Atrium Health Expands Mental Health Services for Rural Students in North Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 28, 2025 – In a significant advancement for mental health care accessibility, Atrium Health has announced an expansion of its School-Based Therapy Program, thanks to a generous .08 million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation. This funding will enable the program to reach K-12 students in five rural counties across North Carolina, targeting the unique challenges faced by these communities.
The initiative is designed to address substantial barriers that prevent students, particularly those in Title I schools from lower-income families, from receiving adequate mental health support. Rural areas often experience a shortage of health care resources, particularly for behavioral health, which can lead to exacerbated issues for children who might already be struggling. Stigma surrounding mental illness further complicates access to care, leaving many students without the support they need.
Atrium Health’s School-Based Therapy Program plans to bridge these gaps. Currently operational in two states and serving over 206 schools, the program boasts more than 33 licensed therapists offering a combined total of over 20,500 therapy sessions annually, both in-person and virtually. This expansion underscores Atrium Health’s commitment to enhancing mental health services in underserved areas, as exemplified by Donnie Mitchem, the director of outpatient therapy for Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte. “I have seen firsthand the impact of providing high-quality care in schools for the students and the communities we serve,” he stated, expressing gratitude for the support from The Leon Levine Foundation, which recognizes the urgent need for such initiatives.
North Carolina continues to grapple with a mental health crisis, with rates of mental illness among its residents surpassing the national average. The significance of this grant cannot be overstated; it represents a crucial step in fulfilling the pressing demand for behavioral health services throughout Charlotte and neighboring regions. Tom Lawrence, the President and CEO of The Leon Levine Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to equitable access to health care. “Children deserve access to world-class behavioral and mental health care services, regardless of where they live or the resources of their family,” he stated.
The expansion will not only improve access to therapy but also prioritize early intervention and treatment. By creating a supportive environment tailored to boost coping skills, the initiative aims to enhance academic success among students, fostering their overall well-being. This partnership marks a crucial investment in the future mental health of rural communities in North Carolina, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to address systemic health disparities.
As Atrium Health’s School-Based Therapy Program expands, it sets a precedent for innovative solutions to the mental health crisis in rural America, demonstrating an impactful approach that can serve as a model for future initiatives nationwide.