Kansas Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Kansas
There are plenty of positives about living in Kansas, from the abundant farmland to the comfortable cost of living, but the state struggles when it comes to mental health care. In fact, a report from Mental Health America ranked it as the worst state in the country for mental health care in 2022.
While Kansas doesn’t necessarily have higher rates of mental illness, the problem is a lack of access to care. According to the Bureau of Health Workforce, Kansas is currently meeting just 26% of the need for mental health professionals, which is lower than the US’s national average. Cost is a factor as well – of the adults in Kansas who don’t get the mental health care they need, 52% name cost as the reason.
Unfortunately, the low access to care is reflected in Kansas’s fatalities. Kansas has a much higher suicide rate than the US average: 19.4 per 100,000 people compared to the US’s 14.1 per 100,000 people.
The good news is that there are signs of improvement. There are programs and resources building throughout the state, and that Mental Health America report that ranked Kansas in 51st place in 2022 found notable improvements, moving Kansas up to 22nd place in 2023.
52%
Of Kansas residents who couldn't get mental health care cite cost as the reason
19.4 per 100,000
Suicides per 100,000 people
22nd
Kansas ranks #22 in mental health care
Free Mental Health Resources in Kansas
NAMI Kansas is a coalition of individuals, families, and community stakeholders that have come together to support residents living with a mental health struggle. They offer services for children, teens, and adults. You'll will have access to support groups, advocacy, community resources, and other services to help address your mental health needs.
HeyHQ is a free and confidential support line for teens and adults. They can support you in the event of a crisis and provide additional services too. They specialize in working with children under the age of 18 who are struggling with suicidal ideation or experiencing a mental health episode. Counseling, advocacy, and referrals to community organizations are available here.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Our Spot KC is based out of Kansas City. This is a community hub that serves marginalized groups, including BIPOC individuals, members of the LGBTQ community, students, and adults. They provide culturally competent and sensitive care for the life struggles you're facing. Services include social support and access to rapid rehousing.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Coterie Theater Project Pride is an program that supports members of the LGBTQ community and straight allies through organized theater performances. These performances are aimed at teens aged 13 to 18. They can also connect you to a number of LGBTQ-friendly resources in the community.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
The KCSL’s Parent Helpline is a toll free number where you can call to speak with experienced staff and volunteer members. This hotline can provides parents with resources and services to support your child. Children can also call in for help and guidance. Their offices are located in 16 localities throughout the state, allowing you to come in and speak with someone directly as well.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
COMCARE Community Crisis Center is a 24-hour crisis stabilization unit. They also have a crisis hotline you can call and a mobile crisis team can deploy to meet you where you're at. They assist with various behavioral health struggles including substance abuse disorders and instances of domestic violence.
Provide Services for
Depression
ADHD
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
The Metro Council of Community Behavioral Health Centers provides mental health services like counseling and access to recovery resources. Visiting them online provides you with links to various specialized hotlines that are available 24/7. They work with individuals of all ages, regardless of your ability to pay.
The Central Kansas Mental Health Center is a program that provides free mental health screenings for residents in the state. They’ll also connect you with mental health services, including counseling, peer support services, and access to a social worker.
Provide Services for
Social Worker
Mental Health America of South Kansas works with students, teens, adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. They provide access to free resource groups if you are struggling with your mental health. Counseling for substance abuse struggles and access to housing services are other ways you’ll be supported.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
Four County Mental Health works with individuals of all backgrounds and ages throughout Kansas. They have multiple walk in, same day care clinics throughout the state where you'll receive therapy and mental health counseling. They will support you regardless of your ability to pay, though they do offer sliding scale discounts. They have over 40 programs to meet your unique needs.
The Battle Within is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans receive supportive care for their behavioral health struggles. This organization can cover the cost of six therapy sessions and coordinate with providers in your community to help you continue receiving support.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Funded in part by the Johnson County government, the Johnson County Mental Health Center offers low cost mental health services including counseling for a mental health struggle or substance abuse disorder. There are also specialized programs for children and families along with emergency services. Sliding scale discounts are available.
The Kansas Office of Veterans Affairs supports veterans and their loved ones, including those with an intellectual or developmental disability. This organization can help you file a claim and utilize your VA benefits. You’ll work with a veterans service representative free of charge. Social work services are also available here.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Social Worker
The Kansas Department of Mental Health can connect you to different mental health resources in the state. You'll find specialized programs for men, women, children, teens, and others. They also have a crisis line and can connect you to social services like the WIC program.
Kansas Medical Society Resources offers a free online collection of mental health resources that you can turn to. They also have a 24 hour helpline where you can speak with a live staff member. Free meditation resources, crisis services, and over the phone counseling are also available.