Burrell Behavioral Health hosts grand opening for IRTS at Towne Drive

COLUMBIA — Burrell Behavioral Health hosted the grand opening of its intensive residential treatment services (IRTS) center at 1611 Towne Drive in Columbia on Aug. 12. 

The Towne Drive property, formerly Rainbow House, has been transformed to meet a tremendous mental health need for mid-Missourians.  

“We often talk in our organization about hope, the belief that tomorrow can be brighter than today,” Burrell Behavioral Health CEO Mat Gass said. “In many locations, hope feels abstract, but here at 1611 Towne Drive, hope has an address.” 

Clients will stay at the IRTS center to receive treatment for average timespans of two years as they work their way through customized levels of treatment. 

“IRTS treatment is for clients who face significant challenges with the activities of day-to-day living,” Gass said. “Our team will help our clients undergo treatment for significant mental health issues and build the skills they need to live more fulfilling lives.” 

Before he ran for elected office, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick worked as a community support specialist (CSS) at Burrell Behavioral Health from 2006 to 2008. At the grand opening event, Kendrick thanked the Burrell team members who will go on to change lives for the better by working at the IRTS in Boone County. 

“I know it’s very challenging; I know it’s extremely rewarding as well,” Kendrick said. “I still think back to some of my time providing services to individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorder as some of the most valuable learning experiences that I had.” 

Burrell Behavioral Health closed on the property that was once Rainbow House on Jan. 17, 2025. The 1.49-acre property houses an 18,000-square foot building that underwent significant renovation. The IRTS center in Columbia has 16 bedrooms. 

Clients will come to the IRTS from a variety of referral sources. Part of the grand opening included a roundtable discussion with care providers from Burrell, team members and stakeholders from the greater Columbia community. 

In Columbia, Burrell also operates a behavioral health crisis center and psychiatric care offices at its Stephens Lake Clinic, an outpatient clinic and pharmacy at its Berrywood Clinic, psychiatry and group therapy at its Ash Street Clinic and addiction recovery services including residential treatment at the Phoenix Clinic on Leslie Lane.