Agriculture Assistance Program (Ag-AP)
Responding to the Mental and Emotional Needs of Farm Families
What is Ag-AP?
Pawnee’s Agriculture Assistance Program (Ag-AP) provides Kansas farmers and ranchers three free mental health sessions with a licensed mental health provider. All providers will have received specialized training related to the unique mental health aspects found in the agriculture industry. If additional services are needed, such as specialized treatment or care for chronic issues, the provider will make a referral for further treatment. Clients can meet with a provider either in person or via telehealth (phone or Zoom). The flexibility of this program allows agriculture workers to receive treatment from anywhere with a cell connection.
Why is it Important?
Working in agriculture takes a physical and mental toll on farmers, ranchers, their families, and their employees. Uncertainty about crop yields, the unpredictability of weather, and financial strain are just a few factors that contribute to the high rates of mental health symptoms this population experiences. These could be everything from depression or anxiety to family issues or substance use. When one person in a family is struggling to talk about their mental health, it can affect the entire family, causing a ripple effect of mental health symptoms. As one of the largest industries in the Midwest, our agriculture population is vital for our communities, and it’s important for us to take care of them. This is why Pawnee created the Ag Assistance Program, to serve agriculture workers, families, and employees in all 10 counties we serve.
Who Can Participate?
To utilize the Agriculture Assistance Program, an individual must reside or work in Pawnee’s 10-county service area, and meet one of the following criteria:
• Be actively involved in production farming
• Raise and sell crops and/or livestock — this includes farmers, ranchers, spouses, dependents and hired workers
Pawnee’s service area includes the following counties:
• Clay, Cloud, Geary, Jewell, Marshall, Mitchell, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, and Washington.
The following criteria exclude participation in this program:
• Having access to an existing Employee Assistance Program
• Being a current client of Pawnee Mental Health Services with an active treatment plan. The Agriculture Assistance Program cannot be used in place of a traditional intake assessment, nor can it be used to satisfy previously accrued charges.
How do I access the Ag-AP services?
Call 785-587-4345 and let our admissions staff know you want to receive services through the Agriculture Assistance Program.
Who pays for these services?
Services received through this program are paid for by generous organizations and businesses who care about the well-being of agriculture producers. Below is a listing of those who have donated:
