Issue Brief: Confronting North Carolina’s Behavioral Health Crisis

Published September 15, 2025

Access to behavioral health services is a critical component of overall well-being, yet many North Carolinians face significant barriers in obtaining the care they need, including fragmentation in services and delays in timely treatment . Across the state, shortages of mental health and substance use treatment providers, long wait times, insurance coverage limitations, and geographic disparities create challenges for individuals and families seeking support.

Abstract

This issue brief was prepared for the NCIOM’s Legislative Health Policy Fellows Program, supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Cone Health, and The Duke Endowment.