I attended the center several years ago both in individual therapy AND in group therapy as was suggested. The Lilac Center often sees clients that have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and other DIFFICULT to treat mental illnesses. The team of professionals seem close knit, and they work WITH each other to treat clients. Their psychiatrist that I saw was THE MOST understanding, empathetic, and real psych Ive ever had the pleasure of meeting. To be clear she is not a coddler, she is real. She *gets* what her patients are going through.Ultimately I had to leave as my insurance premiums skyrocketed and I couldnt afford their self-pay option.I think one must take the one star reviews here with a grain of salt.People with disorders such as the ones I mentioned above are notorious for being over-reactive, pushing/pulling the professionals that work with them to the ends of their patience, being highly vigilant about neglect and abandonment and often suffering from co-morbid disorders like addiction, suicidal ideation or self harm... including but it limited to canceling at the last min or no-showing to appointments, feeling unworthy of treatment, not taking advice or complying with prescribed treatment or medication. I know because Ive lived through some of this.The Lilac Center was designed to work with patients that other groups wont even touch because these disorders require so much acceptance from the patient to be on-board. They work with the patients, they listen, they set-boundaries, they are available in emergencies, they coach, they educate, and they help the patient and the patients loved ones learn how to do the same.They are miracle workers in my book.. and I didnt even have *that* miraculous of a recovery there. I just needed the support while I worked really hard to educate myself about my disorder. If one is willing to work, and accept responsibility for their own lives and care, then the Lilac Center can help. I will go back as soon as I can afford health insurance again. I am considering self pay still.

If I could give zero stars, I would. Lisa belittled me and said that no therapist will ever help you. This is the worst place to go if you have any mental health concerns. Lisa never taught me anything, I would have to tell her the same things over and over bc she doesn’t listen. I found out I have a rare disease and had to have life-saving/changing surgery to prevent cancer (GI oncologist said I would’ve had cancer in six months) but she never asked me about it and was more concerned about her benign tumor and telling me about her life than listening to me. When I told her why I didn’t like her and was switching therapists (who I really like and connect with), she belittled me and said that no therapist will ever help you. I sincerely hope you find a different agency who can provide a therapist who will listen to you and try to help you.Also, their billing department doesn’t know how to bill insurance. I’ve had more than one conversation in three months about it. Go somewhere that will validate and respect your time, energy and money.

I was excited to start at lilac center. I was there for 2 years. Therapists are completely delusional. They refuse to listen to clients and instead try to impose their own realities onto them. They also billed me for hour long sessions for almost a year while sessions only lasted 20 minutes. Please seek help elsewhere.

I was so excited to move back to Kansas City and start this program. I had hoped it would be a positive experience and give me the tools I need to address some challenges that I have, unfortunately it was NOTHING like the website would lead you to believe. I received no return calls. I was never set up with an individual therapist. There was no explanation of how the group worked or what I needed to participate. When I went into my first group session I felt very confused as to what was happening and felt very out of place/unwelcome. Besides offering no explanation of the expectations or tools needed, Debra began working from the workbook with those individuals who had it, not offering even a copy or mention of the title. It took another newbie saying we cant participate as we dont have the information to do what youre asking us to do, to motivate her enough to stop and make us a copy. Prior to that she said she would give us a copy of the sheet they were working on at the end. When the group was over I asked to speak to her to let her know I still needed an individual therapist, but she kept offering me daytime appointments despite the fact I kept telling her I work. Finally she explained to me there wasnt anyone available for an evening appointment, and made me an appointment with her for a date about a month or so out to allow me time to work it out even though my schedule was not going to magically change. Additionally, she would be the last person I would want to see because of my experience with the group as well as the fact she cant be bothered to return a call. I finished my evening by being told I would need to pay out of pocket and then file for reimbursement with my insurance because they were having issues with the insurance company paying them-- which was complete b.s. Then she turned around and said she never said that!Even after all this chaos I tried to be rational and say to myself that maybe it was just a fluke and I that I needed to try a different group so I reached out to the Director who did my intake to ask about others and tell her what had happen. I had to leave a voicemail, and imagine my surprise when it wasnt her but Debra who called me back, at which point I forced myself to address all the things that had occurred that has resulted in my feeling the way I did. To add to the insult she responded with a single word-interesting.I have now started another program approximately six months after the fact, at The Center for Healing and Recovery, and I can not say enough good things. There was explanation and order. I felt prepared and welcomed and I feel hopeful about the future and the progress I can make. The only downfall is there was and still is a wait to get in, but its worth it!

Had good things about DBT. It works very well for manic depression. Very good therapist.

I cant speak about the services offered because my appointment changed so often that I never actually was able to be seen before I cancelled. But here is the rundown...Call on 9/24 for an appointment, get it scheduled for 10/10. Get a call on 10/4 to reschedule.. sure whatever. Get scheduled for 10/24. Get another call on 10/14 to reschedule my 10/31 appointment... nope, dont have an appointment at that time. Get it all figured out and my 10/24 appointment is still set. Get a voicemail today to confirm my 10/28 appointment at Mission location when everything up until now was at the Holmes location.So I guess if you are mentally stable enough to handle being tossed around like a tin can in a game of street hockey then have a go.

Lisa has been a competent, helpful, and wonderful therapist. She is a thorough listener and suggests thoughtful ideas to my problems. I have benefited from starting my treatment with her and recommend her and the Lilac Center to those needing DBT counseling.

I’m a veteran that the VA sent to the Lilac center. I went one day and talked to Jeffrey Bennett for 1 hour. The following day was suppose to be my group therapy and I received a call saying he does not accept veterans choice so they referred me to the North Kansas City location and I had to wait another 2 weeks before I got in with another therapist. I arrived at the specified location 15 minutes prior to my appointment that was mad 2 weeks prior and the therapist was booked with clients and my name was not on her list. The lady at the desk told me she would call the main campus and discuss the situation and how I fell through the cracks of incompetent schedulers. I then got a call 3 days later telling me Jeffrey does in fact accept veterans choice because he is under the umbrella of Lilac center as a whole and the lilac center accepts Veterans Choice. They said I would have to wait another month to get in with him. I accepted and waited and I got another call requesting that I move my appointment a 4th time. I hung up with frustration and today May 11th, I received a bill from Jeffrey at the Lilac center for $145. If you are a veteran or somebody suffering from psychological issues I would strongly recommend visiting a more professional facility. It is Saturday so nothing can be done; however, come Monday I will go to VA patient advocate at the Linwood BLVD VA and show them the bill, tell them of my experience and request no more veterans be sent to the Lilac Center. Veterans deserve better.

Some of the most caring and compassionate people Ive ever met.

Ive only been once, and Ive already made standing appts. I am hopeful in having a positive outcome here, just based on my first appt and how accommodating and kind the staff are.