A new 60,000 square-foot Behavioral Health Coordinated Care Center will provide critical outpatient and short-term stabilization services for both children and adults experiencing mental health challenges.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — palm Beach County is poised to address a critical gap in mental healthcare with a new $10 million facility designed to ease the burden on overwhelmed emergency rooms and the criminal justice system. The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has tapped global firm Arcadis to lead the architectural design, permitting, and construction administration for the 60,000 square-foot Behavioral health Coordinated Care Center. This project aims to provide accessible,timely care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
A 24/7 Hub for Urgent Behavioral Health Needs
The new center will offer rapid 23-hour observation, individualized treatment, and integrated primary care services.
The facility, designed in partnership with behavioral health specialty firm human experience (hX), will focus on cost-effectiveness and responsible use of public funding. Leaders at the Health Care District emphasized the need for a staff-centric design, maximizing the effectiveness and safety of healthcare professionals. Durability and adaptability are also paramount,ensuring the center can withstand the demands of its patient population and evolve with the changing landscape of behavioral healthcare.
Reducing Strain on Existing Systems
Arcadis Healthcare Group practice Manager Parry La Gro expressed pride in the project, noting its potential for replication. “With nationwide demand for modern behavioral health spaces, this project signals the potential for further scalability across the united states,†La Gro said in a statement. “By creating a comprehensive and coordinated behavioral health system, the new center will connect residents to quality, timely care in the least restrictive setting, while reducing strain on local emergency departments and law enforcement.â€
The project gained momentum in January when the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the $10 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.This vote marked the first official step toward building the state-of-the-art Crisis Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
“This facility will ensure 24/7 access to crisis support and sustainable mental health treatment for both adults and children — helping patients navigate crisis and build resilience for life,†said Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District of Palm Beach County President and CEO, in a statement following the vote. “We are extremely grateful to the Board of County Commissioners and our community partners who voiced thier support for this critical project. Together, we will support sustainable and effective behavioral health care for generations to come.â€
The Health Care District of Palm Beach County aims to establish the center as “a gold standard in psychiatric and clinical care,†providing patients with seamless access to long-term support services, irrespective of their financial situation. The center will offer individual and group therapy, as well as pharmacy services.
