Astra program addresses multi-faceted nature of mental health

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Mental health can mean many things, and struggles often come in more than one area.

Astra Mental Health and Recovery in Topeka helps young people face that head-on through its Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders program.

Travis Freed, Astra’s director of youth crisis services, and Cheetah Yang, team manager for youth recovery services, visited Eye on NE Kansas to explain the approach.

The program is focused on children and teens who have mental health challenges along with substance use disorder. Freed and Yang say young people may turn to marijuana, meth, alcohol or other substances to cope. The program treats the substance use, while also addressing the underlying mental health disorder.

Astra has eight beds dedicated to the program within its Youth Crisis & Recovery Center. The center opened in Fall 2023. Young people can be part of the program for up to 28 days.

Astra is among three facilities in the state offering this type of treatment. Potential patients do not need to live in Shawnee County and do not need a referral.

For information, parents or caregivers may call Astra Mental Health and Recovery at 785-215-8888 and ask for youth services.

Find more mental health resources at wibw.com/hearmeseeme.