Mental Illness in Western North Carolina: Finding the Right Resources

Mental illness, which is one or more of the many disorders that can affect the way a person thinks, feels, behaves and deals with life. Not all mental disorders require hospitalization, and only people who are a danger to themselves or to others must be put into inpatient hospital units until they have been stabilized. Most people, however, need assistance with milder forms of various mental illnesses. Unfortunately, many people aren't aware of the resources available in their communities and may suffer needlessly for longer than they have to. If you or someone you care about suffers from some type of mental illness and live in the western North Carolina area, specifically Catawba, Caldwell or Burke counties, this guide can direct you in the right direction for obtaining the necessary help.

Family Net of Catawba County

Family Net is a group of professionals available to assist with your mental health needs. With psychiatrists, psychologists, intensive in-home, clinical social workers, professional counselors and case management staff, the help you need shouldn't be hard to find. Family Net accepts Medicaid, private insurance, credit cards, cash as well as checks. They have same day and crisis appointments available for your convenience. Their hours are Monday 8 am - 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 8am - 8pm, and Wednesday and Friday 8am - 5pm.

Family Net of Catawba County -
1985 Tate Blvd SE
Hickory, NC
828) 695-6500

Hickory Psychiatric Center

Whether you're suffering from mild depression or schizophrenia, Hickory Psychiatric Center is available to meet your needs. The center is located in the Medical Arts building in suite 201, 2 blocks south of Frye Regional Medical Center, corner of Center St. & 2nd Ave NE. There are no specific office hours, which are by appointment only.

Hickory Psychiatric Center
24 2^nd Ave NE
Hickory, NC
(828) 324-9900

Smoky Mountain Center

This center has many locations and serves individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse problems. Counties in Smoky Mountain Center's service area are Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Swain, Watauga, and Wilkes. For assistance 24 hours a day, contact someone at the Lenoir location at (800) 849-6127.

Smoky Mountain Mental Health
825 Wilkesboro Blvd SE, Lenoir
(828) 759-2160

Community Outreach

With the negative state of the economy, more and more people are suffering from job loss and subsequent depression. Community Outreach located in Morganton, has a food pantry in operation every Tuesday night from 6pm - 8pm, and they also provide job assistance. The ample amount of food that this food pantry provides can assist those in need with groceries as they attempt to get reestablished, and their employment assistance can either assist you in developing new job skills or finding a job using your existing skills.

Community Outreach
510 E. Fleming Dr.
Morganton, NC
(828) 439-8300

Mental Health Partners

If you're contemplating suicide, there is no reason to suffer in silence, because Mental Health Partners is available 24/7/365 and can provide screenings, triage, referral, and much more.

Mental Health Partners
305 E. Union St.
Morganton, NC
(877) 327-2593