Dr. Walt Menninger's grandfather had a vision for a family practice that would bring healing to people in need. From the humble beginnings of the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, grew to a nationally preeminent mental health authority, treating patients, training new psychiatrists, and bringing groundbreaking ideas into the common culture.
A third generation Menninger psychiatrist, Dr. Walt led an interesting and varied career that took him to the wilds of the third world as well as the halls of power. He worked with significant figures of his era to shape policy and share the lessons learned at the Menninger Clinic.
Dr. Walt felt his first responsibility was to not tarnish his family's legacy. But it was under his leadership as CEO that the monumental decision was made to move the Menninger programs from Topeka to Houston. That decision affected thousands of lives and brought an end to more than 75 years of having a Menninger at the head of the organization.
As the Menninger Foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, no one knows its history better than Dr. Walt. In this memoir, he relays stories of the institution that have never been revealed while also sharing his personal experiences of triumph and defeat, legacy and loss.
Now in his ninth decade, Dr. Walt believes he has wisdom to share. Like What You Do preserves timeless lessons about mental health, morality, religion, violence, and death.