Former Columbia Insurance building to become dedicated Youth Campus for behavioral health services
SALINA, Kan. — Central Kansas Mental Health Center is transforming a familiar downtown building into a lifeline for young people across the region.
The mental health center announced plans to renovate its newly acquired facility at 124 Iowa Avenue, formerly home to the Columbia Insurance Group, into a dedicated Youth Campus for child, adolescent, and family behavioral health services. CKMHC purchased the building in 2024 and will begin renovations in November 2025.
Expanding to Meet Growing Needs
The current building includes 11,400 square feet, and planned renovations will add an additional 2,900 square feet to create a modern, welcoming environment for youth and family services. This new Youth Campus will house CKMHC's school-based programs, Community Based Services, groups, and youth-focused supports—expanding staff, capacity, and access to care for children and families across central Kansas.
Construction is scheduled to begin in November, with staff and services anticipated to move to the new facility in the fall of 2026.
"Our staff has been growing, and we're out of room—especially during the summer when several of our school-based activities are held on site," said John Lobato, CKMHC's Community Based Services Director. "The new Youth Campus building will not only enhance our capacity to serve youth and families more effectively, but also provide our staff with improved space and resources to continue delivering high-quality behavioral health services."
Addressing a Critical Need
Kansas, like many other states, continues to face increasing rates of mental health challenges among youth. According to Mental Health America, over 20% of Kansas youth aged 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode in 2024. Two-thirds of those youth did not receive any mental health services to address their symptoms.
The statistics underscore the urgency behind CKMHC's expansion.
"Youth services have become one of CKMHC's largest and fastest-growing area of care," said Glenna Phillips, CEO of CKMHC. "This new campus represents an investment in the well-being of our community's children. It will provide dedicated spaces for play therapy, sensory therapy, and group support—places where healing begins, resilience grows, and hope for tomorrow takes root."
A Youth-Centered Approach
The Youth Campus will offer dedicated, youth-centered environments designed to help children and families feel safe, supported, and connected—ensuring more young people can receive care in the community where they live.
The consolidated facility will bring together CKMHC's various youth programs under one roof, making it easier for families to access comprehensive services in a setting designed specifically for children and adolescents.
Community Support Invited
As renovations begin, CKMHC invites community members and businesses to help bring these spaces to life through the Brighter Tomorrows Ahead campaign. Contributions will help purchase supplies and furnish therapy rooms, group spaces, and family areas that support healing, recovery, and connection.
For more information about the Youth Campus or the Brighter Tomorrows Ahead campaign, contact Central Kansas Mental Health Center.
