Xpress Wellness Acquires Wichita’s Mental Health Practice Midwest Counseling Services

Xpress Wellness, a leading provider of urgent care, virtual primary care, occupational medicine, behavioral health and post-acute services across rural and suburban communities, acquired Midwest Counseling Services in Wichita, Kan., to expand the mental health clinic’s patient services to communities across the region.

Founded in 2022, Midwest Counseling Services provides mental health services to older adults living in senior communities through approaches including talk therapy and individual counseling. Its team offers accessible mental health care in long-term care, partnering with facilities and care teams to ensure residents receive the support they need to live with greater connection, dignity, comfort and purpose.

“Since Xpress Wellness provides both medical and behavioral care to our patients across rural and suburban communities, acquiring Midwest Counseling Services is a natural step in effort to expand mental health services to more patients in underserved markets,” said David Pyle, CEO of Xpress Wellness. “Midwest Counseling Services has built a strong reputation across Wichita and the operational support and infrastructure we provide positions it for growth, with plans for presence across the region under Lisa’s leadership. With Lisa’s leadership and the rest of our post-acute team, we look to extend our reach to serving more patients in their time of need.”

Lisa Harrison, founder of Midwest Counseling Services, now serves as Xpress Wellness’ Director of Operations of Post-Acute overseeing the Kansas market in addition to providing patient care.

“We’re grateful for our Wichita community members who have entrusted us with their mental health support, and partnering with Xpress Wellness allows Midwest Counseling Services to do what we do best while providing runway to serve more communities across Kansas,” said Lisa Harrison, Director of Operations of Post-Acute at Xpress Wellness. “Our focus will remain on showing up for our patients and supporting long-term care communities with consistent, relationship-based talk therapy.”

Visit Midwest Counseling Services at MidwestCounselingICT.com or call 316-250-5007. To learn more about Xpress Wellness’ facility-based care, visit XpressWellnessUrgentCare.com/programs/facility-based-primary-care/.

Xpress Wellness Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What changed after Xpress Wellness acquired Midwest Counseling Services?

• Xpress Wellness acquired Midwest Counseling Services on April 1, 2026

• The acquisition adds operational infrastructure and support to expand behavioral health services across the region

• Midwest Counseling continues providing mental health services to older adults living in senior communities through approaches including talk therapy and individual counseling

  
  

Will patients see any changes in Midwest Counseling Services’ patient or care experience?

• No changes to services or patient experience

• Patients will continue receiving talk therapy and counseling within long-term care communities

  
  

Is Midwest Counseling Services keeping its local operations?

• The clinic maintains its Wichita-based identity and community relationships

  
  

How does this acquisition expand mental health access in Kansas?

• It enables expansion into additional communities across the state

• Xpress Wellness provides the infrastructure needed to scale mental help support provided by Midwest Counseling Services

  
  

Who is leading Midwest Counseling Services after the acquisition?

• Midwest Counseling Services founder Lisa Harrison now serves as Director of Operations of Post-Acute for Xpress Wellness in Kansas

• Lisa Harrison continues providing patient care while overseeing regional growth

  
  

About Xpress WellnessXpress Wellness is a leading provider of urgent care, primary care, behavioral health, occupational medicine and post-acute services. Founded with a mission to expand access to high-quality health care, Xpress Wellness operates across rural and suburban communities in Kansas and Oklahoma, and as Integrity Urgent Care in Texas, delivering patient-first care with a focus on speed, convenience, and clinical excellence. For more information, visit XpressWellnessUrgentCare.com.

About Midwest Counseling ServicesMidwest Counseling Services empowers the elderly to live a healthier life with purpose and dignity, exclusively working with elderly patients in nursing homes and senior communities. Elders can experience many challenges that can impact their mental health, including loss of independence, physical challenges, chronic pain, grief, cognitive changes and financial concerns. Prioritizing mental health help them enjoy life more, stay connected to friends and family and benefit their overall physical health. For more information, visit MidwestCounselingICT.com.

The Healing Power of Talk Therapy in Long-Term Care Communities

In senior living communities across the country, residents are navigating some of the most profound transitions of their lives. Changes in health, independence, relationships, and environment can bring feelings of grief, loneliness, anxiety, and a loss of purpose. While these experiences are common, they are too often suffered in silence. Talk therapy offers a vital, patient centered response to this growing need.

In April of 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented significant changes to the use of psychotropic medications in long-term care settings. These changes reflect an important shift toward more thoughtful, holistic approaches to mental health treatment. At the same time, they have intensified the need for non-pharmacological support, especially talk therapy as a primary means of addressing emotional and psychological distress.

Talk therapy provides something medication alone cannot: a safe, consistent space for residents to tell their stories, express their fears, process their losses, and rediscover meaning. It offers a holistic and functional approach to care, one that honors each person’s life experiences, values, and strengths while meeting them exactly where they are.

At Midwest Counseling Services, we provide one on one, individualized therapy to residents who are struggling with loneliness, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, loss of purpose, and other mental health challenges. These sessions are not simply about symptom reduction; they are about connection, dignity, and hope. Through compassionate conversation, residents are reminded that their voices matter, their experiences are valid, and their lives still hold value and meaning.

We consistently witness the profound impact of this work. Residents who once withdrew begin to engage again. Individuals who felt invisible start to feel seen. Small but meaningful shifts, such as increased participation in activities, improved relationships with staff, and a renewed sense of agency signal a deeper emotional healing. We also observe measurable improvements in residents’ PHQ-9 scores, reflecting meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms over time.

The benefits extend beyond individual residents. When mental health needs are supported, the entire community feels the difference. Staff report improved interactions, families express greater peace of mind, and the overall atmosphere becomes one of greater calm, understanding, and compassion.

As senior living continues to evolve, it is essential that emotional and psychological care be recognized as foundational, not optional. Talk therapy is not an add-on service; it is a lifeline. It affirms that every resident deserves not only to be cared for, but to be heard, understood, and valued.

At Midwest Counseling Services, we are honored to walk alongside residents and communities in this important work. Together, we can create environments where healing happens through connection, and where every person is supported in living with dignity, purpose, and hope.

Connecting with Compassion: Prioritizing Mental Health in Nursing Home Care

As our population ages, the need for comprehensive and compassionate care for residents of nursing homes becomes increasingly crucial. While physical health is undoubtedly a top priority, the importance of addressing mental and emotional well-being should not be underestimated. Psychotherapy, a form of therapeutic intervention, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for residents of nursing homes. In this article, we explore the reasons why incorporating psychotherapy into the care regimen of nursing home residents can yield profound benefits.

Mental Health Matters: Residents of nursing homes often face a myriad of challenges, including isolation, loss of independence, and health concerns. Psychotherapy provides a safe space for individuals to express their emotions, fears, and concerns. Trained therapists can help residents navigate through these challenges, fostering emotional resilience and mental well-being.

Coping with Transitions: Moving to a nursing home can be a significant life transition, often accompanied by feelings of loss, grief, and anxiety. Psychotherapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can explore and cope with these emotions, making the adjustment smoother and less stressful. Therapists can assist residents in finding meaning and purpose in their new living arrangements.

Addressing Grief and Loss: Residents of nursing homes may experience various losses, such as the death of friends or family members. Psychotherapy helps individuals navigate the complex emotions associated with grief, providing a platform to process their feelings and find healthy ways to cope. This support is essential in preventing prolonged grief and promoting emotional healing.

Enhancing Social Connection: Many nursing home residents grapple with feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Psychotherapy can serve as a bridge, facilitating connections between residents and fostering a sense of community. Group therapy sessions, in particular, can provide a supportive environment where individuals share experiences, build relationships, and combat feelings of loneliness.

Cognitive Stimulation: Therapeutic interventions can include cognitive exercises and activities that stimulate residents' mental faculties. Engaging in activities that challenge cognitive abilities not only contributes to maintaining mental sharpness but also provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Improving Physical Health: The mind-body connection is undeniable, and psychotherapy can indirectly contribute to physical well-being. Reduced stress levels and improved mental health often correlate with better physical health outcomes. Residents who receive psychotherapeutic support may experience lower rates of certain health issues and an overall improved quality of life.

Incorporating psychotherapy into the care plans of nursing home residents is a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of this population. By prioritizing mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health, nursing homes can create an environment that supports residents in leading fulfilling and meaningful lives. The therapeutic impact of psychotherapy extends far beyond the therapy sessions, influencing the overall atmosphere and culture of care within these vital residential communities. As we strive for comprehensive and compassionate elder care, psychotherapy emerges as a valuable tool in enhancing the lives of our elderly population in nursing homes.