GREENSBORO, NC (WGHP) – Guildford County Behavioral Health Centers are the only window for people seeking help in treating mental health and drug abuse.
The 60,000-square-foot facility is the first of its kind in the state and is now in Guilford County. it is filled with several beds for inpatient care, a comfortable living room for support group classes, an on-site pharmacy and an open space for fresh air.
“There are no barriers. No bars. Everything is open. People are available. The front desk is available, and that’s how you change the culture, ”said Dr. Archana Kumar, medical director of Cone Health’s behavioral health service.
Dr Kumar said the center would provide timely access to mental health services to children, adolescents and adults who are in a mental health crisis.
“It’s great to have something that helps people, no matter who your payer is, so whether you’re insured or insured, you now have a place that provides services for everyone,” Kumar said.
The program is designed for those who need urgent behavioral health treatment or drug use and are not experiencing a medical crisis that usually requires an emergency department visit.
This is the same comfort that prompted Alison Barnes to find help when she needed it most.
“It’s very helpful, especially for people who don’t have the money to go to a therapist or choose who they want to see. If you don’t have transport, and you don’t have a fund and things like that, it prevents you from getting the mental help you need, ”Barnes said.
Barnes enrolled in the program as an outpatient to assist her in her ongoing struggle with suicidal thoughts.
“Suicidal thoughts prevailed, and I knew before I could do something drastic that I needed to take steps to get help,” Barnes said.
The goal is to help people in one of two buildings built in partnership with Cone Health, Sandhills and Guilford County.
Throughout the program Barnes saw success in his recovery. She is now working to become a Greensboro Peer Mental Health Specialist and help pass on knowledge about overcoming the stigma of seeking mental health care.
“Often we don’t know we need mental help because of the stigma. We avoid it and try to act as if it does not affect us, but it affects everyone around and everyone around you, ”Barnes said.
Over the next year, Kumar said facilities seek to expand in prison systems.
“About 70-80% of people in prisons have mental health problems. Why don’t we treat them, get help, and imprison them? ” said Kumar.
In the next few weeks, the crisis part of the institution-based centers will be open for use.
The facility is open 24 hours a day, located at 913 Third Street in Greensboro and is accessible by public transport.
Greensboro opens the state’s first mental health facility
Source link Greensboro opens the state’s first mental health facility