Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

The Bert Nash Center (BNC) was founded in honor of Professor Bert Nash, whose advocacy for mental health—especially for children—left a lasting impact. From the beginning, ensuring access to mental health care for all has been at the heart of the Center’s mission to advance the mental health of the Douglas County community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments. Over the past 75 years, BNC has evolved from a small team of three in 1951 to a robust staff of over 400 professionals.

Today, as Douglas County, Kansas' designated community mental health center and a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), BNC provides a broad spectrum of services, including outpatient therapy, housing support, and crisis care, to anyone facing mental health or substance use challenges—regardless of their diagnosis, residence, or financial status. Our team, comprising highly trained clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and support personnel, is dedicated to delivering high-quality, integrated care. This commitment enables us to offer comprehensive services that address the complexities of mental, behavioral, and physical health, thereby advancing the well-being of our community.

• Dr Kirsten Watkins
  Interim CEO
  Phone: (785) 830-1779
  Fax: (785) 843-0264