HPMH
High Plains Mental Health Center and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services recently announced an arrangement that will make Schwaller Crisis Center more accessible for under-insured patients.
The State of Kansas will provide up to $150,000 in grant funding for crisis stabilization center services for under-insured clients needing this level of community care.
“We are very excited and thankful to KDADS and the State of Kansas for making this higher level of care more accessible for Northwest Kansas,” said Walt Hill, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “Community-based crisis stabilization is an important service for those experiencing a mental health crisis who need a safe place to stay and additional, around the clock support. We are thrilled that this effective treatment option will now be more accessible for clients in need of additional support.”
The crisis services agreement between High Plains and KDADS was effective April 1 and will continue through June 30, 2021. Those admitted to Schwaller Center do not have to be active clients of High Plains Mental Health Center. Self-referrals and referrals from health care providers are welcome.
“The crisis stabilization services provided by High Plains Mental Health Center can be the difference between life and death,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Keeping these services available in the community is critical to having a comprehensive and robust system of care for Kansans.”
Schwaller Crisis Center in Hays is the only crisis stabilization center in Northwest Kansas. It serves adults 18 and older who are struggling to maintain at home due to an increase in symptoms.
Clients must self-identify as experiencing a mental health crisis and admissions must be voluntary. In some cases, the crisis center can help deter hospitalization; however, this is a less intensive form of care and may not be appropriate for all situations.
The Schwaller Crisis Center offers four private bedrooms; a shared living room and dining space; and a full kitchen to practice meal prep and daily living skills. The Schwaller Crisis Center (named for the late Juliette Schwaller of Hays) was one of the first crisis centers in Kansas, opening 18 years ago.
Care provided at the Schwaller Crisis Center is individualized to meet the client’s needs. Services can include medication and therapy services, coping mechanisms, daily living skills, and assistance accessing appropriate community resources. Medicaid insurance is accepted. For more information about Schwaller Crisis Center or to make a referral, call High Plains Mental Health Center at (785) 628-2871.
High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed community mental health center dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of Northwest Kansas. Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available. Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us. We’re Here for You!