State Psychiatric Hospitals
Program Overview
The State Psychiatric Hospitals are an integral part of the North Carolina continuum of mental health service delivery. The three hospitals provide comprehensive inpatient mental health services to individuals who cannot be safely treated at a lower level of care. A fundamental principle of the State Psychiatric Hospitals is that all patients are treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran's status, or ability to pay.
Treatment and rehabilitative services are tailored to the individual needs and assets of our target population, persons with significant mental illness. Patients receive a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis to ensure an appropriate treatment plan is created. Our clinical staff conducts assessments, provide related therapies and consult collaboratively throughout each patient's treatment. In addition to nursing, psychiatric, medical, psychological, and social work providers, other staff who work with our patients include, but are not limited to, clinical pharmacists, clinical dietitians, recreational therapists, occupational therapists, creative expressive arts therapists, dentists, speech/language therapists, vocational rehabilitators, licensed educators and special educators, and physical therapists. Hospital staff members in supporting roles such as environmental services, nutrition services, maintenance, and finance, also play an important role in hospital operations.
Service Areas
Click the hospital name below to view contact information and other details about the hospital.
Orange: Broughton
Purple: Central Regional
Red: Cherry
Specialty units for the following populations are available at the facility listed, regardless of county residence:
Deaf Individuals: Broughton Hospital
Children (5-12 years old): Central Regional Hospital
Admission Information
Eligibility
Psychiatric hospital admission is available, regardless of financial resources or insurance status, to individuals in North Carolina under the following criteria:
- The individual is mentally ill or dually diagnosed (substance abuse with a diagnosis of severe mental illness), and
- The individual is dangerous to themselves or others.
- The patient requires treatment that is appropriate to the intensity and restrictions of care provided by this hospital.
- The treatment required can be appropriately provided by this hospital.
- Alternatives for less intensive and restrictive treatment or more appropriate treatment are not available or have failed.
All potential patients are evaluated by a physician for medical and psychiatric needs. If the evaluation concludes that admission is appropriate, the patient will be admitted to the patient care unit appropriate to their needs.
Patients who do not meet psychiatric admission criteria are returned to the community setting and provided with referrals for community resources to coordinate appropriate follow-up plans.
If a patient has a medical illness that exceeds the capability of our hospitals to manage safely, the patient is stabilized and transported to a local hospital for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Voluntary Admission Referrals
Voluntary admission referrals are made through community providers or Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs). If the patient does not have a community provider, the LME/MCO for their county can assist with scheduling an initial appointment with a provider in their area. Please reference the LME/MCO Directory to contact the appropriate LME/MCO for assistance.
To be considered for admission to one of the psychiatric hospitals, the following is required:
- A Complete Regional Referral Form (can be completed electronically or handwritten)
- Medical Records
- Release(s) of Information
Involuntary Commitment Referrals
Involuntary commitment referrals require an affidavit to be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court or Magistrate of District Court. The Clerk or Magistrate may issue an order to a law enforcement officer to take the patient into custody for examination by a qualified professional. If the qualified professional finds the patient is mentally ill or is abusing substances and dangerous to themselves or others, they will be taken to a facility to be examined. If the facility examiner agrees with the first examiner that hospitalization is necessary, the patient will be admitted for observation and treatment. If the examiner does not believe the patient should be in the hospital, they will be released. Learn more about Involuntary Commitment Forms and Processes.
Physicians must complete the following forms to support involuntary commitment:
Examination & Recommendation to Determine Necessity for Involuntary Commitment
Supplement to examination & Recommendation for Involuntary Commitment
Review the standard procedures for voluntary admissions and involuntary commitments.
Broughton Hospital Voluntary Admission and Involuntary Commitment
Central Regional Hospital Voluntary Admission and Involuntary Commitment
Cherry Hospital Voluntary Admission and Involuntary Commitment
Cost and Financial Arrangements
The rate for services is based on the actual cost to the hospitals. Health insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid coverage can be applied. Ability to pay does not contribute to admission decisions. Financial details are discussed during the admission process to arrive at an agreed upon payment method for the hospital stay. Visit the Price Transparency page to view our standard charges.
Services
| Program Type | Hospital Offering Program | Program Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent |
| The Adolescent Services Units provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for adolescents aged 12-17. The program provides comprehensive medical, psychiatric, psychological, social, and educational services. Special attention is given to evaluation and planning with the child’s family or guardian to identify appropriate discharge placement. School staff and licensed educators aim to provide uninterrupted educational services to adolescents admitted to the hospital. |
| Adult |
| The adult patient units provide diagnosis, treatment, and discharge placement for patients with acute or chronic psychiatric illnesses. Treatment focuses on stabilization and medication regimentation prior to discharge. |
| Child |
| Central Regional Hospital is the only state facility that admits children ages 5-11. This program provides evaluation, assessment, psychiatric, and psychological care. The program also houses an accredited elementary school. The social work department plans each child’s discharge with family or guardians to identify appropriate discharge placement. School staff and licensed educators aim to provide uninterrupted educational services to children admitted to the hospital. |
| Deaf |
| Deaf Services provides specialized treatment for adults who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind and have a diagnosis of a mental health disorder, substance abuse disorder, or both. American Sign Language is the primary language used for communication, honoring patients' linguistic preferences and ensuring accessibility and effective treatment. Referrals are accepted for adults who are at least 18 years old. |
| Forensic Services |
| The Forensic Services Unit (FSU) provides court-ordered forensic services for the entire State of North Carolina. Within the FSU, the Forensic Evaluation Service provides comprehensive forensic mental health evaluations for criminal defendants of all ages. Majority of evaluations are on an outpatient basis, but if a defendant is judicially determined to be Incapable to Proceed to Trial and is hospitalized for treatment, the Forensic Evaluation Service may conduct updated assessments of capacity throughout the patient's hospitalization. Also within the FSU, the Forensic Treatment Program provides inpatient care, management, and eventual community re-integration for individuals hospitalized as a result of being found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. |
| Geriatric |
| The Geriatric Services Unit (GSU) typically admits patients 65 years old and older and serves two broadly defined populations. The first population is patients in the geriatric age range with any general psychiatric disorder. The second population consists of patients with various types of dementia and behavioral disturbance related to the dementia or a co-occurring, pre-existing psychiatric disorder. GSU offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients with acute psychiatric illnesses. Individuals with dementia receive a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and functional assessment to determine the level of support and structure they will need in the community. |
| Medical Psychiatric |
| The Medical Provider Unit supports the physical health and wellness of all patients. This unit collaborates with the multidisciplinary treatment teams to provide evaluation and treatment that is well informed by special knowledge and expertise in the overall health and wellbeing of those living with psychiatric illnesses. |
Human Rights Committee
The Human Rights Committees consists of members appointed by the Secretary of DHHS to monitor the protection of the human, civil, legal, and treatment rights of those living in the facility. The committee reviews cases of alleged rights violations and mistreatment. Members of the Human Rights Committee are available to hear the concerns of any patient, parent, or guardian if violations of rights occur. The HRC meeting schedules are below.
| Hospital | Meeting Method | Date/Time | To Join the Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broughton Hospital | In-Person and Teleconference | 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month | The telephone number is: 828-608-6031. The access code is 1234#. |
| Central Regional Hospital | In-Person and Teleconference | 10 a.m. on the third Friday of each month. No meeting held in July and December. | The telephone number is: 984-204-1487. The access code is 761016716#. |
| Cherry Hospital | In-Person and Teleconference | 1 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. No meeting held in July and December. | The telephone number is: 919-947-7956. |
Facility Information
About
Established in 1883, Broughton Hospital serves western North Carolina by creating opportunities for individuals to recover from mental illness and substance use disorders by instilling hope, facilitating choice, promoting healing, and supporting their personal journeys of wellness. Committed to a Recovery-Oriented model of care, our staff provide compassionate treatment promoting the dignity of all we serve. Recovery-Oriented Care embraces the reality that individuals who have challenges with mental health and substance use do recover and can lead self-directed lives, striving to reach their full potential.
Beyond direct care services, Broughton Hospital serves as a regional educational facility. Professional training is provided with departmental oversight to clinical psychology interns, residents in psychiatry, and pharmacy, dental, medical record, and nursing students. Learn more about the Doctoral Clinical Psychology Internship and Recreational Therapy Internship Program offered at Broughton.
In 2017, Broughton Hospital was voted one of The 20 Most Beautiful Hospitals in the US. Read more about Broughton Hospital's mission, vision and history.
Visitation
All visitors, vendors, and other non-hospital employees are asked to first check in at Guest Services located in the front lobby of Broughton Hospital. Children under age 12 are not allowed to visit in patient areas. All visitors age 16 and older must provide a valid ID. View the Broughton Hospital Visitors Guide for more information.
| Unit Type | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|
| Adult Units | 1-4 p.m. & 6-9 p.m. |
| Adolescent Units | 1-4 p.m. & 5:30-8:30 p.m. *Please note: Visiting will not take precedence over school or therapies. Visitors are encouraged to use evening visiting hours Monday-Friday. |
Contact Us
Broughton Hospital
1000 South Sterling St.
Morganton, NC 28655
Directions to Broughton Hospital
Phone: 828-608-4000
CEO: Vivian Streater
Advocacy Department
Phone: 828-608-4300
Employment Opportunities
Watch this video to learn more about joining the team at Broughton Hospital. Interested in a career with Broughton Hospital? View our current employment opportunities.
Engagement Opportunities
Volunteer Information
The Volunteer Services Department at Broughton Hospital works diligently to provide tangible and intangible supports to hospital patients in an effort to improve their quality of life. Support from the community is critical to achieve this goal. For information on the variety of ways you can become involved, please contact the Volunteer Services Department.
Phone: 828-608-4430
Human Rights Committee
If interested in becoming a member of the Human Rights Committee, please contact the Advocacy Department for more information.
Phone: 828-608-4300
Broughton Documents
Notice of Privacy Practices and Documentation of Good Faith Effort to Obtain Acknowledgement
Machine-Readable Charge Sheet 2025-2026 (Excel)
Broughton Hospital Voluntary Admission and Involuntary Commitment
About
Central Regional Hospital (CRH) is located just outside of the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area and is the largest of the three state psychiatric hospitals. At CRH, exceptional care meets compassionate support for individuals facing mental health challenges. Our state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment, offering a comprehensive range of psychiatric treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. From children and adolescents to adults and seniors, our dedicated team of mental health professionals is committed to delivering evidence-based therapies and personalized care plans that promote recovery and well-being.
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that every patient receives holistic support throughout their treatment journey. We blend advanced medical techniques with empathetic care to address an array of psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to, severe persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Our specialized programs focus on symptom reduction and community re-integration while meeting the individual needs of each patient through evidence based group and individual therapy, vocational rehabilitation, two accredited schools, and a forensic services unit, all aimed at fostering a supportive and healing atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, CRH is here to provide the highest standard of psychiatric care, guiding you toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Central Regional Hospital serves as a training site hospital for the Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill General Psychiatry Residency programs and various Psychiatry Fellowships. Clinical rotations for programs and educational institutions throughout the state are also offered for a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing.
Visitation
Families and friends are welcome to visit, but are encouraged to make arrangements that do not conflict with therapies and classes. All visitors must use the main hospital entrance to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge. Only visitors who have been authorized by the patient or patient’s guardian will be permitted to visit. Prior to your visit, please review the CRH guidelines for visitors.
| Patient Care Unit | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|
| Adult Units | Monday - Friday: 3-9 p.m. Weekends & Holidays: 1-9 p.m. |
| Child & Adolescent Units | Daily: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. |
Contact Us
Central Regional Hospital
300 Veazey Road
Butner, NC 27509
Directions to Central Regional Hospital
Phone: 919-764-2000
CEO: Robyn Whalen
Phone: 919-764-7300
Screening & Admissions Unit
Phone: 919-764-7400
Reimbursement Office
Phone: 919-764-7650
Advocacy Department
Phone: 919-764-7336
Employment Opportunities
Watch this video to learn more about joining the team at Central Regional Hospital. Interested in a career with CRH? View our current employment opportunities.
Engagement Opportunities
Volunteer Information
The Volunteer Services Department at Central Regional Hospital works diligently to provide tangible and intangible supports to hospital patients in an effort to improve their quality of life. Support from the community is critical to achieve this goal. For information on the variety of ways you can become involved, please contact the Volunteer Services Department.
Phone: 919-764-7520
Human Rights Committee
If interested in becoming a member of the Human Rights Committee, please contact the Advocacy Department for more information.
Phone: 919-575-7800
Central Regional Documents
Practical Matters for Patients (Admission Guidelines)
Notice of Privacy Practices
Machine-Readable Charge Sheet 2025-2026 (Excel)
Central Regional Voluntary Admission and Involuntary Commitment
Departmental Contact Information
About
Cherry Hospital serves the eastern region of North Carolina. Since 1880, Cherry Hospital has been a place of hope, care and recovery that aims to improve the lives of those experiencing severe mental illness.
Our Mission is to provide excellent psychiatric care to individuals with the greatest need and the fewest resources. Our Philosophy is that, as a human service organization, anything and everything done within the hospital shall be done for the purpose of improving the quality of service to our patients. Our Vision is to be trusted and respected as the best hospital in eastern North Carolina for treatment of severe mental illness. View photos of Cherry Hospital.
As a teaching site for the School of Medicines at East Carolina University and Campbell University, Cherry Hospital welcomes psychiatry residents, fellows, and medical students as they embrace the opportunity to train with the professional staff that hold clinical faculty appointments.
Visitation
All visitors must present a valid ID upon arrival. To assist you in having a safe and successful visit, please adhere to the following visiting hours.
| Days of the Week | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday- Friday | 2-8 p.m. |
| Weekends & Holidays | 9:30–10:30 a.m.,1:30–4:30 p.m., 6–8 p.m. |
Contact Us
Cherry Hospital
1401 West Ash Street
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Directions to Cherry Hospital
Phone: 919-947-7000
CEO: Timothy Miller
Employment Opportunities
Watch this video to learn more about joining the team at Cherry Hospital. Interested in a career with Cherry Hospital? View our current employment opportunities.
Cherry Hospital proudly participates in the North Carolina for Military Employment initiative to better utilize the knowledge, skills and abilities of our veterans and service members. Together we will make North Carolina the leading state for military employment.
Nurses wishing to explore opportunities with Cherry Hospital can contact a Nursing Recruiter at 919-947-8307. Physicians, clinical social workers, psychologists, physician assistants or nurse practitioners can contact a Healthcare Professional Recruiter at 919- 947-8017.
Engagement Opportunities
Volunteer Information
The Volunteer Services Department at Cherry Hospital works diligently to provide tangible and intangible supports to hospital patients in an effort to improve their quality of life. Support from the community is critical to achieve this goal. For information on the variety of ways you can become involved, please contact the hospital.
Phone: 919-947-7000
Human Rights Committee
If interested in becoming a member of the Human Rights Committee, please contact Cherry Hospital for more information.
Phone: 919-947-7000
Cherry Hospital Documents
Notice of Privacy Practices
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Machine-Readable Charge Sheet 2025-2026 (Excel)
Cherry Hospital Voluntary Admission and Involuntary Commitment