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Community Access for Teen and Child Behavioral Health in Johnston County (CATCH -Johnston)

CATCH-Johnston Team (L-R): Dr. Stephanie Brennan (Psychiatrist), Dr. Nate Sowa (Medical Director), Franchesca Golson (Therapist), Dr. Ashland Thompson (Psychologist), Charissa Gray (Program Director)

CATCH-Johnston utilizes virtual technology to provide direct care to children and families. Care is provided by a core care team of child and adolescent psychiatrists and therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents. The team also coordinates care by consulting with educators and collaborating with local primary care providers.


CATCH-Johnston is funded through a grant from The Duke Endowment. A committed group of stakeholders, spanning public and private entities as well as community leaders, provides expertise and multiple levels of support. Guided by these stakeholders, CATCH-Johnston is launching multiple virtual care access points in communities throughout Johnston County. CATCH-Johnston is part of the IMPACTT-NC program. Click here to learn more about IMPACTT-NC’s statewide services.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about CATCH-Johnston

 

What is CATCH-Johnston?

CATCH-Johnston offers quality mental health care from UNC Health clinicians at access points in the community. A CATCH-Johnston staff member or community partner will assist the child or adolescent and their caregiver with accessing a video call from the community access point so a mental health provider can provide care via video.

How does the program work?

  • Parents/guardians or adolescents can call the program intake number
  • The program staff will call to gather intake information and schedule an appointment if appropriate
  • The child/adolescent and a caregiver or support person over 18 (for most locations) arrive to the access point location ten minutes before the scheduled appointment
  • A program or site staff will assist the child/adolescent in joining the video call with the provider
  • If a prescription medication is needed, the prescription will be sent to a local pharmacy
  • A note will be sent to the student’s primary care provider (local doctor) or current mental health provider (therapist) if applicable

How do I schedule an appointment?

To refer a child or adolescent: Call 984-974-1619, leave a message, and a CATCH-Johnston staff member will return your call (typically within 2-5 business days)

OR

Medical providers using EPIC can refer by selecting Ambulatory Referral to Pediatric Psychiatry, UNC PSYCHIATRY CATCH JOHNSTON [1070612001011]

What kind of conditions are treated?

The program can help children and adolescents who are seeking support for a variety of mental health symptoms, including:

  • Persistent sadness – two or more weeks
  • Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
  • Thoughts of suicide or hurting ones self
  • Outbursts or irritability
  • Drastic changes in mood, behavior, or personality
  • Excessive worrying
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Significant difficulty in concentrating or staying still
  • Frequent headaches or stomach aches
  • Changes in academic performance
  • Avoiding or missing school
  • Difficulty completing daily tasks

Does insurance cover the cost of the CATCH-Johnston program?

Insurance plans are billed, and copays and deductibles apply. NC Medicaid covers the visits. Other insurance company coverage varies. It is important for parents or guardians to ask their health insurance company about coverage for mental telehealth care before a visit.

If you are concerned about affording the program, please ask a program representative about UNC Health’s financial assistance program as this may help offset costs for those who are eligible.

Access Site Locations, Days, and Times*

  1. UNC Health-Johnston Mobile Outreach Unit (bus) parked at Element Gym Tuesdays from 1:00-5:00
  2. Johnston County Mental Health Department in Smithfield Thursdays from 1:00-5:00
  3. West Johnston High School* Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
  4. Thanksgiving Elementary School* Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  5. Glendale Kenly Elementary School * Monday and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  6. Choice Plus Academy * Scheduled as needed

*This site is only open to students enrolled at this school

 

If you have any additional questions, please contact Charissa Gray, Program Director at Charissa_Gray@med.unc.edu

CATCH-Johnston is incredibly thankful for the faithful support of many stakeholders who offer support in numerous ways. Below are just some of the stakeholders who have shared their logo for the website: