What works when it comes to mental illness?
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Our approach can make a real difference in the future of treatment and recovery for serious mental illness because we:

  • Train the next generation of mental health professionals using proven, multi-disciplinary programs.
  • Emphasize early identification and prevention along with top-notch interdisciplinary care, sustained recovery, and proven clinical treatment.
  • Apply leading-edge academic research to real-world mental health treatment.
  • Share our successes broadly across the state’s mental health community.
  • Foster partnerships among state, academic, and community mental health professionals.

At the Center for Excellence, we’re backed by outstanding psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, researchers, and other mental health professionals. We know what works. And we have what it takes to help move North Carolina’s mental health system from where it is today to a higher and more compassionate standard of care.

Specialized Programs

STEP, OASIS, Brushes with Life. The services we offer people with mental illness are at the core of all we do.

Training

At the Center, we take a multi-faceted approach to training mental health service providers.

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Myths View all myths

People with an illness like schizophrenia don't need social support or friends.

Due to their tendency toward isolation out of anxiety, paranoia, negative symptoms, or shame and fear of stigma, people with these illnesses need support as much or more than most people, particularly from family and friends. This can be hard, as there is often so much transition and loss in the manifestation of a mental illness, but there is much to be regained through the recovery process. The relationships may not be the same as before the illness, but they are extremely important.