Today, more than 40 million American adults suffer from a mental-health condition, and half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14. Despite these overwhelming statistics, the negative stigmas associated with mental illness, combined with a scarcity of clinicians and facilities, resulted in over half of those with behavioral health conditions forgoing treatment last year.
This population is among the most marginalized in the U.S. healthcare system, but we are seeing more and better in- and out-patient and research facilities coming on line every day. What we know from recent post-occupancy evaluations and working closely with clinical staff is the critical role that design plays in removing the stigma associated with psychiatric care, normalizing the care environment, and improving patient outcomes.
See the five ways design is transforming behavioral healthcare...
