The new Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska is a game-changer for pediatric mental healthcare. Located in Omaha, this $114 million facility offers a wide range of mental health services for children. The center is designed to provide 24/7 crisis assessments, inpatient hospitalization for up to 40 kids, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient care—all in one place.
But it’s not just the services that make this center important. As CEO Chanda Chacón mentions, it represents a shift in how we think about children’s mental health. Historically, mental health has often taken a back seat, despite affecting one in five children.
“If it were any other health condition impacting so many kids, we would treat it differently,” Chacón said. “We have a responsibility to do better.”
The center’s crisis assessment approach employs a “no wrong door” policy. Families can walk in without needing a referral, regardless of how severe the situation is. Instead of immediately pushing for hospitalization, staff will assess the child’s needs and guide them to the right care option.
Renee Rafferty, senior VP of behavioral health at Children’s, emphasizes that this new model aims to stabilize families rather than overwhelm them. “In the past, families often left empty-handed with no support,” she noted. “That’s changing.”
Early signs are promising. The center has already seen high usage in its initial weeks, indicating a long-standing demand for such services.
What sets this center apart from typical psychiatric facilities is its integration with the main hospital. This blend of mental and physical health services aims to remove the stigma around seeking mental health care. “We want to treat the whole child,” says Chacón.
The funding structure for this center included significant contributions from federal and local sources, along with community donations. This collaboration signifies a collective recognition of the importance of mental health. Rafferty adds, “The investment from the community shows that we all share responsibility for addressing behavioral health.”
Looking ahead, the focus isn’t on just increasing bed capacity. “We’re not aiming to build more acute beds,” says Rafferty. “Instead, we want to advocate for improved community services.” The goal is to ensure that mental health care is accessible, which can ultimately prevent more expensive crisis care down the line.
Recruitment for the center has also benefited from its strong community focus and commitment to clinician well-being. Rafferty notes, “When people see investment in their community, they’re more inclined to contribute their skills.”
The center also offers educational programs for health providers across Nebraska, helping to fill gaps in knowledge and making early intervention possible. “Our training and focus on well-being are vital to our success,” Rafferty explains.
Ultimately, Chacón and Rafferty believe that success will look different than just numbers. The real goal is to have families seeking help before crises escalate. “We want to see families reaching out earlier,” says Chacón. “That will be our true measure of success.”
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business strategy, CEO, healthcare access, investment, mental health, pediatrics
