How to become a client at MHASCK.
Becoming a client at MHASCK is simpler than you might think. You do not need a diagnosis or a plan to begin. Here is what to do first, what your first visit is like, and answers to the questions people ask most.
Starting is easier than you expect.
The hardest part is often just deciding to reach out, and you have basically done that by being here. You do not need to have everything figured out. You just need to take one small step, and we will help with the rest.
Four steps to begin.
You do not have to have it all figured out before you start. This is the same path everyone follows at MHASCK, from your first message to your first visit, and you move through it at a pace that feels manageable.
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Reach out
Call, message, or stop by. We listen first and help you name what you need.
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Get matched
We connect you with the service and team that fit your situation and your budget.
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Start care
You meet your team, share your goals, and begin at a pace that feels safe.
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Keep growing
As your needs change, your support moves with you across our services.
Cost and coverage
A few worries, removed.
Cost should not be the reason you go without care. Here is what to know before you begin.
- No referral needed to begin most services.
- Kansas Medicaid accepted, and many insurance plans too.
- Sliding scale fees available based on income.
- You can start even without a diagnosis.
- You can change your mind or switch providers at any point.
What to expect
Human, and unhurried.
The whole process is designed to feel human and unhurried. When you reach out, we listen and help you find the right service, then schedule your first visit and tell you what to bring. Your first session is mostly a conversation, not an interrogation, so you can relax as much as possible.
What a first visit is like.
Step by step, at a pace that feels right. There is no wrong way to begin.
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A warm welcome
You meet your clinician and get settled.
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A conversation
They ask about what brought you in, your history, and your goals.
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Your questions
You can ask anything, and share only what you are comfortable sharing.
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A starting plan
Together you decide on next steps at a pace that feels right for you.
You are in control
A few things that stay true throughout.
- You do not have to share everything right away; trust builds over time.
- You can bring a supportive person with you if that helps.
- Medication is never required; it is only ever your choice.
- You can pause, stop, or switch providers whenever you need to.
- What you share is confidential, within the limits set for safety.
Your privacy, protected
What you share is protected by privacy laws, and your clinician will explain the few limits that exist for safety. You decide what to share and when, and you can change your mind at any point. Confidentiality is the foundation of good care.
The questions we hear most.
Answered simply and grouped by topic.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You do not need a referral from a doctor to begin most services at MHASCK. You can contact us directly to get started. If a specific program happens to require a referral, our team will tell you clearly and help you arrange it.
Do I need to know which program I need before I call?
No. You do not need to know a program name or have a diagnosis. Just tell us what is going on and we will help you find the right service. Figuring out the best fit is our job. Start on our Reach Out page or simply call us.
Can I start if I do not have a diagnosis?
Absolutely. You do not need a diagnosis to begin. Many people reach out simply because something feels off or hard. Part of what we do is help you understand what is going on. You do not need a label to deserve support.
Is there a cost to ask questions or start the conversation?
No. There is no cost to reach out, ask questions, or get connected to the right service. If you decide to begin care, our team will clearly explain any costs and coverage options before anything is scheduled, so you can make an informed choice.
How soon can I be seen?
We work to get you in as soon as possible, and timing depends on the service and current availability. When you reach out, we will give you a realistic timeframe. If you need help right away, call or text 988 or reach our Warm Line at (316) 260-2340.
What if I change my mind?
That is completely okay. There is no obligation, and you are always in control. You can pause, stop, or switch providers at any time. Reaching out does not lock you into anything; it just opens the door to support whenever you are ready to walk through it.
Do you accept Medicaid or offer a sliding scale?
Yes. MHASCK accepts Kansas Medicaid and many insurance plans, and we offer sliding scale fees based on income. When you reach out, our team will help you understand your coverage and what to expect for cost before your first visit, so there are no surprises.
What if I do not have insurance?
You can still get care. We offer sliding scale fees based on income and accept Kansas Medicaid, and we will help you understand your options. Not having insurance does not mean going without help, so please reach out and let us find a path with you.
What if I cannot afford care?
Please still reach out. We accept Medicaid, offer sliding scale fees, and will talk through options so cost is not the reason you go without care. Helping you find a path you can afford is part of what our team does, whatever your situation.
Where can I see a full payment breakdown?
Our team will walk you through costs for your specific situation when you reach out, since it depends on the service and your coverage. For questions about billing or payment, contact us and we will give you a clear picture before you commit to anything.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first visit is mostly a conversation. Your clinician asks about what brought you in, your history, and your goals, and answers your questions. There are no tests and no pressure. Together you create a starting plan, and you leave knowing what comes next and who your team is.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance or Medicaid card if you have one, and a list of any medications you take. If you do not have all of that, come anyway; we will help you sort out the details. The most important thing is simply showing up.
Do I have to share everything right away?
No. You share only what you are comfortable with, and trust builds over time. Your clinician will never force you to talk about something you are not ready for. Going at your own pace is not just allowed; it is an important part of good, safe care.
How long is a session?
Most sessions last around 45 to 60 minutes, though the first visit can run a little longer since there is more to talk through. Your clinician will let you know what to expect for your specific service, so you can plan your time comfortably.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Many people feel more comfortable bringing a trusted friend or family member, especially to a first visit. Just let us know. For some parts of care, private time with your clinician may be helpful too, and they will explain when and why.
Will I be put on medication?
No. Medication is never required and is always your choice. Many people work only with a therapist and never take medication. If you are curious whether it could help, our prescribers can discuss it, but the decision stays entirely with you.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. What you share is protected by privacy laws, and your clinician will explain the few limits that exist for safety. Confidentiality is the foundation of therapy, so we are careful with your information and share it only with your permission where the law allows.
Do you offer telehealth?
Telehealth is available for some services depending on your needs and situation. When you reach out, ask about telehealth for the type of care you want, and our team will tell you what is currently offered and whether it is a good fit for you.
How long does treatment last?
It depends on your goals and what you are working through. Some people feel better in a few months, while others benefit from longer support. You and your clinician review progress together and decide the pace, so care lasts as long as it is genuinely helping you.
Can my family be involved?
Yes, when you want them to be and where it makes sense. Family involvement can strengthen support, especially for children and teens. For adults, we respect your privacy and your choices about who is involved. We will explain what can and cannot be shared.
Can I stop or switch providers?
Yes, any time. A good fit with your clinician matters, and if it is not right, you can request a change. You can also pause or stop care whenever you need to. You are always in control of your own care, and we will support your choices.
What if this is an emergency?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available any time. For non-crisis emotional support, call our Warm Line at (316) 260-2340. See Need Help Right Now for more options.
What is the Warm Line?
The Warm Line is a free, confidential phone line for non-crisis emotional support, staffed by people who understand. It is available Every day, 5 to 11 PM at (316) 260-2340. It is not a crisis line; for emergencies, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911.
One small step to begin.
You have already started just by being here. Reach out online or call (316) 685-1821, and we will help with the rest.
