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It is estimated that at some point in their lives, 50% of American adults will have a diagnosable mental health disorder. In a single year, it will be one in four people. According to a 2004 World Health Organization study, the disease burden of mental health disorders are North America’s biggest health problem, ahead of heart disease, lung disease and cancer – combined.

For the last 60 years, one local organization has been on the front lines in the fight against mental health problems. You’ve heard of taking classes in CPR and First Aid so you can help others who may need medical help. What about a training course for those needing helping with a mental illness?

What if you have someone in your family or a longtime friend or co-worker suffering with a mental condition? How do you assist them?

The Local Show takes you into a local class offered at the Bert Nash Center that teaches people the skills to deal with mental health emergencies.

The Bert Nash Center is a non-profit community mental health organization offering a wide range of outpatient mental health services for residents of Douglas County, KS. Founded in 1950, the Bert Nash Center was created in memory of Dr. Bert Nash (1898-1947), a University of Kansas educational psychologist and community leader dedicated to improving the health of Kansas children. Today the Center is a licensed, comprehensive mental health facility committed to providing research-based services to improve the lives of Douglas County residents.

The Center provides a number of outpatient therapy options for adults and children including individual and group therapy and the following services: Anxiety Disorders Clinic; Dialectical Behavior Therapy; Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment; and Intensive Outpatient Therapy. In addition, the Center provides community support services for those who are diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI).

The organization employs psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, educators, case managers, employment specialists, personal attendants along with a small administrative staff. All Bert Nash therapists are professionals trained to assess and treat problems related to mental/emotional/behavioral health. Each therapist at Bert Nash is licensed by the State of Kansas and has earned a masters degree or Ph.D. in social work or psychology.