TRC is first facility in the state to receive new licensure

The Treatment & Recovery Center of Douglas County has received its Crisis Intervention Center Provisional Licensure, which is the "gold standard of care for people who are experiencing acute psychiatric or substance crises.”

The Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) of Douglas County was the first facility of its kind in the state. 

Now it’s the first facility in the state to receive its Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) Provisional Licensure. 

The TRC, which is operated by the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, was notified by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) on March 28 that it had been recommended for provisional CIC licensure, which began on March 31. 

“This is a significant achievement,” said Bri Harmon-Moore, the TRC director. “It required a team effort, and it reflects the strong leadership and dedication of the TRC team.” 

Harmon-Moore said the CIC application was a “lengthy process” that required the submission of TRC’s care and treatment policies and procedures for review by KDADS. 

In her notification letter, Wendy Jacobs, KDADS licensing supervisor, said, “We appreciate your contribution to our mission of partnering to promote prevention and recovery in Kansas communities.” 

The CIC Licensure represents the care and treatment model recommended by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

“This is the gold standard of care for people who are experiencing acute psychiatric or substance crises,” Harmon-Moore said. “Obtaining this licensure aligns with our values and how we have operated since we opened.” 

The TRC began a phased opening in April 2023 and was fully operational in May 2023. Because CIC Licensure was not available at the time, prior to opening the TRC applied for and was approved for licensing as a private psychiatric hospital. 

As a do-not-reject facility, the TRC provides immediate access to care for individuals in need. On average, people who come to the TRC receive access to crisis assessment and treatment within 18 minutes of arrival. 

“If a person in crisis has ever been to a state mental health hospital or had had to sit in an emergency room for hours waiting to be seen, they can appreciate what the TRC means to our community regarding local access for help. All of these levels of care are needed for a robust crisis continuum to flourish, and I am grateful for our providers at TRC doing the work daily,” said Ryan Sztorch, Bert Nash Center senior director of crisis services. “At the end of day, it’s all about taking care of our fellow Kansans.”  

The TRC responded to 3,683 crisis episodes in 2024, including 1,582 individuals served and 2,282 admissions.

Located at 1000 W. Second St. in Lawrence, the TRC is open 24/7, 365 days a year. No appointment is necessary. For more information, go to www.trcdgks.org