The SECU Youth Crisis Center (YCC) in Mecklenburg County has been a vital resource for North Carolina children experiencing mental health or substance use crises. Since its opening in December 2017, the center has provided life-changing services to thousands of youth ages 6 to 17. The YCC continues to play a critical role in supporting families and communities in addressing the mental health needs of children.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Children
The YCC offers personalized, short-term stabilization services for children facing psychiatric crises. These services help stabilize mental health issues such as suicidal ideation, depression and medication management concerns. Once stabilized, the center’s interdisciplinary team works closely with families to provide ongoing support, including in-home services and follow-up care as needed.
A key feature of the YCC’s approach is the person-centered care model. The YCC team includes Monarch experts, therapists, doctors, psychiatrists and support staff who collaborate daily to ensure that each child receives the tailored care they need. This holistic approach to mental health care is central to helping children gain the tools they need to manage their emotions, cope with frustrations, and successfully transition back into their communities.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Crisis Care
Incorporating Occupational Therapy (OT) into crisis intervention is a key element of the YCC’s success. Occupational Therapy services began in 2020 and focus on providing sensory-based coping techniques to children. By addressing sensory needs, children at the YCC can better manage their emotional responses and learn valuable coping strategies. This innovative integration of OT services helps youth build the skills needed for long-term emotional and mental well-being.
A Therapeutic, Team-Oriented Approach to Care
At the SECU YCC, children are treated by an interdisciplinary team of Monarch experts and other professionals. These professionals work together daily, meeting to discuss the needs of each child. The team approach ensures that all aspects of a child’s care, including medical, emotional and psychological needs, are addressed holistically. With the use of de-escalation strategies and therapeutic interventions, children at the YCC are taught how to deal with anger, frustration and other emotions in healthy, constructive ways.
The YCC’s team takes great pride in seeing the transformation of children during their stay. The center’s collaborative approach allows children to progress from being combative or unwilling to cooperate, to feeling thankful and ready to return home with a renewed sense of hope. The YCC’s team celebrates these transformations with a “closing circle,” a meaningful tradition where each staff member and child share positive affirmations and well wishes as the child prepares to leave.
The SECU YCC continues to be a vital resource in North Carolina, offering life-changing support to children and families in crisis. Monarch’s commitment to personalized, therapeutic care ensures that children receive the help they need to navigate their mental health challenges and rebuild their lives.
For more information about Monarch’s SECU YCC services and to take a virtual tour, click here. To hear more about how OT services are helping youth in crisis, watch the video below.