As the only Psychiatric Emergency Department in the region, and one of the only dedicated child and adolescent psychiatric emergency centers in the nation, this expansion will provide more space and help manage the increase in complex patient needs in Mecklenburg County. This is the first expansion of the CMC – Randolph building since 1976. The new area boasts an additional 12,856 square feet of direct and indirect treatment space, as well as separate areas for adult and child/adolescent patients. Ground was broken for the $6.3 million dollar Mecklenburg County-funded project in September of 2007.
In 1986, Mecklenburg County contracted with Carolinas HealthCare System to provide inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services at CMC-Randolph. The past eight years have seen a 222% increase in Emergency Department volume. Last year, more than 16,800 patients of all ages were evaluated in the Psychiatric Emergency Department. The projected volume is expected to rise an additional 5% annually over the next five years due to the growing regional population.
Area Mental Health Director Grayce Crockett believes the expansion will better meet the needs of the growing population in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. "This facility fulfills a significant component of the crisis continuum in Mecklenburg County. We are excited to know that we will be able to offer appropriate services to larger numbers of mental health consumers," said Crockett.
"The new psychiatric Emergency Department provides patient-centered care in a safe, secure environment. We are thrilled to be able to provide separate treatment areas for children and adults," said Laura Thomas, Vice President and Administrator of CMC Randolph. "The building incorporates many LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) concepts for sustainability which creates a light, welcoming space."
Quality behavioral health services were provided at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), beginning in the mid-1940s. When CMC took over provision of services from the county, its licensed mental health beds were relocated to the CMC-Randolph facility at 501 Billingsley Rd. Today, as a facility of Carolinas Medical Center and a contract agency for Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health, CMC-Randolph provides a comprehensive continuum of inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and emergency mental health services. For admission inquiries or additional information please contact the 24-Hour Behavioral Health Call Center at 704-444-2400 or 1-800-418-2065.
