Kansas Mental Health Rankings: 2022 vs. 2024
2022 Rankings (Mental Health America Report):
Kansas ranked 51st for overall mental health services, placing last in the nation. This highlighted significant challenges in access to mental health services and treatment.
2024 Rankings (Mental Health America Report):
Kansas made remarkable progress, climbing to 22nd in the nation. This improvement reflects advancements in access to care, early intervention, and effective community-based initiatives.
SENT’s Contribution to Kansas’ Mental Health Improvement (2023–2024 Combined Data)
In the heart of an under-resourced community, SENT Inc. operates as a small organization with a big mission. Despite limited resources, SENT is making a profound impact, driving Kansas toward its goal of becoming a national leader in health and mental well-being. Through its innovative programs, SENT addresses critical mental health needs and expands access to care, directly contributing to Kansas’s improved rankings.
Counseling Services Provided (Combined Totals):
- Total Sessions: 1,565 sessions
- Free Sessions: 370 free sessions
- Sessions Billed to Insurance: 939 sessions
- Sessions at Reduced Rates: 215 sessions
Financial Impact:
- Donated Hours for Free/Reduced Sessions: $68,050
Clients Served:
- Number of Clients: 216 clients
- New Clients Seen: 91 new clients
Demand for Services:
- Client Inquiries for Counseling Services (2024):
- 269 inquiries, reflecting strong demand for mental health services.
Community Reach:
In 2024, SENT served clients from 18 different cities/towns, with 71% of clients residing in Topeka. Seven clients traveled over 30 miles, and three traveled over 70 miles to access SENT’s services, showcasing SENT’s regional influence. In 2023, SENT extended its reach even further, serving clients from 19 different cities and towns, demonstrating a consistent and growing impact across the region.
Group Therapy Sessions (2023–2024 Combined Totals):
- Group sessions served 638 individuals over two years.
- Many sessions were free or provided at reduced rates, ensuring accessibility for those in need.
SENT’s Comprehensive Impact (2023–2024):
- Service Accessibility:
Over 1,565 counseling sessions were provided in two years, with 370 of these sessions offered at no cost and 215 at reduced rates, ensuring financial barriers did not prevent access to care. - Financial Contribution to Mental Health Services:
SENT donated over $68,000 worth of free and reduced-rate counseling services in 2023 and 2024 combined. - Regional Influence:
By serving clients from diverse communities, including 19 cities/towns in 2023 and 18 in 2024, SENT has expanded its impact beyond Topeka, contributing to broader mental health improvements across Kansas. - Support for Underserved Populations:
SENT prioritized free and low-cost sessions while also addressing the needs of clients covered by insurance, balancing care for both underserved and insured populations. - Group Therapy and Trauma Recovery:
Group sessions fostered community healing and engagement, with nearly 640 individuals benefiting from these services over two years.
How SENT Supported Kansas’ Progress from 51st to 22nd Place:
Although small in size, SENT’s work is deeply impactful. Operating in one of the most under-resourced communities in Kansas, SENT has demonstrated how focused, intentional efforts can ripple outward to influence statewide progress.
- Increased Access:
SENT’s counseling and group sessions directly addressed the gap in mental health services, particularly for low-income and rural populations. - Affordability:
By offering nearly 600 free or reduced-rate sessions, SENT ensured equitable access to care, complementing statewide efforts to improve affordability. - Community Impact:
SENT’s focus on holistic wellness, trauma-informed care, and wraparound services helped reduce mental health disparities in the Topeka area and beyond. - Vision for the Future:
With a commitment to helping Kansas become #1 in health, SENT exemplifies how even a small organization can drive significant change. Its work is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in achieving holistic transformation and measurable progress.
Through its dedication and strategic approach, SENT has been instrumental in Kansas’s remarkable journey from 51st to 22nd, ensuring mental health services are accessible and effective for all Kansans.