Burrell completes merger with Independence mental health center

Burrell Behavioral Health finalized a merger with Independence-based Comprehensive Mental Health Services.

The agreement – for undisclosed terms – calls on CMHS to keep its name and serve its existing eastern Jackson County territory as Burrell’s fourth regional service hub, according to a news release. Both Burrell and CMHS are state-designated Community Mental Health Centers.

“This is a wonderful moment for behavioral health care in eastern Jackson County and the greater Kansas City area, and just a taste of what is to come,” CMHS CEO Julie Pratt said in the release. “Addressing the mental health and substance use needs of our community is a huge task requiring all of us to work together and to dream big."

Burrell announced in October it was in merger talks with CMHS.

Collectively, the organizations employ more than 2,000 people. The merger increases resources available for CMHS, and the two organizations are working toward the 2022 opening of a behavioral crisis center in Independence, according to the release. Burrell’s crisis center in Springfield topped 2,400 clients in late November since opening.

"Together, our organizations will implement our philosophies followed elsewhere in the state – overserving the needs of our communities, increasing access to services and recruiting top-of-the-field providers," Burrell President and CEO C.J. Davis said in the release.