Burrell evolves to meet mental health needs

“Our mission is to meet mental health needs where and when they occur, and before problems develop or worsen,” said Burrell President/CEO Todd Schaible, Ph.D., who has been with the not-for-profit organization since its inception in 1977. He noted that the second component to the mission is, “to provide as much care as is needed, but no more than is needed.”

In the beginning, Burrell’s facilities comprised rented space in downtown Springfield. Today, the organization has 21 locations throughout southwest Missouri, including clinics, residential facilities for children and adults, and a residential substance-abuse treatment program for adolescents.

Burrell’s main offices are at 1300 E. Bradford Parkway, on Springfield’s “medical mile,” on a campus that includes a new $6.3 million children’s facility.

Burrell’s programs include community education, crisis intervention and outpatient services in addition to residential care – and that variety is by design.

“We always intended to have a broad range of services. If you don’t … you can’t tailor your services to the needs of the client,” Schaible said.

Burrell serves people of all ages, but Schaible said there is more focus now on younger patients as a result of “recognition that the earlier you provide services to somebody who’s encountering difficulties, the more likely you’re going to have a long-term impact.”

Burrell’s 556-member staff includes psychologists, psychiatrists and masters’ level clinicians, and nearly half of the staff is focused solely on children.

In 2005, the organization posted $26 million in southwest Missouri revenues, from sources including private payments, Medicaid, Medicare and grants.

Burrell’s 2005 payroll was $16 million.

There are 5,800 open cases in outpatient services and 2,900 open cases under the umbrella of services for the seriously and persistently mentally ill.

Several programs at Burrell, including adolescent residential care and adult group homes, served as models for mental health care.

Schaible said that the organization is exploring the addition of services for deaf adolescents in response to a growing need.

“I think what Burrell has become is a clear reflection of what our mission (is),” Schaible said, noting that the organization works with community partners including public schools and health departments to offer its services for those who need it.

Affiliated with CoxHealth since 1994, Burrell coordinates the health system’s inpatient services in a seven-county service area and is an administrative agent for the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Burrell Behavioral Health

Address: 1300 E. Bradford Parkway, Springfield, MO 65804

Phone: (417) 269-5400

Web site: www.coxhealth.com

2005 southwest Missouri revenues: $26 million

2005 payroll: $16 million