KEARNEY — The first of its kind in the state, a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of Children’s Nebraska’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care on Monday, Sept. 30.
“The new facility, which officially opened this summer, is the first walk-in clinic of its kind in Nebraska, dedicated to children and adolescents up to 22 years of age showing signs of a behavioral or mental health crisis,” Children’s Nebraska stated.
“One of less than a dozen such similar facilities nationwide to offer this type of care, the clinic helps address the youth mental health emergency unfolding across the country with rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm and other behavioral health challenges continuing to rise,” Children’s Nebraska noted.
The new facility is located at 211 W. 33rd St., Suite D, the north wing of the same building as the CHI Health Clinic Priority Care.
“With mental health challenges increasing among children and teens, making pediatric-specific
care and resources available is critically important for the young people and families of our state,” stated Children’s Nebraska.
“One-third of Nebraska counties do not have a behavioral health provider, and Children’s clinic in Kearney expands access to mental health care for youth and families in rural areas. Children’s new facility serves children and adolescents across Central Nebraska with an innovative model of care,” Children’s Nebraska notes.
Chanda Chacón, president and chief executive officer at Children’s Nebraska, welcomed a packed room of guests with standing room only to the facility.
“The pediatric mental health crisis is real, and our new behavioral health urgent care in Kearney is an example of the swift action Children’s Nebraska has taken to address the behavioral and mental health needs of youth and families statewide,” said Chanda Chacón, MPH, FACHE, Children’s president and chief executive officer. “This first walk-in clinic is the result of leadership, advocacy and collaboration with many partners to support the health and wellbeing of young people. It is our mission to improve the life of every child, and we are committed to leading the way for better pediatric behavioral and mental healthcare for years to come.”
In 2022, Children’s was awarded $10 million in federal funding from the Nebraska State Legislature through the American Rescue Plan Act. State policymakers recognized alarming trends that demonstrated rising rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm and other behavioral health challenges leading to the youth mental health emergency. A significant portion of that one-time investment – along with part of another $1.8 million of ARPA funding issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for telehealth infrastructure – has supported Children’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care – Kearney. The endeavor has increased availability of quality pediatric mental healthcare and will impact youth statewide for a lifetime.
“The innovative model of care available at Behavioral Health Urgent Care – Kearney allows qualified Children’s providers to offer the right care at the right time,” said Renee Rafferty, LIMHP, Children’s senior vice president of Behavioral Health & Wellness. “The support and collaboration of numerous state officials, healthcare partners, community leaders and schools has bolstered our effort to open this new clinic in Kearney, bringing a sense of hope and healing to families in the communities of Central Nebraska.”
One of the rooms in the new facility features the artwork of the Axtell Community Schools Art Club. The students painted a mural, featuring a mountain scene, across the entire wall of one side of the room.
The room has been popular among younger children, who instantly pick that room when they see the mural.
Children’s Nebraska is committed to expanding access to behavioral and mental healthcare statewide. Remaining ARPA funds are being used toward the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska, built in partnership with the Mental Health Innovation Foundation. The facility is under construction adjacent to Children’s main hospital campus in Omaha and will open in early 2026. For more information, visit ChildrensNebraska.org.