CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Novant Health and Katie Blessing Center are joining forces to develop Charlotte’s most comprehensive and accessible adolescent behavioral health urgent care (BHUC), designed to support young people facing mental health crises. Novant Health is making a $2.5 million investment in the Katie Blessing Center, with plans for the youth mental health facility to open in early 2026.
"At Novant Health, we recognize the urgent need for accessible and compassionate mental health support for young people. By creating a dedicated space for timely intervention, we are ensuring that the nearly 1 in 4 children and adolescents experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders receive the care they deserve when they need it most, building a foundation for a healthier future,” said Dr. Sid Fletcher, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Charlotte Region. “We are proud to partner with the Katie Blessing Center and support the vital mission of expanding mental health resources in our community.”
The Novant Health at Katie Blessing Center BHUC is set to launch during the first phase of the facility’s opening and will welcome children ages 4 and older who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis related, but not limited to, mental health disorders, Autism and/or an intellectual and developmental disabilities diagnosis with co-occurring conditions, and substance use disorders. Upon arrival to the BHUC, patients will receive an assessment from a licensed clinician within 30 minutes to determine emergent needs. The 6-chair unit will be a one-stop shop for stabilization, crisis intervention and referral, whether that entails disposition to the appropriate care within the campus or discharge. Before leaving, each patient will receive a personalized plan outlining their next steps, including further therapy, medication, or a connection to a specialist.
The goal of the Katie Blessing Center is to have all necessary services available within the facility so patients will have quick access to required interventions. Ultimately, the objective is to be an alternative to a hospital emergency department. This level of comprehensive care can make a positive change in North Carolina, as the state ranks low in quality psychiatric care, with a significant lack of places for children to seek help, as 71,000 youths struggling with mental health issues did not receive treatment.
“Partnering with an organization as prestigious as Novant Health is a game changer for our team, and ultimately for the children of North Carolina,” states Michael Estramonte, founder and president of Starmount Healthcare. “Since announcing the facility, we’ve been profoundly grateful for the support we've received, but our work is far from over. It is essential that we continue advocating for accessible treatment solutions that address the needs of our children, but we need others to join us in this effort, whether through financial support or services, to help realize our vision.”
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 40,000 team members along with more than 8,500 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2023, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
About Katie Blessing Center
Founded by CEO Dr. Michael Estramonte, Katie Blessing Center’s mission is rooted in early intervention, recognizing the importance of supporting young minds during their formative years. The facility will be the first child and adolescent psychiatric facility in North Carolina to address the current pediatric mental health crisis through comprehensive service and personalized care, including urgent care, inpatient, residential, and outpatient services, on one campus. For more information, visit katieblessingcenter.org or follow Katie Blessing Center on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
###
Subscribe