The Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska officially opens its doors Wednesday, Jan. 7, marking a new era of hope and healing for youth and their families.
The world-class facility is nationally distinctive and the first in the region to provide the full spectrum of mental health services to meet the growing needs of children and adolescents in Nebraska and beyond. Located on Children’s main hospital campus at 8550 Indian Hills Drive in Omaha, the center ensures pediatric patients can easily access the complete continuum of care when they need it. Any child up to 19 years old can be seen on a walk-in basis no matter the level of crisis they are experiencing – with no referral needed.
The innovative facility includes:
40 private beds for pediatric inpatient hospitalization, all offering single occupancy within smaller, supportive care units
“We are proud to open the doors of the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska to our community and are heartened by the impact it will make for countless young people across our state and beyond,” said Chanda Chacón, MPH, FACHE, Children’s president & CEO. “This facility is the result of visionary leadership and partnership among community leaders, state government and our expert team that will provide the best care possible. With all of us pulling together in the direction of hope, we are ready to transform pediatric mental healthcare in our region.”
Built in partnership with the Mental Health Innovation Foundation, led by community leader and philanthropist Ken Stinson, the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center is the result of robust community support. The center’s $114 million budget included $16 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the State of Nebraska and another $15 million from Children’s. The remaining funds came from generous donors who recognized the need for expanded pediatric mental health services.
As pediatric mental health needs continue to grow, the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center is a much-needed resource that will bring hope and healing for families today and for generations to come. The facility is thoughtfully designed to promote healing and comfort with:
Healing Design: Calming colors, nature-inspired graphics, soft lighting and acoustic materials create a soothing atmosphere.
Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Specialized rooms, like a calming room and movement room, support emotional regulation and physical activity.
Learn more about the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at ChildrensNebraska.org/BHWC.