A new mental health clinic dedicated to supporting veterans and military families officially opened in Manhattan, Kansas, this month. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone aims to provide essential mental health services to service members, veterans, and their families. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics from a report by Blue Star Families, indicating that one in four active duty military personnel and their spouses reported a suicide within their unit or command over the past year.
Located at 1960 Kimball Ave., Suite 375, directly across from the Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the clinic is part of a national network of mental health facilities operated by the Cohen Veterans Network. This nonprofit organization collaborates with Centerstone, a health system recognized for its expertise in mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Together, they will offer confidential therapy services addressing a range of issues, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and challenges related to the transition from military life.
Comprehensive Support for Military Families
The clinic is open to all post-9/11 veterans and service members from every branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, regardless of their activation status. Family members of these veterans—including siblings, caregivers, spouses, children, parents, and chosen family—are also eligible for the clinic’s services. According to Katie Hund, the clinic director and a graduate of Kansas State University, service members and veterans have the autonomy to define who qualifies as family in accessing the clinic’s resources.
“The goal is to remove as many barriers to mental health care as possible,” Hund stated. The clinic employs evidence-based treatment methods that are grounded in scientific research, ensuring a focus on delivering high-quality care tailored to individual needs. Treatment plans typically span 10 to 12 weeks, allowing for personalized care.
Addressing Accessibility in Rural Areas
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by veterans in rural Kansas, the clinic offers telehealth services, enabling broader access to mental health support. “There is such a need for service in rural Kansas,” Hund explained, emphasizing how telehealth capabilities help them reach more communities.
In addition to mental health services, the clinic provides child watch for clients attending in-person sessions without accessible childcare. Transportation assistance is also available, including the option to arrange Uber rides for those lacking reliable transport.
All staff members at the clinic are specifically trained to work with military families, ensuring that care is aligned with the unique experiences and needs of each client. “All of the staff and care is focused heavily on what is best for client needs and their specific life experiences as military families or veterans,” Hund noted.
To schedule an appointment or gather more information, the clinic is reachable at 785-370-6400 or via email at [email protected]. Although the clinic has recently opened, it is already poised to make a significant impact on the lives of veterans and military families in the area.
