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Adolescent Behavioral Health

Spaces that Heal: Help Teens Find Hope Beyond Walls

Your gift will help create an outdoor therapeutic space designed for healing and hope at UNC Health Pardee’s new Adolescent Behavioral Health Center

Join us in Building Spaces that Heal

With your help, UNC Health Pardee can create an outdoor sanctuary for the teens who need it most. Every gift brings us closer to our $250,000 goal — and closer to offering care that heals the whole person, inside and out.

Project Overview

A Safe Haven for Teens in Crisis

Every day, teens in our community face mental health challenges that can feel overwhelming. At UNC Health Pardee’s Adolescent Behavioral Health Center, we’re providing compassionate, evidence-based care — but true healing extends beyond therapy rooms.

Research shows that time spent in nature reduces anxiety and depression, helps regulate emotions, and fosters resilience. Our goal is to raise $250,000 by year-end to build an outdoor therapeutic space that supports recovery and well-being for every young person in our care.

Why it Matters

Studies show that exposure to nature can:

  • Reduce stress hormones and improve mood
  • Increase social interaction and confidence
  • Encourage mindfulness and emotional regulation
  • Support faster recovery in mental health treatment

For teens in crisis, even a few minutes outdoors can make a profound difference.

An Investment in Mental Health

UNC Health Pardee has announced plans for a new Adolescent Behavioral Health Center, made possible through a $30 million partnership between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Vaya Health, and the UNC School of Medicine. This first-of-its-kind investment in our region will create a dedicated inpatient treatment facility for teens experiencing acute mental health challenges, providing compassionate, evidence-based care close to home. Set to open in 2026, the center will expand access to urgently needed services while creating a safer, more supportive continuum of care for young people and their families.

Learn More: UNC Health Pardee Announces Plans for a $30 Million Investment in Inpatient Adolescent Behavioral Health Services

Construction Progress: See the Vision for the
Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health Center Come to Life