Salina West

Restoring Hope to Children and Families

Located in the tranquil rolling hills of central Kansas, our state-of-the-art residential-care campus, Salina West, provides a nurturing, rural environment for young people aged 6-18 to heal and begin anew. Here at Saint Francis Ministries, we specialize in helping youth overcome severe mental and behavioral health challenges, enabling them to return to their families and communities for a healthier life.

Our offerings include:

  • The Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and two Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP), designed to offer compassionate, clinical care for both short and long-term needs.
  • A supportive environment for children who have faced a range of complex issues, including self-harm, aggression, substance abuse, and other behavioral challenges.
  • Comprehensive treatment for a variety of diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, trauma and stress disorders, disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Group of diverse children sitting and chatting in a gazebo.

We are dedicated to providing transformative experiences through the power of equine-assisted activities.

Creating art helps externalize what’s happening inside, making it easier to share and talk about experiences.

Our Peace Garden offers youth hands-on experience with the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility
(PRTF)

Children who stay in our new 42-bed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility receive help from an interdisciplinary team of experienced and professional clinicians, counselors, program coordinators, and support staff – all working together to deliver compassionate, nurturing care to troubled, traumatized youth.

With a minimum 4-to-1 staff-to-client ratio, children receive the spiritual, emotional, and physical care they deserve, as well the attention they need to ensure their safety. This personalized approach ensures that each child’s unique needs are met, fostering an environment of healing and growth.

Download the KanCare General Information Fact Sheet for more information.

Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP)

Our Qualified Residential Treatment Programs cater to youth in foster care who have completed treatment at the PRTF but aren’t yet ready for community-based services. Salina West offers two specialized cottages, each accommodating up to eight girls or boys.

These programs support young people who struggle with following directions, avoiding disruptive behaviors, and building relationships, yet do not require the intensity of PRTF care.

Our cottages provide a safe, homelike environment for them to develop these essential life skills. By integrating these programs on the same campus as the PRTF, Saint Francis ensures a continuum of high-quality care.

Three children are sitting at a table in a craft room, engaging in various art activities. The wall behind them has a colorful geometric design and a large sign that says "CREATE." The table is cluttered with art supplies like markers, paper, and glue.

Committed to Quality

We never give up on a child. That dedication has earned Saint Francis a solid reputation of success among mental health providers. Our professional partners trust us because they’ve seen the effectiveness of our treatment. Families trust us because we include them in the process. Children trust us because they know we care about them and are committed to helping them every way we can.

Our Therapeutic Tools

Recognizing that every child is unique, we assess each youth’s distinctive needs, adapting treatments, evaluating progress, and achieving results.

Providing structured 24-hour supervised care, our residential teams work patiently with each child, building trust and fostering a sense of security, optimism, and confidence as they begin to heal.

Our treatment program employs an array of strategies and therapies:

  • Comprehensive Psychiatric Services
  • Medical Management
  • Nursing
  • Psychological Testing
  • Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
  • Dietary Services
  • Substance Use Treatment and Counseling
  • Trauma Treatment
  • Social Skills Building

The Whole Person

No child deserves to be defined by a diagnosis. Whatever the issue that brings a child to Saint Francis, it is but a part of the individual. Lasting healing occurs when we meet the needs of the whole person – psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

We designed our treatment facility to serve as a place of serenity. Surrounded by trees and natural grasslands, youth can connect with the healing power of nature. The campus offers a variety of recreational, creative, and spiritual activities designed to enhance healing and well-being:

  • Gymnasium
  • Award-winning Dining Hall
  • Library (Reading and Reflection Room)
  • Yoga
  • Peace Garden
  • Ropes Course
  • Equine Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • On-site Education
  • Two Chapels (St. Onesimus and The Brown Family Chapel)
A group of six people, four girls and two boys, sit on large hay bales outdoors. They are casually dressed, wearing shorts and t-shirts. The background features a cloudy sky and green trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Set in the serene hills of central Kansas, our facility offers a therapeutic environment that combines clinical care with nature’s healing power. We focus on the whole child – psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

At Saint Francis, we prioritize comprehensive and compassionate care, focusing on the child within the context of their family and community. Our highly skilled and professional on-site team includes a range of licensed and certified specialists to ensure the best possible care. This team consists of:

  • Psychiatrists and Psychiatric
  • Nurse Practitioners (Psych APRNs)
  • Psychologists
  • Mental Health Therapists
  • Alcohol and Drug Counselors
  • Nurses
  • Social Workers
  • Counselors

This diverse team collaborates to provide a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the varied needs of each child in our care.

Successful treatment depends on the family. For a child to return home and experience success, they need the support and encouragement of caregivers. That’s why we communicate closely with parents and guardians along every step of the treatment plan. Our family-driven and strength-based programs give children the tools they need to function at home, school, and in the community.

Reach Out Today

At Saint Francis Ministries, we’re dedicated to providing transformative care and support to young people and their families. If you’re seeking assistance, want to learn more about our comprehensive residential treatment program at Salina West, or have any questions about the range of services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to provide the information you need and guide you through the process of enrolling a child in our care. 

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A child with long hair, wearing a sweater and jeans, is kneeling on the floor, hugging a teddy bear dressed in a Santa outfit. In the background, a Christmas tree is decorated with colorful lights.

Bring Christmas Joy to a Child in Foster Care

Bring joy and hope to a child in foster care this holiday season. Through “Christmas for Kids,” your gift or donation ensures every child experiences the magic of Christmas.

Bring Christmas Joy to a Child in Foster Care

Bring joy and hope to a child in foster care this holiday season. Through “Christmas for Kids,” your gift or donation ensures every child experiences the magic of Christmas.

A young girl with long hair sits on the floor in a cozy room, hugging a stuffed Santa toy. The room is warmly lit with colorful Christmas lights and a decorated tree in the background. Candles add to the festive atmosphere.
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