TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A new state-of-the-art mental health facility will begin providing care to children and adolescents in western Kansas in February 2023.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday, Jan. 25, that Camber Children’s Mental Health — formerly KVC Hospitals — will begin accepting patients and providing treatment by early February at its new youth mental health hospital in Hays.
Governor Kelly said he first announced the partnership between Camber and the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services to open a modern acute care facility that meets the needs of youth in western Kansas in December 2021.
“Like much of the nation, we are at a crisis point here in Kansas with regards to mental health,” Kelly said. “This hospital will provide much-needed resources and treatment for Kansan youth facing mental health crises. I am impressed by the commitment shown by the leaders of KDADS and Camber to not only the youth of western Kansas, but also the communities this center will impact.”
Kelly indicated that the contractual agreement between KDADS and Camber – which is effective through June 30, 2027 – specifies admissions to a 14-bed licensed hospital for youth 18 and under to include up to 10 state institutional alternative beds. with no deportation and no rejection centered on the patients of the Larned State Hospital catchment area.
The Governor said the newly renovated center will also continue to provide the psychiatric residential treatment facility services currently provided by Camber in Hays.
“The opening of this center in Hays offers a unique opportunity to expand capacity and address mental health disorder needs for children and young people and, as I said earlier, comes at a time of critical psychiatric services for children,” said KDADS secretary Laura Howard.
At the new state-of-the-art facility, Kelly noted that Camber’s medical and mental health professionals will provide hospice and residential care to children in need of intensive services to help stabilize, build resilience and develop coping skills to return home on as soon as possible. as safely as possible to continue outpatient treatment.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our services in Hays and surrounding communities so we can further enhance the positive impact these services are having on children’s lives when they need it most,” said Bobby Eklofe, president of Camber Children’s Mental Health. “This new treatment facility features the latest technology and safety monitoring in a child-centered, welcoming space, enabling children to receive critical therapeutic care as soon as they need it in an atmosphere that promotes healing and well-being “.
In addition to state funds, the Governor indicated that the facility’s opening was in part due to the generosity of several private organizations. He said the Patterson Family Foundation, the Robert & Patricia Schmidt Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation have made significant contributions to support children’s mental health through expanded services.
Kelly said the new facility will be able to serve 600 more youth each year who struggle with suicide, depression, anxiety, trauma impacts, self-harm and other mental health disorders. She said inpatient treatment will include:
- Complete medical, clinical and nursing evaluation within the first 24 hours of admission
- Critical psychiatric care and medication management
- Individual, family and group therapy sessions
- Case coordination
- 24/7 support and supervision by Camber’s trained nursing staff
- Innovative treatment and education to teach young people about their brains and how to regulate their emotions
Those seeking mental health care for youth can contact Camber’s admissions team at 913-890-7468.
