A first-of-its-kind behavioral health facility is under construction in East Charlotte. The Katie Blessing Center is intended to help children and families from across the state who are experiencing mental health challenges.

“It’s been referred to as a unicorn by so many because it doesn't currently exist in North Carolina,” said Dr. Michael Estramonte, founder and CEO of the Katie Blessing Foundation and StarMed Healthcare, during a recent groundbreaking ceremony.

Creating a lasting impact

Named after Dr. Estramonte's mother, Katie Blessing, the center is a passion project tailored to create a healing space for the community, with the help of its Student Advisory Council.

"As someone who was in the end of sixth grade [during COVID], when all of that happened, and the world shut down... it was not a great time for me," said Evie Thompson, member of the Student Advisory Council.

The team is ensuring children ages 5 to 17 are being supported through therapy, a gym, tutoring, and a wardrobe center on site.

"We have really put thought into almost every aspect of their stay," said Thompson. "Whether it's picking out their clothes to decorating their rooms, to making them feel like people and not like diagnoses or numbers. We just want to make every kid feel like a kid."

Katie Blessing, whom the center is named after, attended the groundbreaking ceremony with Dr. Estramonte and the KBC team. | Photo by CLTtoday

Envisioning change

The behavioral health facility will open in phases at its facility on Central Avenue beginning in spring 2026. The first phase includes 48 acute inpatient beds and a six-chair behavioral health urgent care, in partnership with Novant Health.

Phase two, coming in 2027, will add 24 additional inpatient beds and the outpatient clinic.

Food for thought: North Carolina ranks last in the country for children's access to mental health care. The Katie Blessing Center is aiming to change that.

“There’s a dedicated and licensed clinician that will see patients within 30 minutes of them arriving,” said Dr. Sidney Fletcher, president of Novant Health Charlotte.

The KBC is hiring 200 positions for the upcoming center + is accepting donations to help complete phase two of construction.