Hays Clinic Provides Affordable Mental Health Care With Timely Support
In the often-challenging landscape of mental health care, The Counseling Connection in Hays, Kansas, is making strides to provide accessible and timely support. Established in 2021 by licensed therapists Deanna Rupp, Tess Bennett, and Michelle Fairbank, the clinic aims to break down financial barriers and offer immediate assistance to those seeking help.
"Depression and anxiety are most common," Fairbank shared. "Sometimes you need a little help when you’re going through life challenges."
Understanding the urgency of mental health needs, The Counseling Connection has implemented a unique model. Walk-in sessions are available every Monday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the Fort Hays State University academic year. These accessible appointments are made possible through a partnership with FHSU’s
counseling department and clinical social work program.
Student interns, supervised by experienced therapists, provide these one-hour sessions, allowing individuals to receive care more quickly and avoid lengthy waitlists.
"The benefit of having interns available is sometimes when somebody asks for help, they want it right then and there," Fairbank explained. "They wait two weeks to a month, and it’s resolved itself."
The Counseling Connection’s services extend beyond anxiety and depression to address a range of mental health concerns, including grief and loss, work-related stress, family dynamics, divorce, and adjusting to new communities.
The clinic operates on a sliding scale fee of $10 to cover basic operational costs. Recognizing that financial barriers can prevent individuals from seeking help, The Counseling Connection also offers waivers funded by the Women Who Lead program for those unable to pay.
For clients residing in rural areas or facing transportation challenges, telehealth sessions are available, furthering the clinic’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
This collaborative effort between The Counseling Connection and FHSU not only benefits the Hays community but also provides invaluable experience for aspiring therapists.
"The interns are studying at the master’s level," Fairbank said. "As soon as they graduate, they will apply for licensure and become licensed therapists."
Reflecting the success of this program, The Counseling Connection will be welcoming two graduating interns as full-time therapists in May.
These interns, while gaining experience through clinical hours, are not paid employees but earn college credit for their service.
Fairbank believes the rise in mental health clinic waitlists can be attributed, in part, to the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Mental health should be just as important as taking care of our physical health because it’s all related and connected," she emphasized.
In response to community needs, The Counseling Connection is exploring the possibility of offering group therapy sessions for anxiety and depression if there is sufficient interest.
The clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.
For more information, visit The Counseling Connection’s website here and follow them on Facebook.
You can also schedule an appointment by calling 785-261-0694 or by emailing [email protected].
