The Department of Strategic Behavioral Health

Behavioral health treatments are ways of helping people who are experiencing emotional distress, mental illness or substance misuse. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available in Henderson County for help and support. Behavioral Health resources can be found on the Health Department’s website. If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, help is available. You can call or text 9-8-8, or chat at www.988Lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor who can provide support in a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis.

The Department of Strategic Behavioral Health:

  • Oversees collaborative efforts related to behavioral health for Henderson County. This includes coordinating with other County departments and offices, healthcare providers, law enforcement, the school system, and community organizations and members.
  • Manages funds and programs and is accountable for reporting outcomes and data. These funds stem from sources that include grants and the NC Opioid Settlement agreement.
  • Provides oversight of organizations that receive funding from Henderson County for programs and services and manages programs resulting from the NC Opioid Settlement agreement.
  • Offers programs that serve our justice involved population through the Adult Recovery Court and the Reentry Services for the Henderson County Detention Center.
  • Coordinates community meetings including:
  1. Crisis Response Collaborative (co-led with VAYA Health): a consortium of area professionals addressing crisis care gaps and barriers, exploring solutions, and sharing resources. The 2025 meetings are Wednesdays, March 26, August 27, and November 19 from 2:30- 4:00pm.
  2. Substance Use Action Team: a community-based group consisting of participants from several area organizations and people with lived experience. If you are interested in attending meetings and/or receiving meeting minutes, please contact Jodi Grabowski. 

Calendar of Events

  • Monday, April 21, 9:00am. Henderson County Behavioral Health Coalition. Contact Melissa Witmeier for additional information at mwitmeier@hendersoncountync.gov
  • Thursday, April 24, 9:00am. HART (Henderson ACES's, Resilience and Trauma) Collaborative Meeting. Contact Angela Bollo for additional information abollo@crossnore.org
  • July (TBD): Henderson County Substance Use Action Team meeting. Open to the community.
  • Wednesday, August 26 at 2:30pm. Henderson County Crisis Response Collaborative. Contact Jodi Grabowski for additional information.

Recent 2025 Meetings: contact Jodi Grabowski for meeting minutes 

  • Thursday, February 6 at 3:00pm: Henderson County Substance Use Action Team meeting. Open to the community.
  • Thursday, February 20, 9:00am-11:00am: HART (Henderson ACES's, Resilience and Trauma) Collaborative Meeting. 
  • Wednesday, March 26 at 2:30pm. Henderson County Crisis Response Collaborative.