NC STEP mental health program awarded by American Psychiatric Association

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The American Psychiatric Association recently awarded ECU Health’s NC STEP program.

The award honors significant contributions to the mental health field. NC STEP is a virtual care-based program focused on enhancing access to mental health services in underserved parts of the state.

The program’s goal is to reduce patient lengths of stay in emergency departments and to also eliminate repeat visits. “Unfortunately, many people do not have access to what science has promised them,” Director of ECU’s Center for Telepsychiatry Dr. Sy Saeed said. “In other words, like good care. So, there’s been the mission and we live the mission of ECU, which is to serve.”

NC STEP provides services in hospital emergency departments and community-based medical clinics. The program is able to reach individuals anywhere throughout the state experiencing an acute behavioral health issue and in need of evidence-based treatment recommendations.

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