Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nicole Connell has translated her commitment to improving mental health in her community into a career. In her current role at Merakey, a developmental, behavioral health and education nonprofit provider serving 12 states, she works to expand equitable access to critical mental health services.

Connell leads the development of Philadelphia's first Adult Behavioral Health Urgent Care, offering same-day access to vital behavioral health and social services for the community.

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Connell interviews with Strategic Health Care Marketing to discuss Philadelphia’s first behavioral health urgent care for adults. “We know we hit the mark and were meeting a genuine need when residents from the community were waiting outside the front door on opening day,” says Nicole Connell, senior executive director of Adult Behavioral Health Services in southeastern Pennsylvania for Merakey. “Eighteen individuals were seen that day, and interventions were provided to five in pre-crisis, successfully preventing the need for a visit to the crisis center or inpatient services,” she says.

Connell said, "We are incredibly proud to see that individuals with lived experience are contributing to the beautiful works here in Suburban Station, but more importantly, overcoming trauma, mental health, and substance use challenges to now be contributors to this great city of Philadelphia.”​

Nicole Connell speaks to crowd gathered to reaffirm DBHIDS' commitment to providing necessary resources and support to immigrant communities of Philadelphia at the Hardena Mural dedication.

Nicole Connell was named in the Sept. 2021 Issue of the Philadelphia Tribune's "People on the Move" publication highlighting rising executives of color in the region.