Nebraska Children's Hospital Opens Youth Mental Health Facility

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Nebraska's largest children's hospital, Children's Nebraska, has opened a new youth-focused behavioral health care facility on its Omaha campus. The $114 million center is the first in the state to offer walk-in services for people age 20 and younger, and is among the leaders in the nation to provide this range of mental health services on a single campus.

Why it matters

At least 10% of Nebraska high school-age youth reported attempting suicide in the past year, highlighting the critical need for accessible and comprehensive mental health resources for young people in the state. The new Children's Nebraska facility aims to address this issue by offering immediate crisis assessment and the appropriate level of care, from in-patient treatment to same-day counseling.

The details

The new Children's Nebraska center in Omaha features a clinical assessment team that can evaluate children and determine if they need in-patient or outpatient treatment, family therapy, or on-the-spot counseling that could allow them to return home the same day. The facility is staffed by therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, nurses, behavioral health tech specialists and peer support specialists, all working as a team to provide a continuum of care that includes crisis stabilization and urgent care.

• The $114 million facility was funded by donor contributions and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 following the COVID pandemic.
• Children's Nebraska opened the new youth-focused behavioral health care facility in March 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The new Children's Nebraska facility is expected to play a key role in addressing the high rate of youth suicide attempts in the state, with plans to expand services and reach more young people in need of mental health support.