9 Best Mental Health Hospitals in North Carolina

The prevalence of behavioral and mental health disorders has been steadily increasing across all age groups in recent years. 

As society becomes more aware of these issues, seeking treatment and support has become more widely accepted and normalized.

With the growing demand for mental health services, it is encouraging to see North Carolina’s comprehensive network of care expanding to address these needs.

The state offers a diverse range of clinical treatments designed to support those struggling with their mental well-being.

In this article, we will explore some mental health centers and mental health hospitals in North Carolina and highlight some of the top professionals in the field.

North Carolina Mental Health Statistics

In North Carolina, 1,469,000 adults are living with a mental health condition, which is over three times the population of Raleigh. 

About 24.9% of adults in the state have reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders, slightly lower than the national average of 32.3%.

Teen mental health is particularly concerning, with nearly two out of three adolescents (ages 12 to 17) diagnosed with depression not receiving the necessary treatment. 

This gap highlights the critical need for more accessible mental health services for young people.

The availability of mental health professionals in NC meets only 13% of the need, compared to the national average of 27%, highlighting a significant shortfall in mental health care resources.

In 2022, 18.3% of adults in North Carolina who reported symptoms of anxiety or depression indicated that they needed counseling or therapy but did not receive it. 

This is lower than the U.S. average of 28.2% but still represents a substantial unmet need for mental health services in the state.

These statistics highlight the pressing need for expanded mental health resources and services in North Carolina to better support those struggling with mental health issues.

List of Best Mental Health Hospitals in North Carolina

North Carolina has numerous exceptional mental health hospitals, providing a range of services to meet the diverse needs of its residents. 

Let’s explore some of the top mental health hospitals and facilities in the city and the valuable programs they offer.

1. Cherry Hospital

Cherry Hospital, located in Goldsboro, NC, is an inpatient regional referral psychiatric hospital. 

Operated by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, it serves 38 counties in the eastern region of North Carolina. 

Cherry Hospital provides mental health services to adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, ensuring care with a full staff of licensed psychiatrists, physicians, and mid-level practitioners. 

The hospital offers both short-term and long-term care as needed, with a range of therapeutic approaches including individual, group, behavior, occupational, recreational, and creative arts therapies.

With over a century of service, Cherry Hospital has been dedicated to improving the lives of those experiencing severe mental illness. 

As a place of hope, care, and recovery, it also serves as a teaching site for the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and Campbell University. 

Psychiatry residents, fellows, and students regularly train with the professional staff, who hold clinical faculty appointments, embracing the opportunity to learn in a dynamic environment.

2. Holly Hill Hospital

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Holly Hill Hospital offers psychiatric and addiction services for people of all ages. 

Accredited by the Joint Commission, they’ve been serving the community for nearly 40 years. 

Their experienced staff of clinicians brings decades of expertise to the table, supporting not only patients but also their families and the broader community. 

From child and adolescent care to adult and geriatric services, Holly Hill Hospital’s treatment model equips patients with the coping skills needed to thrive.

They provide inpatient and outpatient care, and offer a range of programs, from child and adolescent care to adult and geriatric services.

Holly Hill Hospital also provides telehealth services for easy access to care. With a commitment to helping patients thrive, they equip them with the skills needed for a healthier future.

3. Broughton Hospital

Broughton Hospital, located in western North Carolina, is another one of three regional psychiatric hospitals under the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. 

Serving 37 counties, the hospital provides mental health care, including geriatric care, adult extended treatment, adolescent services, and care for deaf individuals with mental illness. 

Recognized as one of Soliant’s 2017 most beautiful hospitals in the US, the hospital ensures thorough communication with referring agents before admission to provide the best care.

Their treatment approach integrates physical, diagnostic, and therapeutic methods such as individual and group therapy, behavior therapy, occupational therapy, and art therapies.

Interdisciplinary treatment teams at Broughton Hospital coordinate bio-psychosocial care to help patients develop the skills needed for community living post-discharge. 

The hospital also functions as a regional educational facility, offering professional training to a variety of interns and students in clinical psychology, social work, psychiatry, nursing and more. 

4. New Hanover Behavioral Health Hospital

Novant Health New Hanover Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Wilmington, NC, is a short-stay psychiatric crisis stabilization hospital. 

They offer a safe and secure environment for individuals to receive support for both physical and mental well-being. 

The hospital provides a range of inpatient and outpatient mental health services aimed at adults experiencing emotional distress or behavioral and substance use issues.

Their team includes psychiatrists, physician assistants, social workers, screening counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners and technicians, substance abuse counselors and psychologists. 

They offer services such as psychiatric evaluations, electroconvulsive therapy, individual and group counseling, medication management, and referrals for continuing care. 

Patients typically stay for three to seven nights, with visitor interactions taking place in common areas rather than patient rooms. 

The hospital is secured 24 hours a day to ensure safety and security.

5. Good Hope Hospital

Good Hope Hospital provides comprehensive psychiatric care for adults in Harnett County and surrounding areas. 

They offer both inpatient and outpatient services to address a wide range of mental health conditions. 

The inpatient psychiatric care is designed for adult patients requiring intensive monitoring and supervision due to acute mental health issues. 

This 24-hour, secure environment ensures patient safety while focusing on stabilizing various mental issues and conditions.

These include suicidal and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. It also addresses secondary substance abuse related to mental health.

The outpatient psychiatric care at Good Hope Hospital includes psychiatric assessments, medication management, and follow-up care to support and maintain patients’ mental health. 

Their multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals is committed to delivering a remarkable patient experience with the highest standards of quality. 

Appointments for outpatient services can be conveniently booked online through their website.

6. Coastal Plain Hospital

Coastal Plain Hospital, located on Medpark Drive in Rocky Mount has been serving the communities of Nash and Edgecombe counties, as well as eastern North Carolina, since 1994. 

This Joint Commission-accredited, 50-bed facility is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for individuals and families needing psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment.

Coastal Plain Hospital offers inpatient hospitalization services to adults 18 and older, with a focus on acute psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and medical detox. 

Their multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, recreational therapists, social workers, nurses, and behavioral health technicians.

They are committed to helping patients find solutions for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, chronic mental illness and other mental issues in a compassionate and dignified atmosphere. 

The staff at Coastal Plain Hospital is passionate about patient recovery, developing individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s psychological, social, and physical needs. 

The treatment team, led by the physician medical director, meets daily to review and update treatment goals, ensuring comprehensive care. 

Recognizing that crises can occur at any time, Coastal Plain Hospital accepts referrals 24/7 and accommodates both voluntary and involuntary admissions.

7. Three Oaks Behavioral Health

Three Oaks Behavioral Health is an outpatient mental healthcare center where clinicians recognize that wellness encompasses mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional elements. 

Three Oaks offers a variety of traditional and non-traditional treatments to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Their services include traditional individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as therapy for children and adolescents.

Other services include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), grief counseling, and maternal mental health support.

Specialized treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness practice are also available.

They provide trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), and child-centered play therapy.

Three Oaks is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both therapists and clients, committed to delivering exceptional care that fosters healing and growth.

8. HopeWay 

HopeWay is a non-profit mental health organization providing comprehensive care for adults, teens, veterans, and first responders. 

Located on a 20-acre campus, their facility includes therapeutic and educational wings housing therapy rooms, 36 private bedrooms, a library, and other care spaces. 

Established in 2016, HopeWay has continually expanded its services, adding a Veterans Home in 2019, an outpatient psychiatry practice in 2020, and launching its Veterans Program in 2021. 

The campus also boasts a garden and greenhouse, walking trails, a 13,800-square-foot gymnasium, and a dedicated house for the Veterans Program. 

Their programs include residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, eating disorder programs, veteran and first responder services, and outpatient practice. 

Their evidence-based model focuses on personalized care to help clients achieve their recovery goals. 

9. Mindpath Health

Mindpath Health in North Carolina is dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to improved mental health. 

With branches across the state, they offer both online and in-person therapy, and psychiatry services, including medication management and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Their team of clinicians treats a wide range of conditions such as mood disorders, grief, panic disorder, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, and postpartum depression. 

Their services include psychiatric evaluations, therapy, counseling, and TMS. 

Mindpath Health also offers same-day online mental health care and urgent psychiatry services for both new and current patients in North Carolina.

Accepting insurance plans like BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and Friday Health Plans, they provide accessible, comprehensive care that addresses the whole person.

Best Inpatient Mental Health Facilities in North Carolina

The above-mentioned hospitals, including Good Hope Hospital, New Hanover Hospital, Cherry Hospital, Holly Hill Hospital, Broughton Hospital and Coastal Plain Hospital are some of the best inpatient facilities in NC.

These hospitals are renowned for their comprehensive care and dedicated treatment programs.

They all offer a range of services such as psychiatric evaluations to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant disorders. 

Individual and group counseling are integral parts of their programs, providing personalized and community support. 

Medication management is also available to ensure patients receive the appropriate pharmaceutical care. 

In addition to these, creative arts therapies and occupational therapy are provided to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve daily living skills. 

Furthermore, they offer referrals for continuing care to ensure patients have access to ongoing support and resources post-discharge.

Best Outpatient Mental Health Facilities in North Carolina

Many of the facilities mentioned above, such as Good Hope Hospital, Three Oaks Behavioral Health, HopeWay, and Mindpath Health, are among the best for outpatient psychiatric care in NC. 

They provide various programs and services tailored to treat a wide range of mental health conditions and disorders,

These conditions include but are not limited to mood disorders, eating disorders, anger issues, grief, substance abuse, self-esteem problems, and more.

These facilities conduct psychiatric evaluations, offer diagnoses, and provide medication management on an outpatient basis. 

They utilize various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

They offer a range of outpatient programs such as partial hospitalization, day programs, and intensive outpatient programs, allowing patients to receive care while maintaining their routines.

Specialized programs are also available on an outpatient basis for specific disorders, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.

In addition, some facilities offer unique therapies like pet therapy, creative arts therapies, and music therapy to enhance the healing process and support patient well-being.

Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:

1. 8 Best Mental Health Clinics in San Francisco
2. 7 Mental Health Hospitals in Washington DC
3. 7 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Thailand

Top Mental Health Doctors & Professionals in North Carolina

North Carolina has many highly skilled and dedicated mental health professionals, renowned for their expertise in providing exceptional care to patients. 

Some of them are mentioned below.

1. Martha Ochako

Martha Ochako is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who understands the profound impact mental health conditions can have on one’s overall well-being.

With personal experience in overcoming depression, Martha offers empathetic care, focusing on assessing patients, diagnosing disorders, and prescribing appropriate treatments. 

She leads the program “Depression Recovery: A Way Out,” which integrates a brain-nourishing diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, light therapy, water, and faith into treatment plans. 

Martha believes in addressing the root causes of mental conditions rather than solely relying on medication. 

She is dedicated to helping individuals reclaim a vibrant, joyful, and balanced life. Contact Martha Ochako at (984) 400-4605 to take the first step toward recovery.

2. Mona Venzon Rice

Mona Venzon Rice is a psychiatrist dedicated to helping children struggling with learning difficulties, behavioral issues, excessive worry, fixations, past trauma, or deep sadness. 

She understands the concerns parents have when their child’s social and emotional development seems off and works collaboratively with them to create a treatment plan. 

This plan may include careful medication use, emotional, social, and educational support, and collaboration with the child’s therapist. 

As a parent herself, Dr. Rice combines her professional expertise with empathy and family involvement to help children grow through their challenges. 

For thoughtful and warm medical care, contact Dr. Mona Venzon Rice at (828) 600-4919.

3. Toya Hauf

Toya Hauf is a clinical social worker who specializes in helping individuals with mood, confidence, relationship, and productivity concerns. 

With a compassionate and results-oriented approach, she supports clients in achieving personal success while addressing anxiety, depression, and maladaptive behaviors. 

Toya brings decades of experience as a business owner and life coach to her psychotherapy practice, offering a strengths-based and integrative approach to therapy. 

She works with a wide range of clients, from young adults transitioning to independence to older adults caring for aging parents. 

Toya is currently offering free 15-minute consultations. For more information, contact her at (828) 826-1418.

4. Dr. Xiomara Nieves-Alvarado

Dr. Xiomara Nieves-Alvarado is a board-certified psychiatrist and a recent graduate of the Duke Psychiatry Residency program. 

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado emphasizes medication management complemented by insight-oriented therapy. Originally from Puerto Rico, she offers psychiatric services in English and Spanish.

She adopts a team-based approach and encourages her patients to engage in therapy for sustained symptom improvement. 

Dr. Nieves-Alvarado treats a diverse age range, from young adults to the elderly. Contact for a free 15-minute consultation – at (919) 891-1097.

5. Victoria Brooks

Victoria Brooks, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, brings over 20 years of experience in the medical field. 

She earned her master’s degree in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University in 2022 and her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2019. 

Victoria specializes in general psychiatry, treating conditions such as depression, mood disorders, and anxiety. 

She is committed to building therapeutic relationships with her clients and instilling hope for a better future. 

Reach out to Victoria Brooks at (704) 736-3756 for appointments.

6. Dr. Michele Kerbow

Dr. Michele Kerbow is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of clinical experience. 

She completed her General Psychiatry Internship and General Adult Psychiatry Residency at the University of Virginia in Roanoke. 

Dr. Kerbow has extensive experience in psychiatric care and psychological assessment, with a particular focus on Veterans’ issues and trauma. 

Dr. Kerbow emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, particularly about trauma. 

She is known for her empathetic and approachable nature, combining therapy and medication management to create comprehensive treatment plans. 

Contact Dr. Michele Kerbow for a free initial consultation at (984) 464-4855.

7. Danielle Hortelano

Danielle Hortelano is a licensed clinical mental health counseling associate at Hope Restored Counseling. 

Danielle has experience treating trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, and general mental health concerns, as well as working with couples experiencing relationship distress. 

She aims to alleviate clients’ anxiety about counseling and is dedicated to making them feel valued and supported. 

For a free consultation to discuss how you can work together on your mental health journey, contact Danielle Hortelano at (828) 554-7551.

Benefits of Treating Mental Health Conditions in North Carolina

North Carolina offers a wide range of benefits for individuals seeking mental health treatment, including services for both adolescents and adults. 

One of the significant advantages of seeking treatment in North Carolina is the availability of highly qualified mental health professionals. 

Doctors, nurses, psychologists, and therapists are all trained to provide the highest level of care, and many facilities have a team of experts with diverse backgrounds and specialties.

Additionally, North Carolina offers the convenience of online therapy and treatment options. 

Many facilities and providers offer online counseling, which can be beneficial for individuals who may have difficulty accessing in-person treatment due to location or mobility issues. 

Many hospitals and clinics in North Carolina offer affordable care and accept insurance, helping to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with seeking treatment. 

Importantly, North Carolina’s mental health facilities provide a judgment-free environment where individuals can address their mental health concerns. 

All kinds of mental health issues can be treated here, with professionals dedicated to providing empathetic care to help patients achieve better mental health.

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