients is growing.

Aces works with community and government agencies, taking referrals from some and providing referrals to others, such as the Dirne Health Centers or organizations that can help with basic needs such as housing and social needs.

"A lot of people fall between the cracks between income and qualifying for Medicaid," Gross said.

Information: 292-2188; Wallace 556-0960, or online at http://www.aces-id.com/