Now accepting Aetna, Cigna, Magellan, and ComPsych insurance for some services.
The Menninger Clinic®
Celebrating Menninger’s 100th Anniversary
Discover Menninger's History
Celebrating Achievements & Looking Forward
At Menninger, we honor our history and celebrate the milestones that have defined our legacy. Looking back on our past inspires optimism for the future as we move forward with fresh plans to expand upon our solid foundation.
Starting from the top left and moving clockwise: 1. The original site of Menninger Sanitarium on Sixth Avenue in Topeka. 2. The Menninger brothers during their childhood - Will, Edwin, and Karl. 3. From left, the founders: Dr. Will, Dr. C.F. and Dr. Karl Menninger 4. The front exterior of Menninger Commons Building in Houston. 5. Dr. Will and Dr. Karl being interviewed by Walter Cronkite. 6. The groundbreaking ceremony for a new hospital building on Menninger’s east campus.
The Beginning: In 1925, Dr. Charles F. Menninger and his sons, Karl and William, established The Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, inspired by The Mayo Clinic. They aimed to enhance mental health care through a holistic approach integrating medical, psychological and social treatments. To address traditional hospital limitations, they opened a sanitarium in a farmhouse, focusing on community support. As demand grew, The Clinic expanded, offered training for mental health professionals and became a nonprofit in the 1940s.
National Impact and Recognition: The Clinic gained national acclaim through Dr. Karl Menninger's book The Human Mind and presentations. In the 1950s and 1960s, Menninger influenced mental health reform, particularly community systems under President John F. Kennedy, thanks to Dr. Will Menninger's contributions.
Educational Contributions and Legacy: By 2001, the Menninger School of Psychiatry had trained over 3,000 mental health professionals. In 2003, The Menninger Clinic moved to Houston, Texas, partnering with Baylor College of Medicine. In 2012, it opened a new campus to expand its mission. The Clinic continues to lead in psychiatry and make significant strides in mental health care.
A Brighter Future Ahead: As we near our 100th anniversary, more people are seeking mental health support. Our incredible community of supporters strengthens our commitment to improving mental health. With your help, we are enhancing services with innovative treatments and excellent patient care, training future mental health leaders, conducting important research and building strong community partnerships. Our goal is to create a better future for families now and in the future.
The original farmhouse site of The Menninger Clinic in Topeka.