Kansas Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers: The No‑BS 2025 Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This guide is written for single moms in Kansas who need fast, reliable help with mental health. It covers what to do first, how to get care paid for, real phone numbers, exact income limits, and realistic timelines—with Plan B options when things don’t go as planned.

Quick Help Box (read this first)

• Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 crisis support anywhere in Kansas. You’ll connect with trained counselors who can dispatch local mobile teams when needed. (kdads.ks.gov)
• For kids and teens (up to age 20) in crisis, call the Kansas Family Mobile Crisis Helpline: 1‑833‑441‑2240 (free, 24/7). (dcf.ks.gov)
• Domestic/sexual violence safety help: SafeLine Kansas: 1‑888‑363‑2287 (24/7 phone; text SAFE to 847411). They connect you to local shelters and advocates. (kcsdv.org)
• Maternal mental health (pregnancy through 12 months postpartum): National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262) (24/7; English/Spanish; interpreters available). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Apply or renew Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) online; phone help at 1‑800‑792‑4884 (Clearinghouse). If your renewal is late after July 1, 2025, it’s treated as a new application; to request backdated coverage you must answer “Yes” to the prior medical expenses question. (kancare.ks.gov)
• Not sure where to start? Get free help from the KanCare Ombudsman: 1‑855‑643‑8180 (they explain your options, help fix MCO issues, and assist with applications). (kancare.ks.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

How Kansas Pays for Mental Health Care (KanCare/Medicaid): What to do first

• Apply for coverage now if you’re pregnant, within 12 months after birth, or have children under 19 in your home. Mental health therapy, psychiatry, hospital care, and medications are covered under KanCare. (kancare.ks.gov)
• Kansas provides 12 months of continuous postpartum Medicaid/CHIP coverage after the end of pregnancy if you had Medicaid/CHIP at birth or for the month the pregnancy ended. This includes mental health care. (khap.kdhe.ks.gov)
• If you’re renewing, note the July 1, 2025 policy change: late renewals are processed as new applications; to request backdated coverage, answer “Yes” to the question about prior medical expenses. (kancare.ks.gov)
• If you’re having trouble with your application or MCO network, call the KanCare Ombudsman at 1‑855‑643‑8180 for direct help. (kancare.ks.gov)

KanCare income limits that matter for single mothers (September 2025)

Kansas has not expanded Medicaid to most low‑income adults. Coverage focuses on pregnant people, kids, and very low‑income parents/caretakers. Income standards are expressed as Percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 2025 FPL for a family of 3 is $26,650/year (100% FPL). (govinfo.gov)

Notes on the math: FPL figures are from federal 2025 guidelines; percent‑of‑FPL thresholds come from Medicaid/CMS data and established state sources. Always verify with KanCare because MAGI rules and 5% income disregards may apply. (govinfo.gov, medicaid.gov, kac.org)

How to apply (fastest path)

• Apply online at the KanCare site or call the Clearinghouse (1‑800‑792‑4884). Coverage usually starts the month you apply and can go back up to three months if you request it and qualify. (kancare.ks.gov)
• If you’re postpartum: tell them your delivery date so they don’t cut coverage during the 12‑month postpartum period. (khap.kdhe.ks.gov)
• If your renewal is overdue (after July 1, 2025): submit ASAP; it will be handled as a new application. To be considered for backdated coverage, you must answer “Yes” to the prior medical expenses question. (kancare.ks.gov)

Required documents (have these ready)

• Photo ID; proof of Kansas residency (lease, utility bill)
• Social Security numbers (or proof you’ve applied)
• Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, self‑employment ledger)
• For pregnancy/postpartum coverage: proof of pregnancy or delivery date (hospital record or provider note)

Realistic timelines

• Kansas must issue a decision within about 45 days in most cases (longer for disability determinations). Expect requests for more proof; reply quickly to avoid denial. (khap.kdhe.ks.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B)

• Call the KanCare Ombudsman at 1‑855‑643‑8180 for help fixing application or MCO problems.
• While you wait, you can still get care on a sliding scale at Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). See “Get Care Now: CMHCs and crisis lines” and “Low‑cost clinics” below. (kdads.ks.gov, kdhe.ks.gov)

Your Managed Care Plan & Free Rides to Appointments (NEMT)

All KanCare members are enrolled in one of three MCOs. Each MCO provides non‑emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to mental health appointments (therapy, psychiatry), and pharmacy trips. Scheduling early matters.

Tips:

• Keep appointment details handy (member ID, pickup/drop‑off addresses, provider name, date/time).
• If a ride doesn’t show, call the vendor number above for “Where’s my ride?” support.
• If transportation keeps falling through, ask your provider for telehealth.

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B)

• Switch MCOs during open switch windows or for good cause; ask the Ombudsman (1‑855‑643‑8180) how. (kancare.ks.gov)
• Ask your CMHC about local county ride programs, or request gas reimbursement for a friend/family driver (see plan rules above). (sunflowerhealthplan.com)

Get Care Now: Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), CCBHCs, and Crisis Lines

Kansas has 26 CMHCs that must serve as the behavioral‑health safety net. They provide therapy, psychiatry, case management, peer support, and 24/7 crisis response—regardless of ability to pay. Many are designated Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). (kdads.ks.gov)

Find your local center in the KDADS Behavioral Health Resources Directory (CMHC listing). Or use the quick numbers below for the largest counties:

• Johnson County Mental Health Center crisis line: 913‑268‑0156. (jocogov.org)
• COMCARE (Sedgwick County/Wichita) crisis line: 316‑660‑7500. (sedgwickcounty.org)
• Wyandot BHN (Wyandotte/KCK) crisis line: 913‑788‑4200. (wyandotcenter.org)
• Valeo (Topeka/Shawnee) crisis line: 785‑234‑3300. (tscpl.org)
• HeadQuarters Kansas/KSPHQ (Douglas/Lawrence) local crisis: 785‑841‑2345 (also answers 988). (hqkansas.org)

If you can go in person for immediate help:

• Douglas County’s Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) is open 24/7/365, walk‑in, at 1000 W. 2nd St., Lawrence. (trcdgks.org)

Cost help for medications

If you’re uninsured and need specific antidepressants or antipsychotics, ask your CMHC about the Community Support Medication Program (CSMP)—a last‑resort state program that can pay for certain meds when no other funding works. (kdads.ks.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B)

• Call 988. Ask for a local mobile team if home support would help. (kdads.ks.gov)
• If Kansas CMHCs are backlogged, check an FQHC with behavioral health. Use the HRSA “Find a Health Center” tool via KDHE’s FQHC page; all FQHCs offer sliding‑fee discounts. (kdhe.ks.gov)

Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health: State‑Backed Resources

Start here:

• Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1‑833‑852‑6262 (1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA). It’s 24/7, free, confidential, with interpreters. They provide action steps and referral support. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Ask your OB, midwife, pediatrician, or primary care provider to contact Kansas Connecting Communities (KCC)—the state’s perinatal psychiatry consult line—to get you a same‑week psychiatric consult or a direct telehealth assessment. Providers call 1‑800‑332‑6262 for no‑cost consults. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• You may qualify for 12 months of postpartum KanCare coverage (mental health included) if you had Medicaid/CHIP during the month your pregnancy ended. Keep your mailing address updated so redetermination notices don’t cut your coverage early. (khap.kdhe.ks.gov)
• KanCare now covers doula services (pregnancy through postpartum), effective July 1, 2024—helpful for anxiety, birth trauma, and recovery support. (kancare.ks.gov)

Reality check

• There can be waitlists for therapy in certain counties. Ask your provider to mark referrals as “urgent” and to use KCC for psychiatric consults if you’re not getting timely follow‑up. (kdhe.ks.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B)

• Call the Maternal Hotline above; ask for Kansas‑based referrals and same‑day coping steps. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Use your MCO’s care manager to escalate network scheduling delays; if unresolved, call the Ombudsman 1‑855‑643‑8180. (kancare.ks.gov)

Youth Mental Health & the SED Waiver (If your child needs more than outpatient care)

If your child (age 4–18) has a serious emotional disturbance and is at risk of psychiatric hospitalization, the Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Waiver can fund intensive home‑ and community‑based services like wraparound facilitation, respite, parent support, and attendant care. Families apply through their local CMHC. (kdads.ks.gov)

What to expect after eligibility:

• If your child meets criteria, the CMHC creates an interim plan within 14 days; then your KanCare MCO must hold a plan meeting within 30 days to set the official services. (kdads.ks.gov)
• The SED program allows Medicaid eligibility to be based largely on the child’s situation, not overall household income, for these services. Call KDADS/ADRC 855‑200‑2372 if you need help understanding the process. (kdads.ks.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B)

• Use the Family Mobile Crisis Helpline: 1‑833‑441‑2240 for urgent de‑escalation and in‑person support while you wait for waiver services. (dcf.ks.gov)

Extra Supports That Directly Affect Mental Health (Food, Housing, Money)

You asked for exact numbers from official sources. Here they are for 2025.

Food help: SNAP (food stamps) and TEFAP

• SNAP maximum monthly amounts in Kansas (lower 48), effective Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025:

Source: USDA FNS FY2025 Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments (COLA); minimum benefit remains $23. (fns.usda.gov, everycrsreport.com)

• TEFAP (free USDA food) Kansas gross income limits as of March 10, 2025:

Find TEFAP pickup sites statewide on the DCF site. (dcf.ks.gov)

WIC (pregnancy, infants, and kids under 5)

WIC uses 185% of FPL. The federal 2025/26 monthly income limits (lower 48) are:

These are the same figures used in the 2025–26 WIC income guidelines effective July 1, 2025. Call your local Kansas WIC office to enroll; WIC provides food benefits and breastfeeding/support services. (govinfo.gov, kdhe.ks.gov)

Timelines & what to expect

Local Organizations & Statewide Nonprofits (practical referrals)

• NAMI Kansas (education/support groups; advocacy): 1‑785‑214‑4496. (namikansas.org)
• Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ (KSPHQ) (crisis answered locally; info & training): local line 785‑841‑2345, also supports 988 in most counties. (hqkansas.org)
• Domestic/Sexual Violence Services: Start with SafeLine Kansas: 1‑888‑363‑2287; they route you to your nearest shelter and advocacy program statewide. (kcsdv.org)
• Interim Housing (post‑hospital) for adults with SMI (select areas): KDADS funds short‑term housing to avoid homelessness after psychiatric discharge (providers include Bert Nash, Elizabeth Layton Center, Johnson County, Wyandot). Ask your CMHC about availability. (kdads.ks.gov)

Resources by Region (fast contacts)

Diverse Communities: Tailored guidance

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: 988 remains available and local Kansas centers are trained to offer affirming support. Note: the national “Press 3” LGBTQ+ youth option within 988 ended in July 2025; advocates in the KC metro have committed to keeping local, affirming care. If you prefer specialized support, ask your counselor for LGBTQ‑affirming groups and telehealth options. (axios.com)
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for a child with disabilities: Ask your CMHC about case management and home‑based services. If your child is at risk of hospitalization, request an SED Waiver screen through your CMHC to access wraparound, respite, and attendant care. (kdads.ks.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Dial 988, then Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line (24/7). VA facilities in Topeka, Leavenworth, and Wichita offer women’s mental health and MST services; ask your MCO for VA coordination.
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: You can call 988 regardless of immigration status. KanCare covers many lawfully present pregnant individuals and children; interpreter services are free through MCOs (see Healthy Blue language access; other MCOs offer similar services). (healthybluekansas.com)
• Tribal citizens: If you’re enrolled with a federally recognized tribe, you may use IHS/tribal clinics and still enroll in KanCare; ask the Ombudsman for coordination (some services can be billed through IHS with no cost to you).
• Rural single moms with limited access: Use NEMT for rides to appointments (see your plan’s vendor above), ask about telehealth through your CMHC/FQHC, and use 988 for immediate support and mobile teams where available. (sunflowerhealthplan.com, healthybluekansas.com)
• Single fathers parenting solo: All resources in this guide apply equally.
• Language access: Tell your provider or MCO you need an interpreter; MCOs must provide no‑cost qualified interpreters and translated materials. (healthybluekansas.com)

Common Mistakes to Avoid (real‑world)

• Missing a KanCare letter and getting cut off. Update your address, phone, and email with KanCare and your MCO. If you miss a renewal after July 1, 2025, it’s treated as a new application; request backdating by checking “Yes” to prior medical bills. (kancare.ks.gov)
• Waiting for an appointment while symptoms worsen. Use 988 or your county’s crisis line for same‑day care and safety planning; ask for mobile crisis if leaving home is hard. (kdads.ks.gov)
• Not asking your provider to use the state’s perinatal consult line (KCC). It can speed up psychiatric guidance when local psychiatry is backed up. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Skipping transportation benefits. Schedule NEMT rides 3 business days ahead; request gas reimbursement forms for a friend/family driver. (sunflowerhealthplan.com)
• Forgetting to ask for sliding‑fee discounts. CMHCs and FQHCs can lower costs when you’re uninsured or under‑insured. (kdads.ks.gov, kdhe.ks.gov)

Application Checklist (print or screenshot)

• Photo ID and proof of Kansas residency
• SSNs (or proof applied) for household members seeking coverage
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters) for the last 30 days
• Proof of pregnancy or delivery date (for postpartum coverage)
• Current MCO ID card (if renewing)
• Names/addresses of your current mental health providers and pharmacies
• A list of your medications and doses

Quick Reference Tables (keep these handy)

KanCare & CMHC: Who to call for immediate help

Transportation by MCO (NEMT)

Food help that stabilizes mental health

Timelines you can actually plan around

Real‑World Examples (what this looks like)

• Wichita: You call 316‑660‑7500 at 7:30 p.m. because panic attacks won’t stop. COMCARE’s clinician talks you through breathing, checks meds, and books a follow‑up. If needed, a mobile team meets you at home. You apply for KanCare the next morning; coverage can start this month, and you can ask for up to 3 months of back coverage. (sedgwickcounty.org, kancare.ks.gov)
• Overland Park: You’re 6 weeks postpartum and can’t sleep or stop crying. You call 1‑833‑852‑6262; the counselor helps you make a same‑day safety plan and suggests asking your OB to call KCC for a psychiatric consult. You confirm your postpartum Medicaid continues for 12 months. (kdhe.ks.gov, khap.kdhe.ks.gov)
• Kansas City, KS: Your 12‑year‑old is threatening to run away. You call 1‑833‑441‑2240; a mobile team comes out. The CMHC screens for the SED Waiver and sets an interim plan within 14 days. (dcf.ks.gov, kdads.ks.gov)

FAQs (Kansas‑specific)

1. Does Kansas cover postpartum mental health for a full year?

• Yes. If you had Medicaid or CHIP for the month your pregnancy ended, your postpartum coverage continues for 12 months. Mental health visits and medications are covered. (khap.kdhe.ks.gov)

2. I missed my KanCare renewal. What now?

• As of July 1, 2025, late renewals are processed as new applications. To be considered for backdated coverage, you must answer “Yes” to the question about prior medical expenses on your review. Call the Ombudsman (1‑855‑643‑8180) if you’re confused. (kancare.ks.gov)

3. I don’t qualify for KanCare as a parent. Can my kids still get covered?

• Probably. Kansas covers children at much higher incomes through Medicaid/CHIP (up to 250% FPL for CHIP). Apply for your kids even if you don’t qualify yourself. (medicaid.gov)

4. What if I can’t get a therapy appointment for weeks?

• Call your CMHC’s crisis line or 988 to ask for a mobile team or same‑day crisis visit. Ask your provider to use the state’s perinatal/child psychiatry consult line (KCC/KSKidsMAP) to speed up treatment decisions. (kdads.ks.gov, kdhe.ks.gov)

5. Do I get free rides to mental health appointments?

• Yes, if you have KanCare. Call your plan’s ride vendor: Healthy Blue 1‑833‑270‑2254; Sunflower 1‑877‑917‑8162; UHC 1‑877‑796‑5847. Schedule 3 business days before. Gas reimbursement may be available. (healthybluekansas.com, sunflowerhealthplan.com, uhc.com)

6. My teen is spiraling late at night. Who answers the phone?

• The statewide Family Mobile Crisis Helpline (1‑833‑441‑2240) is 24/7 and can dispatch local mobile teams. 988 is also 24/7. (dcf.ks.gov)

7. Where do I find exact SNAP amounts for my family size?

• See USDA’s FY2025 SNAP COLA. Max monthly benefits for a family of 4 in Kansas are $975\ast \ast ;minimumfor1–2personhouseholdsis\ast \ast$23. (fns.usda.gov)

8. Is there help paying for mental health medications if I’m uninsured?

• Ask your CMHC about the Community Support Medication Program (CSMP)—a last‑resort state fund for certain antidepressants/antipsychotics. (kdads.ks.gov)

9. Who runs 988 calls in Kansas?

• Kansas routes 988 to in‑state centers including Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, COMCARE (Sedgwick), Johnson County MHC, and Wyandot BHN. Local routing helps connect you to mobile teams and services. (hqkansas.org, jocogov.org, sedgwickcounty.org, wyandotbhn.org)

10. I need safe shelter tonight—where do I call?

• SafeLine Kansas: 1‑888‑363‑2287 (24/7) will connect you to your nearest shelter and legal advocacy. (kcsdv.org)

What Top Search Results Miss—and How This Guide Fills the Gaps

After reviewing the prominent results for “Kansas Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers,” we found common gaps: few sources provide up‑to‑date income limits and dollar figures, county‑level crisis numbers in one place, NEMT phone numbers by MCO, the 12‑month postpartum coverage rule with citations, and the state’s youth mobile crisis line. This guide closes those gaps with official numbers, phone lines, and realistic timelines from KDHE, KDADS, DCF, KanCare, and USDA. (kancare.ks.gov, kdads.ks.gov, dcf.ks.gov, fns.usda.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Kansas agencies and established nonprofits. It follows our Editorial Standards (E‑E‑A‑T, YMYL) and is updated regularly.

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

We welcome corrections at info@asinglemother.org and respond within 48 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change. Always verify details with the relevant agency or your KanCare plan. Mental health is sensitive—use crisis lines if you’re at immediate risk. We link only to official government or established nonprofit sources and maintain site security; however, we cannot guarantee outcomes for individual applications.

—

Sources used throughout:

• KDADS Behavioral Health (CMHCs, 988, directories, CSMP). (kdads.ks.gov, kdads.ks.gov)
• KDHE (Perinatal mental health, consultation lines, postpartum policy manual). (kdhe.ks.gov, khap.kdhe.ks.gov)
• KanCare (eligibility, reconsideration policy July 1, 2025; MCO updates). (kancare.ks.gov)
• County CMHC crisis contacts (Johnson, Sedgwick, Wyandotte, Shawnee, Douglas/TRC). (jocogov.org, sedgwickcounty.org, wyandotcenter.org, tscpl.org, trcdgks.org)
• DCF (Family Mobile Crisis Helpline; TEFAP). (dcf.ks.gov)
• USDA FNS SNAP FY2025 figures; Federal Register WIC 2025/26 income guidelines. (fns.usda.gov, govinfo.gov)
• NAMI Kansas helpline. (namikansas.org)
• Axios updates on 988 usage/LGBTQ+ line changes. (axios.com)

If you tried these steps and still can’t get care, email info@asinglemother.org with the subject “Kansas Mental Health Guide—Help” and we’ll point you to the right office within 48 hours.

---

🏛️More Kansas Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Kansas

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery