top of page
NEWS & NOTES
News from the Bert Nash Center and the Treatment & Recovery Center of Douglas County.


A Message from Dr. Kirsten Watkins, Interim CEO
Six months ago, I stepped into this role during one of the most challenging financial periods in our agency’s history. Our rapid growth and the increasing need for mental health services stretched our internal systems, while growing financial pressures have added additional strain to the broader healthcare environment. We addressed these challenges head-on by refining financial systems for greater effectiveness, and making making strategic decisions to ensure our long-term s
Dec 5, 2025


“I’m Not Alone”
JoAnna reflects on connecting with other parents at the Bert Nash Center Parent Support Group. The resources shared by the facilitator and connecting with other parents who were navigating similar challenges was life-changing.
Dec 5, 2025


“It’s been life changing.” Jessica’s journey from addiction to supporting peers
Jessica is determined to make sure everyone who needs to hear it knows they are not alone. She calls her work with clients – something she never thought she’d have the opportunity to do – her “heart and soul.”
Dec 5, 2025


Community member in crisis guided to the Treatment & Recovery Center
When Carol Huettner, a North Lawrence resident, recognized a woman in crisis, her quick thinking and knowledge of the Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) of Douglas County helped ensure the woman received immediate, expert mental health care.
Dec 5, 2025


Bert Nash Center Welcomes New Senior Director of Finance, Dani Edwards
Dani Edwards, Senior Director of Finance The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dani...
Oct 10, 2025


Treatment and Recovery Center’s Full Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) Licensing Officially Goes into Effect, First in the State of Kansas
The Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) of Douglas County. After being initially recommended for a provisional Crisis Intervention Center...
Oct 6, 2025


“I love myself … and I couldn’t have done it without help”
From his tireless work in the community garden at the Community Health Facility campus to the support and encouragement he shares on...
Sep 8, 2025


A Message from Dr. Kirsten Watkins, Interim CEO
Dr. Kirsten Watkins, Interim CEO The transition from summer to fall reminds me that change is part of every season of life and that...
Sep 8, 2025


Nurturing healthy minds & bodies
A young BNC client pets a horse at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead Looking very much like any other group of giddy schoolchildren and...
Sep 5, 2025


Silo Recovery Partnership
As we work to stabilize the Bert Nash Center’s finances, our team is identifying areas for improvement to ensure we can keep providing...
Aug 13, 2025


Rebuilding Together With You
Dr. Kirsten Watkins, Interim CEO Bert Nash has been your community mental health center (CMHC) since it was founded in 1950 in memory of...
Aug 5, 2025


Bert Nash Center By the Numbers: Understanding Our Work, Our Impact, and Our Challenges
As the designated Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) for Douglas County, the...
May 22, 2025


The Bert Nash Center 2024 Annual Report — Celebrating 75 Years
Annual reports, by definition, highlight the past year’s accomplishments and impact. The 2024 Bert Nash Center annual report is all that and more.
May 1, 2025


Client satisfaction survey results
The results of our 2024 client satisfaction survey are in.
Dec 9, 2024


Supporting Gender-Affirming Care: A Message from Our CEO
On behalf of the Bert Nash Center, I wish to express and affirm our support for gender-affirming care within our community.
May 1, 2024


We have Bert Nash, its staff and services to thank for guiding and supporting us on this journey
Sally Monahan shared this testimonial at the Bert Nash Center’s annual Celebrate Bert Nash fundraising breakfast in October. We are...
Nov 30, 2023


Community partners work together to help get client housed
It really does take a village. Take the case of Gerald, a Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center client, for example. Multiple local...
Aug 23, 2023


WRAP provides Wellness, Resources, Access and Prevention in Douglas County schools
Students and teachers won’t be the only ones going back to school this month. Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center’s WRAP therapists...
Aug 14, 2023


New website, new look and feel
On June 5, the Bert Nash Center will launch its new and improved website, bertnash.org. The Center’s last website redesign was in 2015....
Jun 2, 2023


Bert Nash Center’s Strategic Plan Is “A Living, Breathing” Document
When the BNC began work on its strategic plan in 2021, the organization’s leadership team wanted a plan that could evolve and change.
May 9, 2023
NEED HELP?
The Treatment & Recovery Center is open 24/7/365 days a year.
Call or text 988 to talk to a crisis counselor.
bottom of page
