OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Children’s Nebraska officially opens a first-of-its-kind mental health center Wednesday, marking what officials call a game changer for behavioral healthcare in the region.
The new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center on Children’s Nebraska’s campus will serve young people under 20 on a walk-in basis. It is the first facility to feature comprehensive behavioral healthcare for the Heartland.
“It’s built for us to be able to provide the very best care,” said Chanda Chacon, CEO of Children’s Nebraska.
Rising mental health needs
According to Chacon, one in five kids struggle with anxiety or depression, and those numbers aren’t declining.
“What we’re also seeing is an increase in the number of children at a lower age that are currently showing up to our emergency department at Children’s for things like suicide ideation, depression, and anxiety,” Chacon said.
The facility aims to address the real impact on families like the Bakers. Doctors referred them to Children’s Nebraska after their daughter Abby was diagnosed with an eating disorder four years ago.
“It is so overwhelming but the best thing is to reach out and ask for help and this facility is going to present that that there’s no wrong door and they can come anytime, anywhere,” said Laura Baker.
Designed for healing
The facility offers sensory-friendly spaces with natural light and outdoor spaces to help calm the mind.
“There’s so much attention to detail because we have to make everything safe but it’s also really important that kids and families feel comfortable, that they have a beautiful environment. It signals to the brain that you’re safe and your next step in healing is available,” said Renee Rafferty, vice president of behavioral health and wellness at Children’s Nebraska.
The center’s goal is to help families in crisis heal and ensure families are active partners in treatment.
“Behavioral health is health and the opportunity for families to feel comfortable coming in, and to know that they can help, means so much,” Rafferty said.
Funding details
The $114 million facility was funded through three sources. Roughly $30 million came from ARPA funds and the hospital. Donors covered the rest.
For more information, contact the behavioral health clinic at 402-955-4700.
Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.