OMAHA — A groundbreaking new pediatric mental health facility is taking shape in Omaha, with a projected opening in 2026. The Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska is designed to address the growing mental health needs of youth in the region, offering a comprehensive range of services for children and families in a state-of-the-art, four-story building.
Spanning 107,250 square feet across seven acres at the Children’s medical campus on 84th Street and West Dodge Road, the $114 million center will operate under the leadership of Children’s Nebraska, with the nonprofit Mental Health Innovation Foundation managing planning and construction.
One of the key features of the center is its “no wrong door” policy, which ensures that every youth under the age of 19 who walks through its doors will receive immediate care. The center’s focus on accessibility and inclusivity is intended to reduce barriers to mental health services that have long been a challenge for families in the area.
“This facility will be incredibly comprehensive,” said Ken Stinson, a philanthropist who initiated the project. The center will include a first-of-its-kind 10,000-square-foot crisis assessment and stabilization unit, which will offer immediate care for children and families in crisis. Stinson emphasized that the unit would create a welcoming environment for those seeking help, with treatment plans beginning as soon as children are assessed.
The center’s development began in 2021 when Stinson gathered a group of mental health professionals to address the urgent need for mental health services for children. Stinson, who is also a retired chairman of Kiewit construction company, noted that he understands the struggles families face when dealing with mental illness, as his own family has experienced similar challenges.
This new facility is expected to serve not only the Omaha metro area but also families across Nebraska, offering much-needed mental health resources to children who might otherwise have to travel far for care.
The $114 million price tag for the center is being funded through a combination of sources. $16 million comes from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, allocated by the Nebraska Legislature. Children’s Nebraska has contributed $15 million and will be responsible for operating the center, including hiring additional mental health professionals. The remainder of the funding has been raised through donations from individuals and organizations committed to expanding mental health services for youth.
In addition to offering immediate care, the center aims to provide ongoing support for youth experiencing mental health issues, an area where demand has been steadily increasing. According to the Mental Health Innovation Foundation, even before the pandemic, one in five children was affected by mental illness, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, contributing to a rise in mental health issues and suicides among young people.
Stinson expressed optimism that the center would provide crucial services to a broad population, saying, “We expect to treat youth from across the state, addressing a critical need that has long been overlooked in many areas.”
This innovative facility is poised to make a lasting impact on mental health care for children and families in Nebraska, providing not only immediate crisis intervention but also long-term support and resources for youth in need.
