In a world where mental health challenges are increasingly recognized and addressed, finding timely and effective support is more necessary than ever.
Mental health crises can disrupt lives and communities, highlighting the need for accessible and immediate care.
RSI Mental Health steps into this important role, offering support to residents in Wyandotte, Johnson, Leavenworth, and Douglas Counties.
By providing non-medical assistance during times of crisis, RSI not only helps individuals navigate urgent situations but also connects them with vital resources for long-term recovery.
In this article, we will learn more about this organization and explore its services in detail.
About RSI Mental Health
RSI Mental Health operates 24/7, serving the residents of Wyandotte, Johnson, Leavenworth, and Douglas Counties who require immediate help with mental health or substance use crises.
Established to offer urgent care and treatment, RSI focuses on managing crises effectively and linking individuals with essential community services.
The organization’s mission is to swiftly address crises, minimize unnecessary hospitalizations and arrests, and facilitate access to ongoing support.
Since its inception in April 2014, RSI has made a significant impact by aiding over 7,000 individuals facing mental health or substance use emergencies.
By providing a vital link between immediate crisis intervention and long-term recovery resources, RSI helps individuals avoid state hospitals, emergency rooms, and jails.
Their services not only support those in need but also assist police officers and community partners in accessing vital crisis management and recovery solutions.
Mental Health Services and Resources Provided By RSI Mental Health
RSI Mental Health offers immediate care and treatment services for individuals facing mental health or substance use crises.
Upon arrival at RSI, each individual undergoes a thorough assessment by a team of mental health professionals who evaluate the severity of their crisis.
Based on this assessment, the team determines the most appropriate next steps to effectively manage and resolve the crisis.
The following are the services they provide:
1. Sobering Unit
For individuals dealing with substance use crises, RSI offers a Sobering Unit where they can stay safely for up to 10 hours.
During this time, clients receive support aimed at recovery, including referrals to additional treatment services specific to their needs.
2. Crisis Observation Unit
The Crisis Observation Unit at RSI provides a temporary refuge for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
Here, they can stay for up to 23 hours, which helps to stabilize their condition and manage symptoms.
Following their stay, RSI connects these individuals with local community mental health centers for ongoing support and follow-up services.
3. Crisis Stabilization Unit
For those requiring extended care, the Crisis Stabilization Unit offers a more intensive level of treatment.
Available for up to 10 days, this service is designed for individuals needing additional support and stabilization before transitioning to community-based care.
RSI is a good resource for law enforcement, social service, and healthcare organizations that encounter individuals in mental health or substance use crises but feel unprepared to handle them.
Additionally, individuals in crisis can walk into RSI for assistance, or family members and friends can bring loved ones for care.
RSI Mental Health Network
The RSI Mental Health Network is a collaborative ecosystem designed to address the diverse mental health and substance use needs of its communities.
Comprising several key organizations, each network member plays a distinct role while upholding shared values and a unified vision of supporting mental well-being and resilience.
1. Wyandot Behavioral Health Network
The Wyandot Behavioral Health Network unites several organizations dedicated to supporting mental health in Wyandotte County, Kansas, and surrounding areas.
Despite their individual service offerings, these organizations align in their commitment to helping individuals with mental health challenges thrive through collaborative efforts.
2. Wyandot Center
Wyandot Center provides adults a broad spectrum of behavioral health services, including psychiatric care, case management, crisis stabilization, and therapy.
This comprehensive approach ensures that adults receive the necessary support to manage their mental health effectively.
3. PACES
PACES focuses on the behavioral and emotional needs of children and adolescents.
They offer a range of services, including therapy, case management, respite care, and psychosocial groups, to support young individuals navigating mental health challenges.
4. Kim Wilson Housing
Kim Wilson Housing addresses the needs of those facing homelessness by offering safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options.
In addition to housing, they provide support services aimed at helping vulnerable individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
5. RSI
RSI operates as a 24/7/365 crisis stabilization center, catering to residents of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties who are experiencing mental health and substance use crises.
RSI’s round-the-clock availability ensures that immediate support is accessible to those in urgent need, playing a critical role in the crisis intervention continuum.
Board Members & Professionals At RSI
The RSI Mental Health organization benefits from the expertise of a diverse group of board members and mental health professionals dedicated to advancing mental health services.
Their collective experience and commitment drive the organization’s mission forward.
- Colene Medrano – Executive Director
- Fred Zang – Chairperson
- Gary Bachman – Vice Chairperson
- Captain Mark Fitzgerald – Secretary/Treasurer
- Wayne Headrick – Board Member
- Brynn Mroz – Board Member
- Rosemary Podrebarac – Board Member
- Captain Courtney Totte-Boyd – Board Member
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
- Diamond Mental Health: Shaping Brighter Futures
- Kern Behavioral Health And Recovery Services Review
- Simha Mental Health: Nurturing Well-Being and Resilience
Community Partners of RSI
RSI Mental Health thrives through its network of community partnerships, which play a significant role in extending its reach and effectiveness.
These partnerships enable RSI to provide comprehensive support and resources to those in need, enhancing the overall impact of its crisis intervention services.
1. Heartland RADAC
Heartland RADAC is committed to increasing awareness about substance use disorders and addressing the stigma associated with them.
They provide impartial assessments, facilitate ongoing care, offer outreach and education, and build professional partnerships to improve service delivery for individuals and communities.
2. Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
KDADS oversees services for older adults, behavioral health and addiction programs, and manages state hospitals and home- and community-based service waivers under KanCare.
The agency provides quality services to older adults and individuals with disabilities, supports independent living, and offers appropriate behavioral health care to help Kansans lead fulfilling lives.
3. Johnson County Mental Health (JCMHC)
Operating under the Johnson County Government, JCMHC is dedicated to delivering mental health support and services to residents of Johnson County.
JCMHC provides community mental health services as a licensed Community Mental Health Center.
4. Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
The Bert Nash Center serves as the designated community mental health center and certified community behavioral health clinic for Douglas County.
It offers a wide range of mental health and substance use disorder services to children, families, and adults.
5. The Guidance Center
The Guidance Center delivers integrated behavioral healthcare services and collaborates in general healthcare provision across Atchison, Jefferson, and Leavenworth counties.
Their approach focuses on promoting community health through comprehensive behavioral health services.
Address & Contact Information
For those seeking assistance from RSI Mental Health, the facility is located at:
Address:
1301 N. 47th Street, Building B
Kansas City, KS 66102
Phone:
(913) 956-5620
In case of an immediate crisis, individuals are encouraged to call the 24-hour crisis line at:
Crisis Line: 913-788-4200
For general inquiries, please visit their website and complete the contact form available there.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I start mental health recovery?
Start mental health recovery by seeking professional help, such as therapy or medication, and building a support network while adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
2. Is mental illness lifelong?
Mental illness is not always lifelong; many individuals experience significant improvement or recovery with appropriate treatment and support.
