Johnson County Mental Health Center and Johnson County Community College have partnered to embed a full-time clinician on the college’s campus to provide mental health services to students.

The clinician, an employee of Johnson County Mental Health Center who began work in February, will enhance the services provided to students on campus through short-term therapy, crisis intervention and connections to community resources.

“We are pleased to have a clinician available on campus to strengthen the services provided to students and ensure they receive the support and resources they need,” said Tim DeWeese, Johnson County Mental Health Center director. “Working together with educational partners like Johnson County Community College is an important part of addressing the mental health needs of our community.”

The new position, approved by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners in Nov. 2021, is 75% funded by Johnson County Community College with the remaining 25% funded through a grant from the Overland Park-based REACH Healthcare Foundation.

“We are fortunate and thankful to have Johnson County Mental Health Center as a partner in our efforts to support JCCC students facing mental health challenges. Resources for students have been increasing over the past couple of years, and we know the addition of a licensed clinician on campus will add to our growing tools for success,” said Dr. Randy Weber, Executive Vice President and Chief Student Success & Strategy Officer for Johnson County Community College.

The partnership with Johnson County Community College continues Johnson County Mental Health Center’s ongoing efforts to embed mental health professionals with local law enforcement agencies and educational institutions. The number of co-responders embedded with local law enforcement agencies increased from 7 to 18 in 2021.