Anderson County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program Welcomes New Therapist
Garnett, Ks. – Anderson County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions is pleased to welcome Mary Sumner, LMSW, as the new program therapist.
Senior Life Solutions, an intensive outpatient group therapy program, is designed to meet the
unique needs of older adults, typically 65 years and older, struggling with depression or anxiety
often related to a difficult life transition, a recent health diagnosis, or losing a loved one.
As a program therapist, Mary Sumner provides therapeutic services for patients utilizing group,
individual, and family therapy sessions. She will focus on quality patient care and the provision
of services ordered by a physician. Sumner, a licensed master's level social worker since 2000,
brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. Having earned both her bachelor's and
master's degrees from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, she has honed her skills through
extensive work with state agencies and private institutions. Her diverse background includes
positions as a case manager, program director, therapist, and school counselor.
Sumner is excited to work at Anderson County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions and serve the
community she calls home. She grew up on a farm near Richmond, Kansas, and returned to the
area to live and raise her family but has always traveled outside the county for work. She
appreciates the opportunity to pour her time and energy into the people and community that has
always been a part of her.
“While my experience includes serving people of all ages, this will be my first opportunity to
focus solely on therapy and mental health services for older adults,” shared Sumner. “I know
there is a stigma around mental health, especially for our senior population, but there doesn’t
have to be. We’ve got a great team and will be working hard to let people know about our
program, the positive changes that we can foster, and that it’s okay to ask for help.”
In addition to Sumner, the Anderson County Hospital Senior Life Solutions team includes
program director Kristen Springston and office patient coordinator Shelley Long who provides
administrative and clerical services for program staff and assists patients with care needs.
As program director, Springston is responsible for directing and coordinating the activities of
program staff to ensure quality patient care and provides community education to create
awareness of the program.
“When I see former Senior Life Solutions patients out in the community and enjoying life, it
gives me a true sense of purpose and reminds me why I do what I do every day,” said
Springston.
“As we get older, it’s normal to experience an illness, to lose some physical abilities, to be more
dependent on others, or to lose a loved one, but overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt, or
hopelessness are not a normal part of aging. We can help work through that.”
Family members, friends, clergy, physicians, or other health professionals can refer individuals
to the program. Individuals can also self-refer. For information on Anderson County Hospital’s
Senior Life Solutions program, call 785-204-8043 or visit saintlukeskc.org/senior.
About Senior Life Solutions
Founded in 2003, Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC), a
leading behavioral healthcare management company. PMC manages inpatient behavioral health
units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 25 states. For more
information, visit www.psychmc.com/seniorlifesolutions.
About Anderson County Hospital
Anderson County Hospital is a member of Saint Luke’s Health System, which consists of 14 area
hospitals and several primary and specialty care practices, and provides a range of inpatient,
outpatient, and home care services. Founded as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, our
mission includes a commitment to the highest levels of excellence in health care and the
advancement of medical research and education. The health system is an aligned organization in
which the physicians and hospitals assume responsibility for enhancing the physical, mental, and
spiritual health of people in the metropolitan Kansas City area and the surrounding region.