A new mental health clinic dedicated to serving veterans and military families has officially opened in Manhattan, Kansas. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone aims to address the pressing mental health needs of service members and their families in the area.
According to a report by Blue Star Families, one in four active duty military service members and their spouses reported experiencing a suicide within their unit or command over the past year. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of accessible mental health services. The clinic is located at 1960 Kimball Ave., Suite 375, directly across from the Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
The Cohen Veterans Network, a national not-for-profit organization, has partnered with Centerstone, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Together, they provide confidential therapy focused on a range of issues, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.
Eligibility for services extends to post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members from all branches, including the National Guard and Reserves, as well as their family members. This inclusivity encompasses siblings, caregivers, spouses, children, and parents, allowing individuals to define who qualifies as family for the purposes of accessing care.
Katie Hund, the clinic director and a Kansas State University alumna, emphasized the clinic’s mission to eliminate barriers to mental health care. “The goal is to remove as many barriers to mental health care as possible,” Hund explained. The clinic employs evidence-based treatment methods to ensure high-quality care tailored to each individual’s experiences and needs.
Comprehensive Services and Accessibility
The clinic provides services regardless of an individual’s discharge status. Additionally, it offers telehealth services, which are particularly beneficial for reaching clients in rural areas of Kansas. “There is such a need for service in rural Kansas,” Hund noted, highlighting the importance of these remote options.
Clients attending in-person sessions can take advantage of child watch services, allowing parents to focus on their treatment without childcare concerns. Furthermore, the clinic can arrange Uber rides for clients lacking transportation, ensuring that access to care remains a priority.
“Our staff is specifically trained in working with military families,” Hund stated. The personalized treatment plans typically last between 10 to 12 weeks, focusing on the unique needs of each client based on their backgrounds and experiences.
As the clinic prepares to open fully, interested individuals can still set up appointments and learn more about available services. For inquiries, potential clients can reach the clinic by calling 785-370-6400 or emailing [email protected].
The establishment of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic marks a significant step forward in providing essential mental health support for veterans and military families in the Manhattan area, addressing a critical need for accessible and tailored care.
