The new Treatment and Recovery Center of Douglas County opened on April 10. Operated by the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Inc., this new facility gives people the opportunity to begin their behavioral health or substance use recovery journey. To understand more about the new center, Lawrence City Lifestyle interviewed TRC Director Bri Harmon-Moore to learn how someone in crisis can seek treatment, the process, and what to expect.
LCL: What communities do you serve?
Harmon-Moore: We serve all who come through our doors regardless of what community they come from.
LCL: What is the first step in the process?
Harmon-Moore: When someone seeking help arrives, we assess their situation individually and devise a treatment plan that is individualized and designed specifically for them and their needs.
LCL: Where do individuals find their way to you after hours?
Harmon-Moore: The TRC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our urgent care unit has walk-in hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. However, we see all the people who present after these hours to assess needs and admission if required. Clients can access services at either of our doors 24 hours a day.
LCL: How can a relative or friend help to get someone help who needs help?
Harmon-Moore: Just bring them in! There is no need to call or coordinate with another provider. If someone needs help, we want to help them immediately.
LCL: What engagement do the friends or family have during this process?
Harmon-Moore: If clients are comfortable and want their friends or family with them, they are welcome during their assessment process. If the individual is determined to need inpatient care, and the client is agreeable to signing a release of information, the staff could share treatment information with specific individuals based on that release of information throughout the client’s stay at the TRC. Family and friends can also schedule visits with their loved ones while at the TRC.
LCL: Where can individuals go after they leave the center?
Harmon-Moore: Each individual coming to the TRC has an individual treatment plan. They will work with a therapist, case manager, and APRN on their plan post-discharge. We partner with numerous community agencies to help connect individuals to services following their stay, including the Bert Nash Center, DCCCA, Heartland RADAC, and others. If individuals come from other communities or have private providers, we work to connect them with what fits best for them in their recovery.
LCL: How often can the individuals come to the center for short-term treatment?
Harmon-Moore: There is no limit. We know that recovery is a process and are aware that it may take one time or several times, and that’s OK. We just want people to continue to reach out for help.
LCL: How can the community help to support you all further?
Harmon-Moore: Please continue to provide feedback. We are a brand-new program working hard to provide complex care for many people with many complex needs. We love to hear stories of success and areas for opportunity so we can continue to do what we love and provide excellent mental health and substance use care. If the community wishes to support this work, they can contact the Community Engagement team by emailing Emily Farley, director of Community Engagement, at efarley@bertnash.org or call 785-830-1745.
LCL: What is the one message you want most to share?
Harmon-Moore: It has historically been difficult to access crisis care in this market. We are here to serve the community. Come in and let us assess how we can help no matter what time of day or night for mental health and addiction services. That is our mission.