Where to Go and When: Finding the Right Behavioral Healthcare for Your Child

Understanding Your Options for Pediatric Behavioral Healthcare

When children and teens are facing behavioral health challenges, it can be stressful for families to know where to turn for help. The Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska provides a dedicated space for families seeking urgent behavioral or mental health support. For situations involving a medical emergency or when a child may be in immediate danger, the Children’s Nebraska Emergency Department is available to ensure they get the right care quickly. Knowing which option is most appropriate can help your child receive the support they need and give your family peace of mind.

When to Go to the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

Open 24/7 | No referral needed

The Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska provides care for children and teens experiencing behavioral or mental health concerns that need prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening.

Signs to Bring Your Child or Teen to the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

• Mental or behavioral health concerns interfering with their ability to function or feel safe

• Severe depression or anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Suicidal thoughts without a recent attempt

• Self-harming behaviors

• School-related difficulties or social withdrawal

• Changes in thinking or perception, such as hearing voices

What Families Can Expect

• Mental health screenings and evaluations

• Crisis stabilization and emotional support in the Crisis Assessment Center

• Education and guidance to develop healthy coping skills

• Medication initiation when appropriate

• Coordination with a child’s existing providers

One of the most important services offered is linking families to ongoing care and support. Team members help families schedule follow-up appointments, complete paperwork and connect with ongoing services. The center can also offer short-term bridge care, offering support and appointments for children who are waiting for long-term treatment options.

Learn more about the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center.

When to Go to the Emergency Department

Open 24/7 | Get Directions

The Children’s Nebraska Emergency Department (ER) is the right choice when a child or teen’s safety is at immediate risk or when urgent medical care is needed.

Signs to Bring Your Child or Teen to the Emergency Department

• Recent suicide attempt

• Ingestion of drugs, medications or toxic substances that day

• A medical condition requiring emergency medical intervention

What Families Can Expect

• Medical stabilization for urgent or life-threatening conditions

• Immediate intervention for safety concerns

• Access to specialized pediatric emergency care 24/7

• Coordination with mental health or other specialists as needed

• Support from staff trained to manage crises safely and effectively

In the Emergency Department, our pediatric experts ensure that children and teens receive immediate, lifesaving care and that families are connected to follow-up care or other resources as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Other Behavioral Health Care Options

Not all behavioral health concerns require immediate care at the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center or the Emergency Department. Some situations are best addressed in other settings, where specialized support is available:

Primary Care Provider

• ADHD evaluations: Routine ADHD evaluations should be managed by your child’s primary care provider.

Child Advocacy Center

• Recent, unreported sexual abuse: These cases should be referred to a Child Advocacy Center, where specialized, trauma-informed care is available for children and teens.

These options ensure your child or teen receives the right level of support for their needs while connecting families with experts who can provide specialized guidance and ongoing care.

Supporting Your Family Every Step of the Way

Children’s Nebraska offers a variety of services to support children and teens with behavioral and mental health concerns. Understanding where to go, whether to the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, the Emergency Department or another specialized resource, can help your child get the right care at the right time. Our team is here to guide your family, provide ongoing support and ensure your child has the resources they need to thrive.