FAQs
I am experiencing a mental health crisis. What do I do?
Central Kansas Mental Health Center provides emergency assistance with mental health related issues 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the Center’s five-county service area, which includes Dickinson, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa and Saline counties. Emergency numbers are 785-823-6322 or toll-free 1-800-794-8281.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can also provide support by calling or texting 988 or chatting 988lifeline.org .
Do I need a referral to get treatment at Central Kansas Mental Health Center?
A referral is not required. Many individuals are self or family-referred, others come by recommendation of doctors, schools, friends, or other providers.785-823-6322 .
Where are services available?
In addition to our main office in Salina, staff have regularly scheduled office hours in our outreach offices located in Abilene, Lincoln, Minneapolis, and Ellsworth. For information on scheduling an appointment in these towns, call 1-800-794-8281.
How can Central Kansas Mental Health Center help me?
We help people of all ages — children, teens, adults — find new, more effective ways to deal with the challenges and problems everyone encounters at various times in life. Adults often seek assistance with anxiety, loss and grief, depression, relationship difficulties, or parenting challenges, to name just a few. Children and teens may need help with depression, school problems, Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder, acting-out behaviors, etc. We also provide treatment for many other issues, including severe and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
What will happen during my first visit?
We understand that explaining your situation can be uncomfortable. Please understand that helping you is our top priority and we will make the experience as reassuring and stress-free as possible. One of our supportive staff will direct you to a therapist who is well trained to help with any mental health needs you may have. Our goal is to help you arrive at solutions as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. You are also welcome to bring family members or supports.
What should I bring with me to my first appointment?
If you want to take advantage of your insurance, please bring your insurance card and a photo ID. If you don’t have insurance, no sweat! We work individually with you regarding payment and you may be eligible for reduced rates and other financial assistance. This is a benefit of coming to a Community Mental Health Center. To apply for financial assistance or a reduced rates, you must bring proof of income.
What will it cost?
Typically, our services are covered by insurance. Persons without insurance who live in Dickinson, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa or Saline Counties are eligible to apply for a discounted fee, based on their ability to pay by submitting proof of income. We offer one of the most competitive discounted rate programs across the region. Medically necessary services will not be denied because of inability to pay.
What is a therapist?
All of our therapists are licensed by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and hold master’s degrees. We are proud of the fact that the majority of our therapists have achieved top clinical licensure in their field. Therapists are trained to identify and treat problems related to mental, emotional, and behavioral health, and help people find ways to solve them. In addition, our therapists are kept current in best practices in order to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
Yes! Central Kansas Mental Health Center embraces patient confidentiality as a top priority. All state and federal requirements are met or exceeded, including HIPAA regulations. CKMHC also complies with all mandatory reporting requirements. Click here to see our privacy policies.
Can I require my child to receive treatment?
Families are welcome to bring their child (up to age 18) in for treatment, even if the youth is initially reluctant. A positive therapeutic relationship tends to develop quickly, which is key to success. Our therapists are happy to talk to children and teenagers at their first appointment about how therapy works if they are experiencing anxiety about meeting with a therapist. We are also happy to make accommodations to match a patient with a therapist that they are comfortable with.
What are evidence based practices?
We have staff trained to provide numerous evidence based practices. Evidence based practices are interventions that have been tested by researchers and have been found to be effective. Just as within the medical field, researchers have found that some behavioral and psychological treatments are more effective than others. As a result of this research, our clinicians are qualified to use evidence based practices and can expect that these interventions will have a greater chance of success.
What does it mean to have a mental illness?
Mental illnesses come in different types. It can be a single issue (like depression after a divorce) in one’s lifetime that makes it difficult to function at their normal potential, comparatively like a broken arm the medical field. Or, mental illness can be a chronic and pervasive condition, much like lifelong diabetes that has ups and downs or can flare up in the medical field. There is no need to assume that your issue will be lifelong. Newest research suggests that recovery is not only possible, it’s probable.
Can people with mental illness recover?
Yes. People with mental illness can recover to live full, balanced, and productive lives. 1 in 4 people will experience a significant mental health issue in their lifetime that may require professional assistance. Early identification and therapeutic intervention are critical to a quicker recovery. Seeking treatment as soon as symptoms present themselves gives the individual the best chance to prevent a long-term condition and reduce length of treatment.
I have received treatment in the past. My symptoms have returned. Did it fail?
If you have received treatment in the past and your symptoms return, this does not mean your treatment was a failure. In fact, research shows that people who need to return are often able to recover much more quickly the second or third time. This can be viewed as a kind of booster shot that not only works, but doesn’t take as long, and costs less in the long run for the patient. Taking care of your mental health also reduces physical health issues and physical health costs.
What are some of the
signs of mental illness?
The signs of mental illness vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. For example, a person suffering from a phobia will exhibit different symptoms than someone with bipolar disorder. What follows is a list of general signs that may suggest a person may be struggling from mental illness:
Social withdrawal
Problems thinking and concentrating
Feeling disconnected from oneself
Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, touch, or smells
Unusual drop in functioning at school or work
Loss of interest in hobbies and sports
Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior
Sudden sleep or appetite changes
Dramatic shifts in mood
Excessive fear or worry
Persistent sadness or irritability
Strong feelings of anger
Thoughts of death or dying
Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
If you or a loved one is suffering one or more of any of these symptoms, you may want to consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately.
How can I help a friend or family
member who I believe may have a mental health problem?
It can be difficult to know how to help a loved one who seems to be struggling with mental illness. Once you know the signs and symptoms, you may feel comfortable gently approaching your friend or family member. Mention that you’ve noticed a change in behavior and that you’re concerned. Let your loved one know that you’re there to listen, without judgment. When the time is right, you can encourage him or her to seek help at a mental health treatment center. You are welcome to call us to discuss alternatives for encouraging the family member to make the appointment. In a situation of concern for the safety of your family member or others, seek help immediately.
Additional Details
24-Hour Crisis Support
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis at any time of the day or night, a member of our team is available to assist you. You can reach us at 785-823-6322 or toll-free 1-800-794-8281. If you are calling after business hours, stay on the line and your call will roll over to an on-call specialist.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can also provide support by calling or texting 988 or chatting 988lifeline.org .
Financial Assistance
For people who are uninsured or are eligible for services that are not covered by their insurance, Central Kansas Mental Health Center has discounted rates that are based on income and other factors. Click here for more information.
Services for Veterans & Members of the Armed Forces and Their Families
We are proud to serve Veterans, members of the Armed Forces and their families who have provided dedicated service to our country. We accept Tricare insurance as well as commercial insurances, Medicaid and Medicare, and also serve people who are uninsured.
A Welcoming Environment
Inclusion is very important to us. We welcome people of all ages, races, ethnicities and abilities as well as members of the LGBTQ community. Our facilities are conveniently located and accessible for people with physical challenges. We have a diverse team of staff with various expertise and experience in order to provide the best care possible to the people we serve.
At Central Kansas Mental Health Center,
You will be treated with kindness and respect.
You will be valued as an individual.
You have options and choices in your treatment.
Your goals are acknowledged and supported.
You will be surrounded by people who believe in you.
