BUSINESS NEWS
When Julie Kramp signed on as executive director of The Center for Counseling & Consultation, the non-profit agency “was excellent at providing the core services for people facing mental-health concerns.”
Now that she is signing off, those core services “remain strong while a solid foundation has been built for the many new programs we started in recent years.”
Kramp, who joined The Center in December 2017, recently announced her retirement, effective Dec. 27. She anticipates her replacement will be announced soon.
The Center’s new programs are the direct result of the agency becoming fully licensed as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). This multi-disciplinary program offers a holistic approach to the care and treatment of clients struggling with mental-health and other issues.
“Our clients now have access to help with care coordination, employment, and housing, along with enhanced substance-use disorder treatment. Military veterans also benefit with more local services and easier access to the Veterans Administration.
“In addition, we now offer Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and an in-house pharmacy. This varied list of programs is designed to ensure access to comprehensive behavioral healthcare.”
The Center, 5815 Broadway, started its CCBHC quest in 2022 and earned early pre-certification the following year. In the spring of this year, it became fully licensed.
“Because we got a head-start, many of the service dimensions were implemented early,” Kramp recalled. “Our staff has been diligent in setting and exceeding goals throughout this process. They are well aware that comprehensive services are needed and they made it happen.”
Kramp noted that the CCBHC is the result of lawmakers and mental-health professionals understanding that, oftentimes, a mental-health issue doesn’t result from just one thing.
“It could involve housing, employment, substance-use disorder or a physical-health issue. Or all of the above,” she explained.
Service integration
Kramp credits much of The Center’s success to the staff realizing that every department has an effect on all other departments.
“You can’t operate successfully in individual silos,” Kramp noted. “Each department must understand the roles of all their colleagues. It starts in the front office where clients are welcomed and made to feel comfortable as they schedule the appropriate services.”
In addition, a therapist must be familiar with a client’s case-management goals, while collaborating with medical professionals when medication may be involved.
“And, of course, the paperwork must be in order by documenting services and sending correct billing statements,” Kramp commented. “Keen attention also has to be paid to insurance issues, licensing requirements and compliance with state and federal regulations.
“It is all intertwined,” she continued. “In recent years, we have created a more streamlined operation and focused on how everything is connected. The CCBHC has magnified all of this to ensure we meet new standards.”
In short, Kramp summarized, all new and enhanced services zero in on ways to better serve clients with their mental and physical needs.
Priorities for the future include hiring more therapists and enhancing the new Mobile Crisis Response program.
“We couldn’t have achieved so much in recent years without the tremendous support of all our community partners,” Kramp emphasized. “Input from many local entities and individuals is so vitally important to our clients and staff.
“I have no doubt The Center will continue to grow as it enhances existing programs and adds new ones for the direct benefit of those who face mental-health concerns.”
The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.