Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.
Issue link: https://mcdmag.epubxp.com/i/509247
coverage, giving more people access to services. Many healthcare organiza- tions, likewise, are responding to the new reimbursements by including behavioral health services within their primary care clinics, further bringing mental illness to the public forefront. Continuum of care The healthcare industry's focus on pre- ventive care and wellness applies to the mental health industry by identifying the right level of service for clients along a continuum of care. Many clients enter the mental health system following a crisis, in which they are taken to an emergency department. Depending on the circum- stances, clients undergo clinical assess- ment, followed by acute care treatment, then outpatient care and fi nally reintegra- tion into the community. The continuum of care identifi es the right level of care in the recovery process and recognizes that each client is at a dif erent stage depending on a number of factors. As such, many hospitals are adding mental health components or behavioral health-specifi c emergency departments to better address mental health crisis. Outpatient care With a general shortage of acute care beds, the mental health industry is placing greater emphasis on outpatient care, again aligning with the continuum of care to properly diagnose the right level of care at the right moment to move clients out of acute care and into transitional outpatient care. This is leading to a greater need for more outpatient facilities. Comforts of home Breaking down the institutional look of yesterday, many acute care units and ISSUE FOCUS Hope House's community kitchen with work island and breakfast bar gives residents a sense of control over their living environment as they prepare their own meals. A scenic terrace and other outdoor areas at Hope House reinforce the healing environment, giving residents opportunities for individual relaxation or group gathering. L O C A T I O N : H O P E H O U S E , C O N T R A C O S T A C O U N T Y B E H A V I O R A L H E A L T H S E R V I C E S POPULATION PLANNING 28 Medical Construction & Design | M AY/ J U N E 2015 | MCDM AG.COM