The SECU Youth Crisis Center, a Monarch program located in Mecklenburg County, is the first step in life-changing treatment for young people across North Carolina between the ages of 6 to 17 who are in a mental health or substance use crisis. We offer short-term stabilization for an acute psychiatric episode in a secure setting that provides a safe and healthy environment where healing can begin.
Referrals are accepted from all North Carolina counties.
The SECU Youth Crisis Center helps kids and teenagers who are experiencing a serious mental health crisis. It offers a safe place where recovery can begin. At the center, young people will receive treatment that fits their age and meets their specific needs. They may also receive medication if needed. The average length of stay is 7 days, but may be extended depending on circumstances.
While a young person is onsite, the treatment team may include a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, therapist and other trained staff. When a young person arrives, he/she/they will have a detailed assessment by a therapist and a psychiatric evaluation by a certified child psychiatrist within 24 hours. Additional tests may be done by the psychologist if needed.
Treatment includes indivdiual and group therapy sessions that use proven methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to support treatment. Monarch also incorporates the innovative use of occupational therapy into its crisis services to support development of life skills, coping skills and descalation. There’s also time for schoolwork and fun activities, like yoga, games, basketball, drawing outside, or watching movies that support their treatment goals. The center also uses pet therapy to help with healing.
During a child’s stay, special attention is also given to the on-going services he/she/they may need following discharge so that healing and support may continue.
Anyone may refer a youth in crisis to the SECU Youth Crisis Center, including other mental health providers, primary care providers, school personnel, parents, other family members and friends. Please call ahead to speak with our nurse to ensure bed availability and for appropriate screening.
The Center opened in 2018 with generous support from the SECU Foundation.
Call for Information – SECU Youth Crisis Center
Make a Referral – SECU Youth Crisis Center
Service Location
The SECU Youth Crisis Center, a Monarch program, accepts referrals for young people ages 6 to 17 from all North Carolina counties.
Take a Virtual Tour of the SECU Youth Crisis Center
Eligibility
We will make every attempt to provide care for a young person ages 6 to 17 in crisis. At this time, we provide treatment for children and teens who are experiencing:
- Suicidal/homicidal ideations, and/or demonstrating self-injurious behaviors, with an inability to guarantee safety in a less restrictive environment
- Hallucinations/delusions that may affect daily functioning
- Behavioral problems that are unable to be managed in a lower level of care
- A need to be evaluated for psychiatric medications
- Psychiatric needs and medical needs controlled through medication (must bring medications from home in pill bottles or bubble packs)
Admission is available for children and teens who:
- Desire an alternative to inpatient hospitalization but still need a secure environment for psychiatric treatment and stabilization
- Have medical needs that can be safely managed in a non-medical setting
- Are ambulatory and not in need of IV medications and IV fluids
- Have mental health or substance use disorder needs and/or a mild intellectual or developmental disability
Insurance Information
For SECU Youth Crisis Center services, Monarch accepts:
- NC Medicaid
- NC Healthy Choice
- Self Pay
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBS member eligibility and coverage varies by policy and must be verified prior to admission)
Monarch accepts Medicaid and a variety of private insurances, click here for a complete listing of insurance partners and information.
Due to the variety of insurance plan types, it is important that you contact your insurance company for a complete list of in-network providers and Monarch services covered under your specific insurance plan. Monarch may not be an in-network provider for all plan types these companies provide.