AdventHealth Medical Group offers new mental health care program for teens in WNC

AdventHealth Medical Group Offers New Mental Health Care Program for Teens in WNC

AdventHealth is opening a new Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to care for teens ages 13 to 18 in our community. The AdventHealth Medical Group Adolescent Behavioral Health at Hendersonville IOP is centered on therapy groups specifically focused on improving mental health, anxiety and depression in teens and adolescents.

AdventHealth’s program will officially open its doors to patients on Monday. August 4, 2025. This program is in partnership with the Hope Coalition* and designed to provide compassionate care to teens who are experiencing psychiatric disorders, behavioral issues, or dual diagnoses.

On Tuesday, July 22, AdventHealth welcomed community members, local leaders and mental health advocates for a ribbon-cutting at the new downtown Hendersonville location and to learn more about the services that will be offered to support adolescent mental health in Western North Carolina.

“Having this program will allow for early intervention,” said Shalom Littrell, MSW, LCSWA, Social Worker for AdventHealth Medical Group Adolescent Behavioral Health at Hendersonville, “Many adolescents face different challenges with their mental health. An IOP provides a protective approach before issues escalate to crisis levels, helping prevent hospitalizations or long-term disengagement from school and peers.”

With this program, teens can access the care and mental health support they need, while having the convenience of living at home. The program’s duration will vary from 6 to 8 weeks and will include access to a medication management provider and individual sessions with a licensed therapist. Dedicated time will be provided to meet with the parents or guardians as well.

“Our program will include sessions with the parents, which will strengthen communication and support systems at home, which is crucial for lasting recovery,” Littrell shared. “By reducing the burden on emergency services and inpatient facilities, the IOP will help build more resilient and responsive mental health infrastructure in the community.”

AdventHealth welcomes referrals from parents, guardians, school counselors, and health care providers, ensuring a seamless and accessible process to bring hope and healing to the youth of Western North Carolina.

The AdventHealth Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Therapy Program is located at the Hope Coalition Youth Connection Center at 301 N Justice Street, Hendersonville, NC. To learn more, please visit AdventHealthNC.com or call Call828-687-5660.