For many in need of mental healthcare, telemedicine is the perfect solution – it’s convenient, helpful, and improves outcomes. Learn more about expanding telehealth services in North Carolina.

But for some, telepsychiatry isn’t enough — an inpatient admission is needed to stabilize and care for the patient. These are the patients most directly impacted by bed shortages, which can be particularly problematic in a mental health crisis, when needs are urgent.

To provide access to more patients, Duke Health opened a new behavioral health center and emergency department at Duke Regional Hospital, consolidating services to create a single dedicated space for patients.

“These new buildings…represent our ongoing commitment to the dedicated and compassionate care that Duke Regional has always provided, and that the community trusts they will receive,” said William J. Fulkerson, Jr., M.D., executive vice president for Duke University Health System.

In the Triad, a collaborative partnership between three large mental health providers — Cone Health, Guilford County and Sandhills Center, formed the Guilford County Behavioral Health Crisis Collaborative, which has a mental health urgent care center and two 16-bed crisis centers currently under development.

These expansions mean more access for more North Carolinians — and demonstrate hospitals’ commitment to holistic, personalized care that supports patients’ mental and physical needs alike.

Providers around the state are advocating for a bill in the NC General Assembly (HB 149) that would require insurance plans cover care provided to patients through virtual visits. Click here to learn more.