Illuminate Projects

Integrating behavioral health in local primary care practices

• In 3 community-based primary care offices with the goal of adding a fourth in the fall

• Since launching, behavioral health clinicians have reached patients through more than 2,100 visits

• Wait times to see a behavioral health provider have been transformed from months to minutes

Teaming up with Center School District to facilitate school-based behavioral health

• 8 Schools 2,500 students, pre-K through high school

• In one school year, seven out of eight schools have seen a reduction in office discipline referrals. 

• Building a model for implementing evidence-based programs.
  
  

Streamlining care coordination began with “One Front Door” intake process

• Creates a seamless entry point for families seeking behavioral health care.

• Quicker access to services, resources and referrals.

• Anticipated to impact 10,000 area families since its launch .

Opened first ever Depression and Anxiety in Youth (DAY) Clinic

• 263 patients have gone through the program.

• 77.4% improvement in anxiety symptoms.

• 76.7% improvement in depression symptoms.
  
  

Expanded eating disorders care 

• Children's Mercy now offers the only specialized program in the region for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

• Anticipate caring for 50% more families.
  
  

Expanded rapid ADHD diagnosis 

• Pilot program streamlines access to ADHD assessment and diagnosis.

• Helps families get recommendations and next steps, faster.

• Planning underway to grow program to include assessment of other concerns.

Launched new Autism and Neurodevelopmental Continuity Clinic 

• Bridges the gap between diagnosis and autism-specific care.

• Helped nearly 500 families find care, support and early intervention services.

Mental health research projects currently underway at Children’s Mercy are seeking to:

• Ongoing research: Children’s Mercy researchers are leading the way in pediatric mental health research seeking to identify the causes of behavioral health conditions, develop personalized therapeutics, advance digital mental health technologies and transform models of care to improve access.

• Future growth: Children’s Mercy, in collaboration with external advisors, is mapping out next steps to build on its strong foundation of research and innovation—leveraging opportunities to expand research that will transform mental and behavioral health care.

Construction launched to expand hospital care

• Olathe Mental Health Wellness Campus— Opened in December 2024, this 72,700-square-foot inpatient psychiatric hospital added 48 pediatric beds—a 29% increase in regional capacity. The facility is operating at full capacity, with more than 1,500 pediatric admissions to date.

• The PATH Clinic  — Since opening at the beginning of the year, the PATH Clinic has provided 329 visits, bridging the vulnerable gap between emergency care and community providers. 

• Partial Hospitalization Program: Opened in August, the program bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient services, offering a more intensive level of care for children and adolescents who need more comprehensive treatment than traditional outpatient programs can provide, but do not require full hospitalization.

  • Read about the Partial Hospitalization Program launch.