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

• After just one semester, 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 one seamless entry point for families 

• Quicker access to services, resources and referrals 

• Anticipated to impact 9,000 area families 

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

• 5,800+ Appointments since opening 

• 68% improvement in anxiety symptoms

• 63% improvement in depression symptoms
  
  

Expanded eating disorders care 

• The only consolidated program in the region to offer medical treatment, nutrition services and therapy 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 300 families find care, support and early intervention services 

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

• Identify causes of behavioral health conditions

• Develop personalized therapeutics

• Identify and manage behavioral health risks

• Transform model of care for equitable treatment

• Advance digital mental health technologies

Construction launched to expand hospital care

• Olathe Mental Health Wellness Campus— a 72,700 square-foot, state-of-the art inpatient psychiatric hospital with 48 pediatric beds opened in December 2024 —a 29% increase in area beds for kids. Since opening, operating at full capacity with 455 admissions. 

• The PATH Clinic — bridging the vulnerable gap between the Emergency Department and community health providers. Since opening in January 2025, children and teens have been served through more than 329 visits.