OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – It promises world-class care for families here in the metro, and across the Midwest.
Construction is underway on the new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska.
For some families, it will make all the difference.
“I want kids to know that it’s okay to speak up, there are people who want to help you, you just have to take the first steps. I want people to know it really does get better,” said 16-year-old Gracelyn Glaser.
Gracelyn is one of the many kids helped by Children’s Nebraska, as she navigates her mental health journey.
“When we entered into this journey with Gracelyn, we had no idea what were doing or where to go or where to seek help,” Gracelyn’s mother told me.
Soon, children will receive care at the new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska. With it’s “No Wrong Door” policy, parents won’t have to worry if they’re in the right place for what their child needs.
It will also ensure easier access to that essential care.
“So it will be easier for families, they won’t have to wait. Oftentimes, people wait for months for care and we’re hoping that this will ease their way,” explained Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health and Wellness, Renee Rafferty.
Children’s Nebraska recently received a $5.51 million grant from the James M. Cox Foundation for the project. It will fund a virtual and augmented reality program at the center — an innovative solution to a complex problem.
“If I was having a panic attack, usually when I have panic attacks I feel like I’m not in control of anything, but when I can put on this headset and be able to create my own space and feel like I’m in control of what I’m doing – I feel like that’s really going to help kids learn that they can focus on what’s in their control,” Gracelyn said.
Gracelyn believes this new center will eliminate a lot of kids’ fears when seeking mental health support and solutions.
“I feel like a lot of people don’t go get the help they need because it’s always like, if you went to the ER and said you need help, they’re going to admit you. And I think that’s people’s biggest fear is they don’t want to be admitted to a facility,” explained Gracelyn.
The Center will offer all levels of mental health services, including inpatient, outpatient and urgent care. They will treat for a wide range of needs, like anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
Children’s Nebraska’s new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center is set to open this coming January.
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