A new mental health center dedicated to children in crisis is set to open Wednesday, January 7, in Omaha. It’ll provide 24 hour a day support for those with behavioral health needs. Children’s Nebraska describes the facility as an “investment in the community,” offering trained pediatric professionals, a calming environment, and a continuum of care for families in crisis. Dr. Jennifer McWilliams, division chief of pediatric psychiatry at Children’s, highlighted the center’s innovative approach. “This is revolutionary and so much more healing and inclusive than the way we used to do it,” she said. The $114 million facility is designed to offer a welcoming space where children can relax without the clinical feel of a hospital bed or emergency room.The center, located near 89th and Dodge, is devoted solely to mental health care for children ages 3 to 19. It includes cozy chairs and calming, open settings where professionals assess and de-escalate crises. “So we figure out what the crisis is and safety plan to move forward,” McWilliams said.A 12-hour day program is available for those with eating disorders, featuring a full top-notch kitchen so clients can learn about cooking and healthy habits related to food. McWilliams said those medically fragile patients will eat all their meals at the center. Physical activity and movement are integral to each child’s healing plan, so the center includes an indoor basketball court and recreation room, yoga, and fitness machines. The center is supported by 165 new employees hired to provide comprehensive care.While outpatient care and therapy are the primary goals, the center also offers 40 inpatient beds for intensive mental health intervention. “All the furniture is built in for safety,” McWilliams noted, with private rooms featuring controlled comfort lighting and security and community spaces for therapy and networking. Natural light fills the center, symbolizing hope for families. There are also special touches with twinkle lights in ceiling tiles. “We won’t be turning away people because they’ve exhausted the system or they’re beyond help. We are here for everyone,” McWilliams said.Much of the facility was funded through donations, with Children’s Nebraska expressing gratitude to supporters like Ken Stinson and the Mental Health Innovation Foundation. Stinson coordinated the efforts of dozens of foundations and donors who generously supported the new facility with $83 million. Children’s Nebraska contributed $15 million and another $16 million came from the American Rescue Plan Act. A donor wall in the lobby features “a who’s who of kind hearts of Omaha,” showcasing local philanthropists’ commitment to the well-being of the community’s youngest residents.Children’s Nebraska plans to offer outpatient care that may include family therapy, medication management, and virtual care options.
A new mental health center dedicated to children in crisis is set to open Wednesday, January 7, in Omaha. It’ll provide 24 hour a day support for those with behavioral health needs. Children’s Nebraska describes the facility as an “investment in the community,” offering trained pediatric professionals, a calming environment, and a continuum of care for families in crisis.
Dr. Jennifer McWilliams, division chief of pediatric psychiatry at Children’s, highlighted the center’s innovative approach. “This is revolutionary and so much more healing and inclusive than the way we used to do it,” she said. The $114 million facility is designed to offer a welcoming space where children can relax without the clinical feel of a hospital bed or emergency room.
The center, located near 89th and Dodge, is devoted solely to mental health care for children ages 3 to 19. It includes cozy chairs and calming, open settings where professionals assess and de-escalate crises. “So we figure out what the crisis is and safety plan to move forward,” McWilliams said.
A 12-hour day program is available for those with eating disorders, featuring a full top-notch kitchen so clients can learn about cooking and healthy habits related to food. McWilliams said those medically fragile patients will eat all their meals at the center.
Physical activity and movement are integral to each child’s healing plan, so the center includes an indoor basketball court and recreation room, yoga, and fitness machines. The center is supported by 165 new employees hired to provide comprehensive care.
While outpatient care and therapy are the primary goals, the center also offers 40 inpatient beds for intensive mental health intervention. “All the furniture is built in for safety,” McWilliams noted, with private rooms featuring controlled comfort lighting and security and community spaces for therapy and networking.
Natural light fills the center, symbolizing hope for families. There are also special touches with twinkle lights in ceiling tiles.
“We won’t be turning away people because they’ve exhausted the system or they’re beyond help. We are here for everyone,” McWilliams said.
Much of the facility was funded through donations, with Children’s Nebraska expressing gratitude to supporters like Ken Stinson and the Mental Health Innovation Foundation.
Stinson coordinated the efforts of dozens of foundations and donors who generously supported the new facility with $83 million. Children’s Nebraska contributed $15 million and another $16 million came from the American Rescue Plan Act. A donor wall in the lobby features “a who’s who of kind hearts of Omaha,” showcasing local philanthropists’ commitment to the well-being of the community’s youngest residents.
Children’s Nebraska plans to offer outpatient care that may include family therapy, medication management, and virtual care options.
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