The North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program’s Pediatric Program (NC-STeP-Peds) has been recognized as an emerging model for expanding access to pediatric behavioral health services in rural communities. Its collaborative co-management approach supports primary care providers and pediatricians while enhancing care coordination, improving patient experience and strengthening mental health outcomes.

NC-STeP-Peds has been named the recipient of the 2026 Psychiatric Services Achievement Gold Award by the American Psychiatric Association, which recognizes innovation and excellence in mental health care delivery.

The program, an initiative of East Carolina University’s Center for Telepsychiatry, was recognized for its innovative, technology-enabled approach to addressing pediatric mental health needs, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

According to a press release from ECU, nationally, one in four to five children and adolescents are affected by a mental health disorder, yet fewer than half receive treatment. Access challenges are even more pronounced in North Carolina, where approximately 33% of residents live in rural areas and behavioral health providers are concentrated in urban centers. NC-STeP Pediatrics continues to work to address these significant mental health needs.

“Improving access to high-quality behavioral health care for children is one of the most urgent challenges facing our communities,” said Sy Saeed, M.D., M.S., executive director of NC-STeP and professor and chair emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, in a statement. “This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership and our commitment to reaching children where they are with timely, evidence-based care.”

Launched in 2023, NC-STeP Pediatrics brings together clinicians from across the state to expand access through telepsychiatry, virtual reality, AI-supported knowledge management, and integrated, team-based care models. Using a population health approach, the program partners with pediatric practices across the state.

To date, the program has:
• Screened more than 47,000 children and adolescents for mental health symptoms.
• Supported more than 5,800 patients with follow-up evaluations by behavioral health managers.
• Connected more than 400 patients with child and adolescent psychiatrists.
• Delivered integrated care to more than 760 children and adolescents.
• Completed over 2,000 patients visits.

“NC STeP Pediatrics demonstrates how academic medicine and health system collaboration can transform access to care, particularly for patients in rural communities,” said ECU Health CEO and Brody School of Medicine Dean Michael Waldrum, M.D., M.S.c., M.B.A., in a statement.“By leveraging technology and innovation, we are reaching a greater number of children and families across North Carolina. This recognition is a testament to the mission-driven team members who continue to expand NC-STeP’s impact in the state.”