North Carolina is investing $4.5 million in a statewide child treatment program focusing on behavioral health resources.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the funding will be earmarked for the NC Child Treatment Program, which trains mental health providers who deal with complex behavioral health issues.
The program specializes in evidence-based treatment models designed to de-escalate symptoms related to depression, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress, and other behavioral concerns.
The investment is intended to expand the training curriculum to rural and underserved communities and ensure more equitable access to services.
The program is part of the Durham-based Center for Child and Family Health (CCFH).
CCFH Executive Director Dr. Robert Murphy says that early intervention means that children and their families can see mental health improvement in months rather than years.
"So their PTSD gets better," says Murphy. "They're less depressed. They do better in their relationships with their families, their parents have less depression."
CCFH maintains a statewide roster of NC Child Treatment Program providers.
The latest round of funding comes from $835 million allocated for behavioral health in the 2023 state budget.