Mission Statement
To utilize trauma-informed and collaborative practices to increase access to high-quality mental health support services in Southwest Kansas.
Who We Are
Bridges to Mental Wellness is a grassroots network of mental health professionals and community partners who are committed to improving mental wellness in Southwest Kansas communities. There is a demonstrated need for building mental health infrastructure, easier access to mental health information and local resources, and greater continuity of care between mental health resource providers. Additionally, we believe that wellness goes beyond the treatment of diagnosable mental illness and must include preventative care, education, advocacy, and the creation of supportive networks.
History of BtMW
Bridges to Mental Wellness was founded in the fall of 2022 as the “Mental Health Providers Network”, seeking to build resilience in clinicians providing services in the underserved southwest Kansas region. The pandemic had increased mental health challenges in the community and intensified the long-standing struggle with clinical burnout that is especially high in underserved areas. An initial community meeting in Garden City asked anyone working in mental health to attend. The goals identified were- periodic mental health networking events to update all community agencies about resources, an ongoing effort to help mental health clinicians be in contact with each other for effective referrals, the need for local continuing education opportunities, the need for burnout support for providers, and better connections to psychiatric medication, evaluation, and in-patient services.
Mental Health Providers Network
Mental Health Provider Network is a resource for clinicians or graduate students providing mental health therapy to support both your work with clients and you as a clinician. We have an e-mail list for sharing important local mental health events and resources. We also have a monthly meeting on the second Friday of every month at noon. On odd months, there is a CEU opportunity led by a fellow local provider. On even months, we explore a topic of shared interest or a presentation from a local resource like NAMI or Families Together. To be added to our e-mail list please contact our facilitator, Ayrika Watson at healingjourneysks@gmail.com.
Mental Health Resources for Southwest Kansas 