Parsons State Hospital and Training Center (PSH&TC) is one of two residential treatment, training, and care facilities operated by the State of Kansas to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Center is certified by the State Department of Health and Environment, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, as an Intermediate Care Facility for individuals who have cognitive disabilities. The Hospital is certified by the Kansas Hospital Association as a special Mental Hospital and by the State Department of Education as a Special Purpose School.

The Hospital first opened in 1903 as a State Hospital for Epileptics. In 1957 the Hospital was renamed Parsons State Hospital and Training Center and began providing programs for individuals with mental retardation. The Hospital occupies 43 buildings on 163 acres. Major components include residential services, the University Center on Developmental Disabilities and the Parsons Research Center for the University of Kansas, the Special Purpose School of the Southeast Regional Education Service Center, and the Southeast Kansas Agricultural Research Center of Kansas State University. 

The campus staff provide services to approximately 200 individuals. An individual must be at least six years of age to be admitted. There is no upper age limit. All levels of abilities are served with the individual’s needs being the primary concern. Individuals in need of treatment at PSH&TC have significant handicaps in addition to their intellectual disabilities. Currently 88% of the residents exhibit a psychiatric impairment or behavioral disorder.

The University of Kansas received a major grant to study chronic aberrant behavior and Parsons is the primary site for this research. Individuals are admitted to PSH&TC on a voluntary basis with the signed consent of the parents or legal guardian. Before admission, it must be determined that services are not available locally. This determination is made by working with the local Community Developmental Disability Organization, the parents, and the person for whom admission is sought. Applications are screened by the PSH&TC Admission Committee. After admission the process of Person Centered Planning takes place. Services are based on the values and dreams of each resident. Staff listen to how individuals want to live then try to meet those requests while balancing obligations to keep residents healthy and safe.

PSH&TC has enjoyed a national and international reputation in the field of intellectual disabilities primarily as the result of a 40 year relationship with the University of Kansas. This affiliation has created many significant advances in research. The affiliation has also attracted a large group of highly qualified professionals who provide professional training opportunities and leadership in Kansas programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

For further information on residential services contact the Director of Social Services at 620-421-6550, extension 1788, or email at Karen.VanLeeuwen@pshtc.ks.gov or by fax at 620-423-0419.

Residential Services
Approximately 500 individuals are employed by PSH&TC. The services of these staff are responsive to the agency mission of assisting residents to acquire greater control of their lives. Instead of prescribing professionally driven programs to "fix" residents, support teams identify how each person wants to live his or her life and help the person achieve those dreams. Staff also serve as advocates, speaking on behalf of individuals uncomfortable or unable to advocate for themselves. Professional staff provide expertise in specialty services to help teams deliver services and training compatible with each resident’s preferences. Some of the specialty services include: audiology, chaplaincy, dietary, educational, medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, psychological, recreation, rehabilitation therapy, social services, speech, and vocational training.

Mission Statement:

To improve lives by connecting people with supports and services.

Vision Statement:

People experiencing the highest quality of life regardless of the challenges.

Contact Information

Telephone

620-421-6550

FAX

620-421-3623

Postal address

2601 Gabriel Avenue
Parsons, KS 67357

Electronic mail

General Information

Questions about Jobs at PSH&TC
Webmaster

Send email to Bonnie.Mozingo@pshtc.ks.gov with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2009 Parsons State Hospital & Training Center
Last modified: 01/07/10