Jason Southard, LSCSW
Director of Access
“I knew from an early age that I wanted to help people. My mom is a nurturer, so working with kids and families always came naturally to me. My dad instilled in me the value of hard work. My family has given me unconditional patience, love, and support throughout my life. My ‘why’ is simple: to give back.”
About
Jason Southard began his career in social services as a case manager at Wyandot Center in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2014, he entered the Master of Social Work program at the University of Kansas while continuing to work as a case manager at Johnson County Mental Health. During his clinical year, he was selected for a behavioral health scholarship program and completed his practicum at Marillac, working in both residential and acute youth programs.
After graduating, Jason began his therapy career at the Child Protection Center in Kansas City, Missouri, where he provided treatment to children and families who had experienced acute trauma following forensic interviews.
In 2020, he and his wife, Katie, moved back to southeast Kansas, where Jason joined Crawford County Mental Health Center. He initially served as a Qualified Mental Health Professional before transitioning into his current role as Director of Access.
Education
- Master of Social Work | University of Kansas
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science | Kansas State University
Certifications
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)