Frequently Asked Questions

We’re proud to provide specialized inpatient and residential mental health treatment for youth and adults across Kansas and surrounding communities. With locations in Kansas City, Wichita, Hays and Olathe, we’re dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care for depression, anxiety, trauma and more.

Explore the FAQs on this page to find answers to common questions about our mental health services in Kansas City, Wichita, Hays and Olathe. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us—our team is here to help.

 

Questions About Camber's Services and Treatment Programs

Camber provides two types of mental health treatment: inpatient hospitalization and residential treatment. These programs are designed to meet the needs of youth and adults facing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, the impacts of trauma and other conditions.

Inpatient Hospitalization
This level of care is for individuals actively experiencing a mental health crisis, such as having a plan to harm themselves or others. Immediate therapeutic and medical intervention is critical to stabilize the crisis and address the underlying causes. The goal is to help clients safely discharge as soon as possible so they can continue treatment in their community. The average length of stay for inpatient care is 4 to 7 days.

Residential Treatment (youth only)
This longer-term program supports youth who are not in an immediate crisis but are struggling with ongoing mental health or behavioral challenges. Residential care is often for individuals who have not seen improvement with outpatient services. Clients stay an average of 60 to 90 days, during which they learn emotion regulation and coping skills and practice these strategies before transitioning back to their home environment.

Learn more about the most common disorders and conditions we treat at Camber here.

We have 4 locations providing specialized mental health care:

  • Youth and Adults:
  • Youth Only:
    • Camber Kansas City (Kansas City, KS – inpatient and residential care)
    • Camber Wichita (Wichita, KS – inpatient care)
    • Camber Hays (Hays, KS – residential care)

View our locations and contact information here.

Camber provides treatment for a variety of mental health conditions and behavioral challenges for youth and adults. The conditions we treat most often include:

  • ADHD
  • Aggression
  • Anxiety
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Disruptive behavior disorders
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Substance use
  • Suicidal thoughts

Our multidisciplinary team delivers compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs. With locations in Kansas City, Wichita, Hays and Olathe, we are dedicated to supporting mental wellness across Kansas.

Click here to learn more about these conditions and how to support someone who may be struggling.

Camber offers a variety of therapy approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of youth and adults. Our goal is to provide effective, compassionate care that promotes healing and growth. The primary types of therapy we provide include:

Individual Therapy

Licensed therapists work with clients to identify challenges, build coping skills, and address stressors. Therapy may take the form of traditional talk therapy or evidence-based approaches such as:

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Acute Traumatic Incident Processing (A-Tip)
  • Trauma Systems Therapy (TST)
  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Family Therapy

This critical component of treatment strengthens the family system by:

  • Improving communication
  • Enhancing the family’s ability to support the client
  • Providing a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and behavioral concerns

Group Therapy

Clients engage in therapy with peers, guided by treatment team members. Group therapy helps:

  • Improve social skills
  • Build resiliency
  • Identify triggers
  • Enhance coping strategies
  • Strengthen communication

Sessions may involve traditional talk therapy or group-based expressive therapies.

Expressive Therapy

Camber has dedicated therapists specializing in expressive therapies such as art, music, dance, recreation, virtual reality and equine-assisted therapy. These therapies offer creative, interactive approaches to mental health treatment, helping clients process emotions, build self-expression and support healing in non-traditional ways.

With locations in Kansas City, Wichita, Hays and Olathe, Camber provides therapy that helps individuals and families achieve lasting progress. Learn more about our therapy options and expressive therapies here.

Determining the appropriate type of treatment starts with consulting a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician, a licensed mental health provider, or a local community mental health center. These professionals can perform comprehensive assessments to understand the individual’s unique needs and recommend a tailored treatment plan.

Camber offers free mental health assessments, helpful e-books, and other resources to guide individuals of all ages in learning more about mental health care. Click here to access these resources and take the first step toward understanding treatment options for youth and adults.

When a client is admitted to Camber, our team conducts a comprehensive physical and biopsychosocial evaluation. This assessment helps us understand factors contributing to the client’s overall health and wellness, such as family medical history, life experiences (including trauma), and any underlying medical conditions. We also assess the intensity of the client’s symptoms to determine the best course of care.

After the initial evaluation, we develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the client’s specific needs. Medications are prescribed only when deemed clinically necessary to support their treatment and overall wellbeing. Learn more about the benefits of medication and Camber’s approach to safe and effective medication use here.

The length of stay depends on the client’s presenting symptoms, response to treatment and availability of community support after discharge. Our goal is to make each stay as meaningful and effective as possible, ensuring it lasts only as long as needed to address the challenges that brought the client to Camber.

For inpatient acute treatment at one of our hospitals, the average length of stay is 4 to 7 days. For clients receiving care at one of our residential treatment centers, the average length of stay is 60 to 90 days. These are averages, and actual lengths of stay may be shorter or longer depending on the unique needs of each individual in our care.

Room arrangements vary depending on the facility and level of care. At Camber’s inpatient hospitals, clients may have a single bedroom, but most often will share a room with a peer. Bedroom assignments are based on factors such as presenting symptoms or diagnoses, gender identity, age and other considerations to ensure safety and comfort.

At Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health, which serves both youth and adults, units and rooming arrangements are completely separate. Adults and youth are housed in distinct, blocked-off areas and will never share a room or interact during their stay. This structure ensures privacy, safety and focused, age-appropriate care for all clients.

During the admission process, we speak with each client to understand the type of living environment where they feel safest. This includes discussing gender identity and sexual orientation to the extent the client is comfortable sharing. Based on this information, we determine rooming and unit placements that ensure all clients feel secure and supported. These decisions are made collaboratively by the treatment team, with a focus on safety and promoting healing for every client.

Yes, we have a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment team onsite to ensure clients receive the best possible care for both their medical and mental health needs. Our team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, behavioral health technicians, therapists, nurses (RN, LPN and APRN), case managers and a physician who oversees all medical care.

Clients receiving inpatient treatment in our hospitals do not attend school during their stay, as the focus is on healing and wellness. However, clients in our residential treatment centers do attend school throughout their stay since this level of care is longer-term, and most clients can balance treatment with continuing their education.

We collaborate with school districts in Hays and Kansas City to ensure all educational needs are met, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and special education support.

Absolutely. Visits and calls can be therapeutic and beneficial, and we strongly encourage involvement from guardians, family members, or approved support persons throughout the treatment process. For clients who wish to have visitors or calls, an access code will be provided by their therapist, which can be shared with approved individuals. This code must be used for all visits and phone calls.

The therapist will also provide program-specific visitation and phone hours, scheduled around daily activities, meals and therapeutic sessions.

You will receive contact information for the client’s therapist and/or social service liaison or wellness coordinator. If they are not immediately available when you call, please leave a message and they will return your call as soon as possible.

We provide guardians with comprehensive education to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to support clients during their treatment and after discharge. This includes:

  • Information about diagnoses or disorders, including symptoms and behaviors and the reasons behind them.
  • Practical tools and methods for supporting the client at home.
  • Education on the types of treatment and care the client is receiving at Camber.
  • Guidance on communicating with the client throughout their stay.
  • What to expect during discharge and beyond.

This information is shared through verbal discussions, printed materials like our Admissions Handbook, and digital resources, including blogs, free assessments and e-books. Our goal is to empower guardians with the support they need for continued care.

Questions About the Admissions Process

For admission to one of our residential treatment centers in Kansas City or Hays, you will need to pre-schedule. Residential treatment requires a referral from the client’s insurance company and/or community mental health center, and the admission process involves additional steps due to the longer-term care provided.

For treatment in one of our inpatient hospitals in Kansas City, Olathe or Wichita, we recommend calling ahead to ensure there is an available bed and to complete paperwork and consents before arrival. Scheduling an admission time helps us make the process as efficient as possible and ensures that the necessary treatment team members are available to assist during your visit.

The admissions process at Camber is designed to be as smooth and supportive as possible. Our team works with you to complete the necessary paperwork, answer your questions and ensure all consents are in place. Once admitted, clients will meet their treatment team and begin the assessment process to develop an individualized care plan.

For more detailed information about what to expect, including steps to prepare for admission, view our Admissions Handbooks:

These handbooks explain the admission process, what to bring and how we maintain a safe and supportive environment. You’ll also learn about the roles of our multidisciplinary team, daily schedules, meal options, family visitation and aftercare planning. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, prepared and supported at every step.

If you have additional questions, contact our Admissions team or visit our admissions page.

When admitting a client to one of our hospitals or residential treatment centers, please bring the following items, if applicable:

  • Healthcare information and immunization records
  • Healthcare insurance card
  • A list of current medications

For residential treatment admissions, please also bring:

  • At least 7 sets of undergarments
  • Enough clothing for 1 week
  • Shoes and slippers
  • Personal items important to the client, such as a stuffed animal, books or photos

If you have questions about specific items to bring, feel free to contact us for guidance.

Upon arrival, a nurse or healthcare professional will meet you in the lobby and guide you to one of our visit rooms. They will assist you in completing the admissions paperwork and address any questions you have about the client’s treatment. Once all questions have been answered, you will have time for goodbyes. The client will then be taken to their assigned hospital or residential unit, where they will meet additional members of the treatment team and begin settling in.

We understand that it may not always be possible for guardians to be onsite during the admission process due to life circumstances. In these cases, as long as the completed consent paperwork is sent to us in advance via email or fax, we can complete the admission process over the phone.

Questions About the Discharge Process

To support a successful transition after a stay at Camber, the treatment team works with the client and their guardians to identify and coordinate follow-up care in their home community. Whenever possible, we schedule these appointments before discharge to ensure access to the necessary resources upon returning home.

A discharge and aftercare plan, including a safety plan, is developed with the client and their guardians. The treatment team also collaborates with local providers to initiate services as quickly as possible. Aftercare and follow-up services are crucial for continued progress and may include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy and education
  • Specialized educational services
  • Medication management
  • Psychosocial or supportive groups
  • Substance use treatment
  • Attendant care and/or case management services

Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support for every client’s success.

Camber’s therapists, case managers and discharge planners collaborate with clients, guardians, and community partners to arrange aftercare services that ensure continued stability. Every client leaving our hospital has follow-up appointments set up for medication management (if needed), therapy, and any other recommended services. We also provide information on local crisis services for future mental health emergencies and how to contact Camber’s Admissions team if additional care is needed.

When a client discharges from Camber, they leave with:

  • Three days’ worth of medication and a prescription for 30 days (if applicable).
  • An Emotion Regulation Plan outlining safe people, places, and activities to support ongoing wellbeing.
  • Follow-up outpatient treatment appointments in their community.
  • Discharge paperwork detailing medications (if applicable), frequently asked questions and resources to support their ongoing needs.

Post-Discharge Support

Our Care Call Coordinator follows up after discharge to ensure:

  • Guardians have received all necessary paperwork and resources.
  • Follow-up appointments are confirmed and understood.
  • The safety plan and medication information are in hand.
  • Any additional support or guidance is provided.

Learn more about what to expect during the discharge process, including tips for a smooth transition back to daily routines like school or work.

Payment Questions

We accept Kansas and Missouri Medicaid plans as well as most private insurance plans. Our Hays and Kansas City treatment centers also accept Colorado Medicaid. For details about coverage with your insurance plan, please contact your insurance provider. Their contact information is typically listed on the back of your insurance card, and they can assist with questions about your specific coverage, network status and deductibles.

If you are uninsured and have questions, please contact our Admissions department at 913-890-7468.

Most insurance plans require the provider (Camber) to contact them to request authorization for acute inpatient behavioral health treatment. Our Utilization Review (UR) department is experienced in working with insurance companies to obtain prior authorization and will manage this process upon admission. A member of our UR team will follow up with the client or guardian if any additional information is needed.

If you have additional questions about the payment process, please call (913) 322-4900 and let them know you would like to speak with someone about billing questions.

Questions from Providers, Organizations and Agencies Making a Referral

Referrals for our inpatient hospitals can be made by guardians, family physicians, hospital emergency departments, community mental health centers, school counselors or administrators, caseworkers, licensed mental health professionals or any other professional supporting individuals and families. Guardians can contact us directly to start the referral process. Guardian or client consent is required for admission.

For psychiatric residential treatment, referrals are typically made by guardians, insurance providers and/or local community mental health centers. Admission to this program also requires guardian or client consent.

You can start the process of making a referral a few different ways: 

With the client or guardian’s consent, you can have regular contact with the treatment team throughout their stay. This team includes a therapist, psychiatrist, and other direct care professionals such as nursing staff, case managers and behavioral health technicians. They will provide updates on treatment progress, discharge planning, medication management and other important information tailored to the individual’s needs.

With the client or guardian’s consent, you can be involved in the discharge planning process. From the moment of admission, we focus on setting a discharge goal, ensuring the client and their family have a strong support network and plan for ongoing outpatient treatment. Camber’s therapists, case managers and discharge planners collaborate with guardians and community partners to arrange aftercare services, supporting continued stability. Every client leaving our hospital has appointments set up for medication management (if needed), therapy, and any other recommended services.

Yes! We offer support for community partners through tailored training and consulting services designed to meet your organization’s needs. Our team can educate your staff on a variety of topics, including:

To learn more about how we can support your organization, complete this form.

Other Questions

There are many ways to partner with Camber and be a lifeline for those we serve! Explore the options below, or send your ideas to contact@cambermh.org.

  • Join our team and provide life-changing mental health services for individuals of all ages while enjoying competitive employee benefits.
  • Partner with us by referring clients. Our Admissions team will help you find the care that best suits their needs.
  • Become a donor to support activities, holiday gifts, birthday surprises and other impactful resources that show our clients they matter.
  • Volunteer to make a meaningful difference and bring joy to the lives of those we serve.

We’re hiring at our mental health hospitals and residential treatment centers in Kansas City, Wichita, Hays and Olathe! Explore open positions, discover employee benefits and join our team to provide life-changing mental health services for individuals of all ages.

Camber recruits top healthcare professionals dedicated to making a difference. Every team member is extensively trained, with trauma-informed care at the heart of our approach, ensuring compassionate support and meaningful outcomes.

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

  • Psychiatrists and psychologists
  • Medical physicians
  • Registered and advanced practice nurses
  • Licensed master’s-level therapists
  • Certified teachers
  • Dietitians
  • And more, all working together to provide comprehensive care.