Expanding Access to Psychiatry as Need for Behavioral Health Continues to Rise

Heartland Community Health Center announced today that Jeff Hill, PMHNP, has joined its Psychiatry team, expanding access at a time of growing community need in Douglas County, Kansas.

Hill is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and brings experience across outpatient psychiatry, emergency medicine, and primary care. His work at Heartland will focus on trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment delivered in close collaboration with primary care and therapy teams.

The addition comes as Heartland sees sharp growth in psychiatry services. From 2024 to 2025, the number of patients receiving psychiatric care increased by 52%, making psychiatry one of Heartland’s fastest-growing service areas. Heartland saw nearly 23,000 patients in 2025, with more than 13,000 patients receiving care across multiple service lines, reflecting the increasing need for integrated medical, behavioral health, and psychiatric support.

“This growth reflects what we are seeing across Douglas County: more people are seeking support for psychiatry, and they need care that is coordinated and comprehensive,” said Dr. Nick Evangelidis, Psychiatrist at Heartland Community Health Center. “Bringing Jeff onto our team strengthens our ability to provide psychiatry alongside therapy and primary care, which is critical for patients navigating psychiatric and behavioral health challenges.”

Lisa Russell DNP, NP-C, Chief Clinical Officer, added, “Integrated care allows us to treat the whole person. This expansion helps connect psychiatry with primary care and behavioral health so patients can access multiple services in one system, reducing barriers and improving continuity of care.”

Therapy services and some psychiatry services currently have a waitlist. The addition of Hill as a psychiatric provider is part of Heartland’s ongoing efforts to expand capacity and improve access to behavioral health services in Douglas County.