The North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program’s Pediatric Program has received a national honor from the American Psychiatric Association, according to ECU Health.
NC-STeP-Peds was named the recipient of the 2026 Psychiatric Services Achievement Gold Award, which ECU Health described as one of the field’s highest national and international honors for innovation and excellence in mental health care delivery.
The award was presented during the APA Annual Meeting held in May in San Francisco.
NC-STeP-Peds, an initiative of East Carolina University’s Center for Telepsychiatry, was recognized for its technology-based approach to addressing pediatric mental health needs, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Improving access to high-quality behavioral health care for children is one of the most urgent challenges facing our communities,” said Dr. Sy Saeed, executive director of NC-STeP and professor and chair emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at ECU.
Launched in 2023, NC-STeP Pediatrics uses telepsychiatry, virtual reality, AI-supported knowledge management, and team-based care models to expand access to care. The program serves children statewide, from Murphy to Manteo.
To date, the program has:
Screened more than 47,000 children and adolescents for mental health symptomsSupported more than 5,800 patients with follow-up evaluations by behavioral health managersConnected more than 400 patients with child and adolescent psychiatristsDelivered integrated care to more than 760 children and adolescentsCompleted more than 2,000 patient visits
ECU Health CEO and Brody School of Medicine Dean Dr. Michael Waldrum said the program shows how academic medicine and health system collaboration can improve access to care, especially for rural patients.
“This recognition is a testament to the mission-driven team members who continue to expand NC-STeP’s impact in the state,” Waldrum said.