Recovery Services

Pawnee Mental Health has a staff of licensed professionals who specialize in treatment and recovery for adults and adolescents who are experiencing problems with substance use. Whether the issue is substance use alone or it occurs along with other mental health disorders, our highly experienced providers are ready to serve each individual’s needs with care and compassion.

Getting Started

Any individual or family member may request our services. Referrals to our program may also be made by court and probation officers, other mental health providers, and employers who participate in Pawnee’s Employee Assistance Program.
To schedule an appointment please call our Admissions Office at 785-587-4345.
If you have questions, please contact our Recovery Services Manager at 785-587-4300.

Levels of Treatment

In the initial interview, we assess the individual’s needs and motivation for treatment and then provide a recommendation for the level of treatment.

Level 1 outpatient treatment includes individual and group therapy lasting 6–12 months. This level of treatment is very flexible for the varied needs of clients and is available throughout our 10-county service area. Level 1 treatment also includes Relapse Prevention for clients who have successfully completed treatment.

Level II intensive outpatient treatment includes individual and group therapy lasting four to six weeks. Participants are then stepped down to Level 1 treatment. Level II is only provided in Manhattan, although clients with an appropriate payor source may join group sessions via telehealth. Transportation for evening groups is available at no charge for individuals within the city of Manhattan.

Level III inpatient treatment is not offered by Pawnee. If an individual meets the medically necessary standard for inpatient treatment, our staff will assist in finding a treatment facility as well as provide outpatient treatment until they go to inpatient care.

Types of Treatment

Motivational interviewing is the foundation of our program. Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach designed to help people explore and expand their motivation to make a positive behavior change. This client-centered approach is particularly effective for people who have mixed feelings about changing their behavior.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also frequently employed. CBT helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions.

We provide education about the impacts of biology and the environment in relation to drug use, which can create the brain disease of addiction. Our approach to recovery focuses on the “whole” person, including cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical health. Our therapists also work with individuals on emotional regulation, social-skill building, setting goals, success planning, and relapse prevention.

Alcohol and Drug Information School (ADIS)

ADIS is an 8-hour class designed to educate and inform participants on alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. It is geared toward individuals in violation of Kansas laws related to drinking and driving, or other alcohol/drug violations. Parents are welcome to attend with their minor child.

Other Evaluation Services

Anger Evaluations

This is predominantly a court-ordered service that assesses anger expression and anger control. A Qualified Mental Health Practitioner (QMHP) will assess, diagnose and make appropriate referrals for treatment.

Domestic Violence (DV) Assessment

The DV Assessment is most commonly court-ordered as a result of a domestic-related legal offense. It includes a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s lethality, risk for danger, and potential for re-offense. The purpose of the assessment is to increase offender accountability and victim safety and to determine an individual’s appropriateness for the Batterers Intervention Program.

Batterers’ Intervention Program

The Batterers’ Intervention Program, certified by the Kansas Attorney General’s office, is a 24-week program that advocates that battering is a choice of power and control. It is designed to hold batterers accountable, create nonviolent behavior, evoke positive change in relationships, and promote safety for victims. Individuals must complete a domestic violence assessment prior to being admitted into the group.