The Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska has opened. The facility is the first in the region to provide the full spectrum of mental health services to meet the growing needs of children and adolescents.
Located on Children’s main hospital campus in Omaha, key features include a 24/7 crisis assessment center, 40 private beds for pediatric inpatient hospitalization, all offering single occupancy within smaller, supportive care units, outpatient behavioral health services and primary care through Children’s Physicians – Embassy Park. Two distinct partial hospitalization programs are available for day treatment of emotional and substance use challenges and eating disorders. A multi-purpose room encourages group interaction, creative arts and music and movement-based therapies.
The facility is designed to promote healing and comfort with calming colors, nature-inspired graphics, soft lighting and acoustic materials create a soothing atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a therapeutic courtyard with walking paths and mindfulness nooks connect children to nature. Specialized rooms, like a calming room and movement room, support emotional regulation and physical activity. Private consult rooms ensure families are active partners in the treatment process. The project team included HDR, Kiewit and CBRE.
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 funding from the state of Nebraska and another $15 million from Children’s. The remaining funds came from donors.
