Douglas County Behavioral Health Funding: Current Status and What's Next for 2026
Behavioral health services are a vital part of Douglas County’s healthcare system, supporting thousands of residents each year with mental health counseling, psychiatry, and substance use treatment. These services rely heavily on local funding sources to remain accessible, especially for uninsured and underinsured individuals. As county leaders prepare for budget decisions affecting 2026 and beyond, the future of this funding is a critical focus for the community and providers alike.
Overview of Funding
Douglas County’s behavioral health system is supported primarily by a quarter-cent behavioral health sales tax combined with property tax revenues. Together, these funds generate approximately $12 to $13 million annually to support mental health, psychiatry, substance use treatment, crisis intervention, and supportive housing programs. This funding is critical to maintaining accessible, integrated care services for all residents, including those without insurance.
Role of Heartland and Community Partners
Heartland Community Health Center is a major provider within this system, offering integrated therapy, psychiatry, and substance use treatment alongside primary care regardless of patients’ ability to pay. In 2024, Heartland treated over 1,300 patients for substance use disorders and served nearly 1,900 mental health patients with more than 12,000 visits.
Heartland’s efforts are strengthened through partnerships with local organizations such as Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, DCCCA, LMH Health, and the Treatment & Recovery Center of Douglas County. Together, these agencies create a coordinated network to ensure comprehensive behavioral health care across the community.
Upcoming Funding Decisions
As Douglas County looks ahead to the 2026 fiscal year, county leaders are actively reviewing behavioral health funding sustainability, especially focusing on services for uninsured and underinsured residents. Budget hearings are scheduled to begin on July 7, 2025, with public comment opportunities available, and a final vote expected by late August.
Agencies have requested supplemental funding totaling approximately $6.1 million, while about $2 million remains available from behavioral health tax revenues. This gap requires careful prioritization of funding to sustain key programs including crisis services, integrated care, housing supports, and school-based mental health initiatives.
“Without these dollars, many essential services would not be sustainable, putting vulnerable populations at risk,” Bob Tryanski, Director of Behavioral Health Projects for Douglas County, told KSHB.
County officials encourage public input during the budget hearings to help shape the future of behavioral health services. Read more here.
Implications for the Community
The decisions made in the coming months will directly affect the availability and quality of behavioral health services for Douglas County residents. Stable, continued funding is essential to ensure access to mental health care, substance use treatment, and the supportive services that help individuals and families recover and thrive.
Learn More:
Bluestem Wellness opened in 2024 as Heartland Community Health Center’s dedicated facility for behavioral health services. It provides expanded access to psychiatry, therapy, substance use treatment, and integrated care
Welcoming All Who Need Care
Heartland Community Health Center provides comprehensive, compassionate care to individuals and families, regardless of income or insurance status.
Services include:
Primary care
Mental and behavioral health
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Dental care
Pharmacy
Wraparound support services
A sliding fee scale is available based on income, and new patients and walk-ins are welcome. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.
