About - Valeo Behavioral Health Care

Valeo Behavioral Health Care History

Valeo Behavioral Health Care is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization serving Topeka since 1967 and is the designated mental health authority for Shawnee County.

In 2001, we changed our name from Shawnee Community Mental Health Center to Valeo Behavioral Health Care. Valeo is Latin meaning “to be well.” We provide a full continuum of mental health, substance abuse, and problem gambling addictions treatment services for adults. Children & adolescents are served by our affiliate, Family Service & Guidance Center.

Also in 2001, Valeo acquired the Community Residence Program from Menninger Clinic, a long-term residential care program for individuals experiencing mental illness, specializing in dual diagnosis.

Our organization was originally established as a result of the Community Mental Health Center Act in the 1960’s to apply for federal mental health grants. We have grown to three corporations, Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Valeo Community Residence Program, and The Valeo Foundation. Today, we offer 24-Hour crisis services and have expanded services to include 29 programs throughout eight locations and provide community outreach to Topeka Rescue Mission, area hospitals, Shawnee County Jail, Law Enforcement, and individuals in their homes. We employ approximately 320 staff including doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, technicians, case managers, and peer support specialists. We serve an average 7,000 residents in Shawnee County each year, and partner with 100+ agencies and companies to coordinate services.

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We are involved in evidence-based practice research, providing valuable outcomes information for the University of Kansas and Dartmouth University to develop best practices for Supported Employment, Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Illness Management & Recovery, Supported Education, and Family Psychoeducation.

The prevalence of mental illness in the U.S. among adults is one in five. However, fewer than 1/3 of adults receive treatment due to barriers such as limited access to services, and stigma about mental illness. The estimated U.S. annual economic indirect cost is $317 Billion, largely due to loss of productivity. Valeo staff share a recovery philosophy and work from a client strengths perspective. Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. The right combination of therapies and medication result in a 60-80% recovery rate.