Children’s Mercy Kansas City and Camber Mental Health released that it has partnered to create a new 72,700 square-foot mental wellness campus, opening December 2, 2024. This $53 million, 72-bed facility will address the growing demand for pediatric and adult mental health care, serving over 3,400 clients annually. In 2023, 4,000 children and teens visited the Children’s Mercy ER for behavioral health issues, with 20% requiring inpatient treatment. There has also been a rise in ER visits for adults facing mental health and substance abuse crises.

The campus will feature 48 pediatric beds (ages 6-18) and 24 adult beds (18+), in separate units. The facility includes courtyards, large dayrooms, and areas for dining and activities, all designed with client and staff safety in mind. The focus is on supportive care, wellness, and high-quality clinical and holistic treatment.

Therapies such as art, recreation, and music will help clients cope with conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma. The goal is to stabilize clients quickly and equip them with the tools for ongoing care in their communities.