COMCARE and USD 259 Selected for Mental Health Intervention Pilot Program

Today, Commissioners approved a funding agreement with USD 259 and COMCARE in the amount of $1,029,000 for mental health services provided to children and their families. This is part of a mental health intervention pilot program funded by the 2018 State Legislature. The program will be in six school districts and community mental health centers in Kansas including USD 259 and COMCARE. 

The goal of the program is to improve the social-emotional wellness and outcomes for students by increasing schools’ access to mental health treatment providers. This one year pilot program will have a team of a school liaison employed by the school district, master level clinicians/therapists, and bachelor level case managers employed by COMCARE. 

“This is a great opportunity provided by our Legislature,” said Commission Chairman David Dennis. “I am glad that this program will help bring mental health treatment to students and families in Wichita schools.” 

In Wichita, COMCARE will embed teams within 22 of the USD 259 district schools and will be staffed by 34 clinicians/therapists along with 45 case managers. Their projected goal is to serve 800 students within the first year. Funding from the State General Fund will be used to serve those without insurance or are underinsured. COMCARE will bill for services through Medicaid or commercial insurance when available. 

COMCARE will begin hiring additional staff members in July and the program will begin in August.