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IPS Supported Employment Success Stories!

"R.T."
R.T. had really struggled with finding and maintaining employment. Not being able to keep a job made it difficult to get a job. He states “the IPS Supported Employment Program has made me a better person because I go to work, I don’t miss shifts anymore and I am staying more active.” He says working has helped with his depression by being able to meet new people and having the opportunity to socialize. When asked how finding competitive employment has impacted his life, he says “it has helped me by being employed and has motivated me to want to do better at work and helped me a lot with my finances”. He says the most helpful part of the IPS Supported Employment program is having someone to talk to about struggles with my job, symptoms, or when he is struggling with his day, the IPS team helps him with motivation. R.T. is working more shifts in job now, and with support of the IPS team and Kansas Rehabilitation Services, has enrolled in full-time classes at LCC for the Fall 2024 semester. He is very excited to have the confidence and support to pursue education towards his dream. R.T. ends by saying “I think everybody I work with in IPS is awesome and I really enjoy the support and help I get”.
"Mr. Mike"
When Mr. Mike lost a job previously, it made him lose hope and he knew he needed to seek mental health care. Mr. Mike struggled with keeping a job and became overwhelmed when his work required him to be in close vicinity to others in the workspace. Mr. Mike describes his journey as a shining light at the end of a dark tunnel. Through the IPS Supported Employment program, Mr. Mike has found a sense of well-being. Having the additional support from the program, and the continued care from all the staff he works with, has helped him to feel like he is getting better. Before becoming a part of the IPS program, Mr. Mike felt like he had little control over his life and of his finances. Having a job has given him an opportunity to get out of the house and to interact with others where he can work towards finding and continuing friendships. Before becoming a part of the IPS Supported employment program, Mr. Mike felt like the stress of not having a job was becoming overwhelming, and at times would begin planning to end his life. Then, through the assistance of an IPS Supported Employment Specialist, he received a call from an employer saying he had gotten the job. "They [IPS Supported Employment team] saved my life." Mr. Mike has recently received a promotion. The position is one he really wanted in a department he wanted. He received a raise in pay and is very happy in his job. With the support of the IPS team, Mr. Mike recently enrolled in the Welding Certificate program at LCC. His next goal is to work in the welding department and is excited to gain the skills necessary to achieve his goal.
"Daniel"
Daniel has struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. In addition, Daniel found applying for and obtaining a job difficult due to issues with cognitive understanding. Daniel had dealt with issues with testing and reading that created an issue with recalling information. Because of this, often it would be difficult to get through the application process and then to have the courage to turn in the application. But Daniel found himself in a situation where he had more to focus on than his own needs. With a daughter to care for, Daniel decided it was time to get the help and support he needed. “The assistance on every single step of the process and the introduction of options that I didn’t even know were available have been some of the most beneficial parts of the IPS Supported Employment program for me,” stated Daniel. “It has restored confidence, which gives me the belief that I can actually see a future rather than meandering with whatever I could come up with and take what I could get.” Daniel’s IPS Supported Employment Specialist helped him through the application and interview process to find a job that best suited his interests. By having the support of IPS, Daniel was able to successfully obtain employment in a job he felt he was good at and comfortable with. “I see a future and I see a path that I could actually achieve, rather than having a dream that I have a few chances for, but not the path that everyone else has because of my cognitive understanding.” Daniel believes the IPS Supported Employment program creates possibilities for those willing to work with the IPS Specialist. Through the support of the program, he has found a way to not only employment, but towards his mental wellbeing. With support of the IPS team, Daniel has gained the confidence to pursue welding skills and is enrolled in the Welding Certificate program at LCC.
IPS Supported Employment Reaches Milestone
Parsons, Kansas – Labette Center’s IPS (Individual Placement & Support) Supported Employment program has been busy working on establishing a solid base of employers and individuals who receive services and are interested in gainful employment in Labette County.
IPS Supported Employment is an evidence-based program (EBP) that aims to help people living with mental illness and co-occurring disorders (mental illness and substance use disorders) to work in jobs that they choose. IPS Supported Employment includes a focus on each individual's strengths and aims to find and maintain work that promotes wellness and recovery on a long-term basis. IPS Supported Employment utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach which includes frequent collaboration between the individual’s treatment team and IPS employment specialists. Trinette Vance, IPS Supervisor, previously worked with the Center as an IPS SE Specialist from 2003-2007 and was excited to return and help rebuild the evidence-based program.
“We are excited to bring IPS Supported Employment program back to the community, as an expanded service with the CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic),” stated Trinette Vance, IPS Supervisor. “We have seen firsthand the significant role Competitive Employment plays in recovery, helping reduce symptoms of depression and giving individuals a sense of fulfillment in their lives.”
Since September of 2023, the program has had over 50 individuals referred to the IPS program by mental health treatment providers. The team has made over 200 face-to-face visits with 100 unique employers in Labette County to gain knowledge and build relationships for successful job matches. By making these connections, the IPS team can directly impact the well-being of the individuals being served and the needs of the work force throughout the community.
The IPS Supported Employment team meets with employers to learn about their businesses, including the employment needs they have and their hiring practices. This information provides the team with the ability to find job matches for the job seekers in the program. The IPS Team also collaborates with Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation and Labette Community College to support participants in achieving their educational goals, which includes getting a GED, training certificate programs such as CNA or Welding, as well as associate degrees. The team also partners with Working Healthy to connect qualifying participants with Work Incentive Programs, which allow them to maintain benefits while working.
“This program offers an amazing opportunity to our community,” stated Matt Atteberry, LSCSW, executive director of Labette Center for Mental Health Services. “It provides hope for those who may be dealing with mental health or substance use issues as they work towards recovery and provides employers with an opportunity to fill vacant positions. It is amazing what the team has been able to accomplish in the community. I look forward to the great work the IPS team will be providing for Labette County in the months and years to come.”
Anyone in services with Labette Center for Mental Health Services can receive assistance from the IPS Supported Employment team. Individuals in services can speak with a mental health professional at the Center to be referred to the program. Employers interested in partnering with the IPS Supported Employment Team may contact Trinette Vance at 620-421-3770 ext. 704 to learn more about how the team can assist with employment needs.
Labette Center for Mental Health Services provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse services to clients of all ages and works closely with local agencies to provide the best care possible. The professionals at LCMHS work tirelessly to create hope and opportunities for life change by providing education, support, consultation, and therapeutic behavioral health services to the people and communities of Labette County.
PRESS RELEASE: May 2023
Labette Center, Spring River, and Crawford County Mental Health Achieve CCBHC Certification
Parsons, Pittsburg, and Riverton, Kansas – Labette Center for Mental Health Services and Spring River Mental Health and Wellness are excited to announce Provisional Certification as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) in Kansas, with Crawford County Mental Health Center expected to receive Provisional Certification later this fall. Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) across the state have been transitioning to this new model of care since 2022. In addition to state CCBHC certification, Labette Center, Spring River, and Crawford County Mental Health had all previously been awarded a grant from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) for planning, development and implementation of the CCBHC model.
A CCBHC is a specially designated clinic that provides a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services. CCBHC's work to ensure access to integrated, evidence-based substance use disorder and mental health treatment services. As a major system enhancement, the CCBHC model is designed to better meet the needs of the communities they serve. “There is an increased recognition that mental health services are an important component of the health care service array,” said Kyle Kessler, Executive Director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers. “The CCBHC model ensures that Kansans have access not only to mental health services but also to integrated care that emphasizes recovery, wellness, trauma-informed care, and physical behavioral health integration.”
CCBHCs provide an integrated approach to behavioral health and primary care, including crisis behavioral health services, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services, primary care screening and monitoring, reduced wait times for services, and targeted outreach to veterans and active military members, with a focus on coordinated care across health care and other service provider systems.
Spring River has expanded crisis services and has implemented Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Same Day Access for initial mental health and substance use disorder assessments. “This is such an exciting time for us. Becoming a CCBHC allows us to serve the community to the best of our ability, while being innovative and forward-thinking, to meet the needs of today and tomorrow,” said Stacy Manbeck, Executive Director of Spring River Mental Health & Wellness. “I’m thankful for the support of our Board and the hard work of our staff that helped us attain this achievement.”
The CCBHC model of care system gives Labette Center the tools it needs to support a range of mental health and substance use treatment services, providing expanded care while helping to improve access to crisis services and coordinated care across the behavioral health system. “It is an amazing time to be a part of mental health services right now,” stated Matthew Atteberry, LSCSW, Executive Director of the Center. “As a result of a year and half of intense effort, Labette Center is pleased to be able to announce to the community that we have accomplished the goal of receiving the status of provisional certification for being a CCBHC. Becoming a CCBHC is an
amazing enhancement to the services we currently provide. This includes enhancing our already 24/7 crisis services to provide even more benefit to our community, adding Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and continuing to offer Same Day Access to make starting services with Labette Center more feasible for individuals. This will help us to continue providing the quality care individuals in Labette County are accustomed to and grow to fit the upcoming needs of the community as well.”
As a result of the transition to CCBHC, Crawford County Mental Health has implemented Same Day Access, MAT, ACT, and Individual Placement and Support (IPS), in addition to expansion of current services. “CCBHC is an opportunity for us to better meet the mental health needs of our community. This is an opportunity for us to enhance and expand our service array, eliminate barriers, and provide quicker access to mental health care for our community,” stated Heather Spaur, Executive Director of Crawford County Mental Health Center. “I am honored and humbled to be part of this transition. I am grateful for the support of our Governing Board and the Crawford County Commissioners, and I am so proud of our staff for their hard work, dedication, and passion to successfully implement and achieve CCBHC Certification.”
The CCBHC Model is a product of strong collaboration between community mental health centers and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. “We are proud of the partnership we’ve developed with several Southeast Kansas mental health facilities to grow their services and expand the state’s CCBHC program,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Each facility that receives CCBHC certification moves our state closer to ensuring access to comprehensive substance use and mental health treatment services for our citizens, reduced wait times and more robust crisis services.”
Contacts:
Heather Spaur, Executive DirectorCrawford County Mental Health Center Heatherspaur@cmhccc.org620-231-5130
Stacy Manbeck, Executive DirectorSpring River Mental Health and Wellnesssmanbeck@srmhw.org620-848-2300
Matt Atteberry, Executive DirectorLabette Center for Mental Health ServicesMatt@LCMHS.com620-421-3412 Kyle Kessler, Executive DirectorAssociation of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas kkessler@ACMHCK.org785-608-3254 Michelle Ponce, Associate DirectorAssociation of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansasmponce@ACMHCK.org620-481-9289

Labette Center is Provisionally Certified as a CCBHC!

Labette Center is excited to announce that it has been awarded the Provisional Certification as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Kansas by KDADS. A CCBHC model of care system gives Labette Center the tools needed to support a range of mental health and substance use treatment services, providing expanded care while helping to improve access to crisis services and coordinated care across the behavioral health system.
“It is a very exciting time to be a part of mental health services right now,” stated Matthew Atteberry, LSCSW, executive director of the Center. “As a result of a year and half of intense effort, Labette Center is pleased to be able to announce to the community that we have accomplished the goal of receiving the status of provisional certification for being a CCBHC. Becoming a CCBHC is an amazing enhancement to the services we currently provide. This includes enhancing our already 24/7 crisis services to provide even more benefit to our community, adding MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment) and continuing to offer Same Day Access to make starting services with Labette Center more feasible for individuals. This will help us to continue providing the quality care individuals in Labette County are accustom to, and grow to fit the upcoming needs of the community as well.”
In September of 2022, Labette Center has been awarded a grant from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to provide the Center with the ability to transition into a CCBHC. This grant will be instrumental as the Center works toward accomplishing all of the goals of becoming a CCBHC.
Misti Mustain, LMLP, LCAC, KCGCII, CCBHC Director is working towards moving Labette Center through the process of becoming a CCBHC. "I am proud to be part of the team at LCMHS to support the CCBHC model of care,” stated Mustain. “I am excited to work on this journey of expansion of services to enhance the behavioral health care provided and to build stronger partnerships with other agencies in our community.”
A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is a specially designated clinic that provides a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services. CCBHC's work to ensure access to integrated, evidence-based substance use disorder and mental health treatment services. Services included in the CCBHC model of care include immediate screening and risk assessment for mental health, addictions, and primary health care needs for chronic co-morbidities that drive poor health outcomes. CCBHC model of care increases access to care with criteria to assure a reduced wait time to access services and tailored care for active duty military and veterans to ensure they receive the unique health support essential to their treatment. This model expands care coordination with local primary care providers and a commitment to peers and families by recognizing that their involvement in care is a key part of an individual's path to recover.
Labette Center for Mental Health Services provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse services to clients of all ages, and works closely with local agencies to provide the best care possible. The professionals at LCMHS work tirelessly to create hope and opportunities for life change by providing education, support, consultation, and therapeutic behavioral health services to the people and communities of Labette County.
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