Our country has been in an ongoing mental health crisis for many years now. Driving the crisis are two key issues: a shortage of mental health services and overworked, strained emergency departments. And this situation is impacting young people in particular. Children are more frequently being taken to emergency departments for mental health crises. In many cases, the issues that brought on the emergency could have been addressed sooner via appropriate mental health treatments and interventions. Let’s explore the emergency department crisis, and how KVC is rising to meet the growing demand for mental health services.

Shortages in Mental Health Services are Impacting Children’s Wellbeing

The American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health in 2021. Following the COVID-19 pandemic many experienced significant loss, isolation and adversity. As the need for mental health services rose, the availability of those services decreased. Barriers include reduced numbers of qualified practitioners, limited health insurance coverage and a lack of evidence-based interventions. By default, ERs have become a safety net, both the first and last resort for many Americans.

With more than half of teens who experience a mental health crisis not receiving care, the number of young people going to emergency departments in the midst of a crisis has skyrocketed as many are left with no other options. Emergency departments have been inundated with an influx of mental health-related cases, worsening overcrowding and risking patient safety. 

How KVC is Growing to Meet Children’s Mental Health Needs

At KVC Health Systems, we are constantly growing our evidence-based services. We strive to make mental health support and treatments more readily available to the children and youth in the areas we serve.

To increase the availability of mental health services in Kansas and Missouri, KVC Health Systems has launched two joint ventures to build new campuses for youth mental wellness:

Gov. Laura Kelly

Joint Venture 1: Mental Wellness Campus in Olathe

One of the greatest limitations on mental health services in Kansas has been available space for those in need. As Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said, “A lack of psychiatric beds has been one of the largest barriers to providing mental health care in our state.”

With support from a Kansas SPARK Grant for the expansion of inpatient pediatric and adult mental health treatment capacity, KVC Health Systems launched plans for a joint venture (JV) with Children’s Mercy Kansas City to open a 72-bed mental health inpatient hospital in Olathe, KS.

Jason Hooper

“We’ve seen an alarming increase in mental health needs for both youth and adults, including increased suicidality,” explained Jason Hooper, KVC Health Systems President and CEO. “We are proud to expand the life-saving care needed in our community.”

This new hospital is set to open later this year and will be a significant step forward in providing inpatient support for people of all ages experiencing a mental health crisis in the greater Kansas City area.

This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP 1176, awarded to the State of Kansas by the U.S. Department of Treasury.”

Joint Venture 2: Children’s Behavioral Health Hospital in St. Louis

In recent years, Missouri youth have faced unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression as well as suicide and suicidal ideation.

Trish Lollo

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 14-year-olds in Missouri, yet St. Louis and surrounding areas have fewer than half of the psychiatric beds needed to address this crisis,” said St. Louis Children’s Hospital President Trish Lollo.

Our most recent JV is between KVC Missouri and St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH). We are excited to partner with one of the country’s premier children’s hospitals. This JV aims to address the region’s pediatric mental health crisis by replacing aging buildings on our Webster Groves campus with a new world-class children’s behavioral health hospital. 

“We see every day the life-saving impact access to compassionate and trauma-informed treatment can have,” said KVC Missouri President Lindsey Stephenson.

Lindsey Stephenson

“Our relationship with St. Louis Children’s Hospital will help us provide kids and families with the support they urgently need in a world-class facility staffed by the region’s leading experts in pediatric mental health.”

By replacing beds that closed a few years ago, this new mental wellness campus will increase the number of available beds for youth in need of mental health care. This campus will provide a serene healing environment including private courtyards, spaces for recreation, activities and dining.

In both joint venture partnerships, care will be managed by Camber Mental Health, a nonprofit subsidiary of KVC Health Systems. Camber Mental Health is the leading regional provider of inpatient children’s psychiatric and mental health treatment. Camber currently has children’s hospitals in Kansas City, Wichita and Hays.

Enriching Campuses with Evidence-Based Care

While these joint ventures to address the physical lack of hospital beds are important, they are only as useful as the quality of care provided in these facilities. We focus on patient wellness, safety and supportive care. KVC mental health treatment centers don’t just treat symptoms and send patients home. We work with patients to develop strategies and techniques for managing their mental health for the long-term.

Upon discharge, patients receive customized safety and treatment plans. Additionally, they can access follow-up therapy appointments with KVC therapists as needed.

KVC mental health services focus on evidence-based care, meaning all of the care we provide is based on thorough research to identify and implement the best treatment and intervention techniques. Our key efforts and framework at all KVC inpatient facilities include:

Risk Assessment: KVC uses the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSR-S). This allows us to identify the level, immediacy and severity of suicide risk. Then our clinicians can gauge the level of support that a person needs.

Safety Plan: To provide evidence-based and accessible safety planning. We use the Stanley-Brown Safety Plan to help diminish risk and create a suicide safety plan with the phone app.

Treatment Process: KVC is piloting the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicide (CAMS) approach at our facilities. Our initial 26 clinicians are working through CAMS training. Eventually, all KVC clinicians will receive CAMS training. 

Post-Discharge Care: Research shows that the most critical period of suicide risk following inpatient hospitalization is the first week after discharge. To mitigate this risk, our team performs “Care Calls” to provide further support. Our team helps clients schedule outpatient services, utilize their safety plan and maintain other agreed-upon discharge practices like taking prescribed medication.

Finding Hope & Healing Through Quality Mental Health Treatment

Access to timely and compassionate care is crucial now more than ever. Our caring team members are ready to help more children and families find much-needed safety, connection and support. 

Hear from families we’ve supported with our mental health care services:  

“I couldn’t imagine the progress would have been possible without them (Camber). It’s not an overnight thing, but it finally got us where we weren’t taking four steps back and can actually move forward. The acute stay and family therapy aided us in being confident we can keep our child and family safe now. I would recommend them a time and time over. My child can smile and communicate again. We are so thankful for the good people at Camber!” 

“They helped us during a very low point in our lives and we are forever grateful.” 

“You guys have been amazing! My kid ran down the hall to me with life back in his eyes. I have my kid back! Thank you so much for all that you do!” 

Come Join the KVC Behavioral Health Team!

As KVC Health Systems continues to expand services throughout Kansas, Missouri and beyond, we need skilled and passionate therapists, nurses, direct care staff and others to be part of our team! Take a look at our current career opportunities to learn more about how you can join the KVC team.