Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Support

The Behavioral Health unit at UNC Health Blue Ridge is a 22‑bed inpatient psychiatric program located in Morganton, North Carolina. We provide confidential, compassionate care to adults experiencing acute mental health conditions.

Our goal is to create a safe, therapeutic environment free of stigma, where individuals feel supported, respected, and empowered on their path to wellness. Care is delivered by a physician‑led, multidisciplinary team that focuses on both immediate needs and long‑term recovery.

Inpatient Behavioral Health Services

We offer comprehensive inpatient care designed to support stabilization, healing, and transition back to the community.

Services include:

Diagnostic assessment
Individualized treatment planning
Individual and family therapy
Group therapy
Medication management
Comprehensive discharge planning
24 hour nursing care

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual and developed in collaboration with the full care team.

Your Behavioral Health Care Team

Patients at UNC Health Blue Ridge are supported by a multidisciplinary team that works together to address mental, emotional, and social well- being.

Our team includes:

Psychiatrists
Nurse Practitioners
Registered Nurses
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Licensed Professional Counselors
Certified Nursing Assistants
Behavioral Health Technicians
Licensed Recreational Therapists

This collaborative approach helps ensure patients receive well rounded, person centered care.

Recreational Therapy at UNC Health Blue Ridge

Recreational Therapy is an important part of treatment on the Behavioral Health unit. Licensed Recreational Therapists support recovery by helping patients build coping skills, manage stress, and improve emotional regulation in a structured, therapeutic setting.

Recreational Therapy focuses on helping individuals reconnect with daily life activities, develop healthy routines, and practice skills that support long‑term wellness beyond hospitalization.

How Recreational Therapy Supports Recovery

Licensed Recreational Therapists design and lead therapeutic activities that align with each patient’s treatment goals. Services may focus on:

Stress management and relaxation
Emotional expression and self‑awareness
Social interaction and communication
Healthy leisure and coping skills
Confidence building and problem solving

Recreational Therapists work closely with nursing, social work, counseling, and medical providers to support treatment planning and discharge goals. Their work helps patients practice skills they can carry with them after leaving the hospital.

Licensed Recreational Therapists also provide clinical oversight for Recreational Therapy Assistants, which is essential to maintaining high‑quality therapeutic services across Behavioral Health and our retirement organization, Grace Ridge Life Plan Community.

A Supportive Place to Grow Your Career

UNC Health Blue Ridge is part of the UNC Health system and is proud to be a teaching health system. We value learning, collaboration, and professional growth across all roles.

Teammates in Behavioral Health benefit from:

A collaborative, team based care environment
Respect for each discipline’s expertise
Opportunities to contribute to treatment planning
A mission driven culture focused on compassion and dignity
Support for professional development and continued learning

Interested in Joining Our Behavioral Health Team?

If you are passionate about helping others and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with UNC Health Blue Ridge.

We regularly seek compassionate professionals across Behavioral Health, including Licensed Recreational Therapists.