Johnson County Mental Health Center

12/15/2025

With recent headlines, it’s normal to feel heavy or overwhelmed. 🌻

Here are some ways to take care of yourself:
1️⃣ Listen to your body
2️⃣ Ground yourself
3️⃣ Trust yourself
4️⃣ Set boundaries

Help is always available. Call us 24/7 at 913-268-0156 or call/text 988.

Thank you to Crisis Text Line for sharing these helpful reminders. 💛

12/15/2025

Seven days a week, Co-Responders from Johnson County Mental Health Center partner with the Shawnee Kansas Police Department to support community members during mental health-related 911 calls — and their work goes far beyond the initial response.

In a new episode of The Shawnee Pulse, we’re proud to feature two of our staff:
◾ Jen Melby, Co-Responder Team Leader
◾ Haley Carrillo, Co-Responder

They share the history of Johnson County’s Co-Responder program, what their day-to-day work looks like, and how this collaborative model helps people in crisis connect to care, reduce harm, and achieve better outcomes.

🎙️ Listen to the full conversation and learn how co-response is making a difference in our community:

Podcast Episode · The Shawnee Pulse · 10/06/2025 · 35m

12/15/2025

Our Director, Tim DeWeese, was recently featured on KCUR's Up To Date to discuss growing concerns about homelessness, mental health care, and recent policy shifts at the local and national levels.

In the interview, Tim shared why approaches that criminalize homelessness or rely on involuntary treatment risk worsening the problem — placing additional strain on jails, detention centers, and an already overburdened state hospital system, while failing to address root causes.

As Tim notes, sustainable solutions require access to care, housing stability, and thoughtful collaboration across systems — not policies that push people further into crisis.

📖 Read or listen to the full Up to Date episode to learn more about the challenges facing communities and the importance of evidence-based mental health and housing approaches.

An effort is underway by President Donald Trump and some cities around the country to clear unhoused people from living in public spaces. But one Overland Park mental health expert fears homelessness will be criminalized — not addressing the root issue and costing more than providing adequate acce...

12/14/2025

This season can be full of pressure, plans, and expectations. Don’t forget to put yourself on the list, too. 💖

Whether it’s resting, setting boundaries, or finding a moment of quiet, small acts of self-love can support your well-being in big ways.

You matter — and taking care of yourself is a meaningful gift.

12/12/2025

The holidays can fill our calendars — and empty our energy. 🎄☕

This time of year brings joy, connection, and celebration, but it can also come with pressure, expectations, and exhaustion. Keeping your cup “topped off” doesn’t mean doing it all — it means giving yourself permission to slow down, set boundaries, and care for your own well-being.

From planning ahead and delegating to saying no and practicing self-compassion, these small shifts can help protect your mental health during a busy season.

You deserve rest, presence, and moments of joy — just as much as anyone else. 💛

12/11/2025

This season can bring connection, but it can also bring stress, grief, or exhaustion. However you’re feeling right now is valid.

If things feel heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone. Support is available 24/7 through our Crisis Line at 913-268-0156 and the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors who are here to listen, without judgment.

We’re here for you. 💙

12/11/2025

We’re excited to share that the You Never Know fentanyl awareness campaign has been honored with a Silver Award in the Local Health Awareness category at the 5th Annual Anthem Awards!

Created in response to the rise in fentanyl-related harm among young people in Kansas, You Never Know equips teens and young adults with life-saving information about the dangers of fake pills made with fentanyl. In its first year alone, the campaign reached real young Kansans where it mattered most — generating more than 9 million impressions, 632,000 video views at 100% completion, and 23,000 visits to youneverknowjoco.org.

This work was made possible through a collaborative partnership with Keepin’ Clean for Coop, the Johnson County Prevention & Recovery Coalition, and Johnson County Mental Health Center, along with the creative leadership of Overflow. Now in its second year, the campaign has expanded to include adult audiences as well.

The Anthem Awards received over 2,000 submissions from 42 countries. Being recognized among global leaders in purpose-driven work reflects the power of community partnerships and our shared commitment to reducing harm and saving lives in Kansas.

Learn more about the campaign at youneverknowjoco.org.

12/10/2025

Winter break can be joyful—and a lot for parents. Between disrupted routines, work responsibilities, and holiday expectations, the mental load can feel heavier this time of year.

This week’s Mental Health Moment shares practical, compassionate strategies to help lighten that load and make space for rest, connection, and realistic expectations.

You don’t have to do it all.

🔗 Read the full Mental Health Moment here: https://conta.cc/4p1V2l3

12/10/2025

We’re proud to share that Johnson County Mental Health Center has earned three additional years of accreditation from CARF International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services organizations.

This recognition reflects our continued commitment to quality, safety, and person-centered care—and the dedication of our staff across programs, including crisis services, prevention, adolescent and adult treatment, and our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

During the accreditation process, people served by JCMHC shared that they feel genuinely cared for here—one of the highest compliments we can receive.

Read the full news release: https://bit.ly/jocomnh-news-12-10-25

12/10/2025

What’s one thing you’re grateful for right now?

12/10/2025

Last Friday, our prevention team spent time at Lakewood Middle School talking with students about mental health, self-care, and looking out for one another.

The conversation included su***de prevention, substance misuse, and practical ways to support a friend who may be struggling. These early, age-appropriate discussions help normalize asking for help and build skills students can carry with them as they grow.

We’re thankful for strong partnerships with schools and for the chance to support students where they are.

12/09/2025

We live in a world where highlight reels are everywhere—filtered moments, big wins, and carefully curated snapshots of life.

It’s easy to forget that what we see online is rarely the full picture. Constant comparison, especially on social media, can quietly chip away at our joy and leave us feeling like we’re falling behind.

A reminder today: your real life doesn’t need to compete with anyone else’s edited one. Your story, your pace, and your growth matter—just as they are.