Fitzgibbon Offers Critical Mental Health Resources During Suicide Prevention Month

September 03, 2025

As September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, Fitzgibbon Hospital's Behavioral Health unit stands ready to provide crucial support for patients experiencing mental health crises.

The 10-bed inpatient mental health unit, sited within the walls of Fitzgibbon Hospital, serves as a vital resource for individuals requiring intensive psychiatric care and stabilization. The behavioral health treatment unit provides round-the-clock supervision and treatment for patients experiencing severe depression, suicidal ideation, psychoses and other acute mental health conditions.

"Our Behavioral Health unit fills a critical gap in mental healthcare for our region," said Sarah Wansing, PMHNP and manager of Behavioral Health at Fitzgibbon Hospital. "We provide immediate, comprehensive care when someone is in crisis and needs more intensive support than outpatient services can offer."

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide rates have increased nearly 35% since 1999, making it the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-34. In Missouri, suicide ranks as the 10th leading cause of death overall, with rural areas often facing additional challenges in accessing mental health services.

The specialized unit at Fitzgibbon Hospital addresses this need by offering 24-hour nursing care, psychiatric evaluation and treatment, individual and group therapy sessions, and medication management. The facility is staffed by licensed psychiatric nurses, social workers and consulting psychiatrists who work together to develop individualized treatment plans.

Patients admitted to the Behavioral Health unit typically stay between three and seven days, depending on their specific needs and response to treatment and therapies. The goal is stabilization and preparation for transition to appropriate outpatient care or community-based services.

Beyond crisis intervention, the unit emphasizes connecting patients with long-term support systems. Social workers assist with discharge planning, helping patients identify ongoing therapy options, support groups and other community resources to maintain their mental wellness after leaving the hospital.

The facility accepts most major insurance plans including Missouri Medicaid and works with patients to address financial concerns that might prevent them from seeking necessary treatment. Hospital staff can provide information about payment options and assist with insurance authorization processes.

During Suicide Prevention Month, mental health advocates emphasize the importance of recognizing warning signs, including persistent sadness, withdrawal from activities, talking about death or suicide, giving away possessions and sudden mood changes. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should seek immediate help.

For mental health emergencies, individuals can call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Local emergency departments, including Fitzgibbon Hospital, are also equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies and are the gateway to accessing inpatient care in the Fitzgibbon Behavioral Health Unit.

Fitzgibbon Hospital's Behavioral Health unit can be reached directly for information about services and admission procedures by calling the hospital’s main line at (660)886-7431 and asking the operator for transfer. Mental Health experts within Fitzgibbon emphasize that seeking help for mental health concerns demonstrates strength, not weakness, and that effective treatment is available for those who need it.