Setting the Standard in Behavioral Health Design

Hasenstab Architects was selected by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OMHAS) to design a new behavioral health facility in Columbus. Designed in collaboration with Array Architects, the 270,000 square foot Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Replacement Hospital includes 208 beds arranged in eight patient units (26 beds per unit).

Behavioral health design has evolved significantly in the past 25-30 years and shows no sign of slowing down. At Hasenstab Architects, we monitor trends in behavioral health design and closely follow Joint Commission requirements and standards, as well as carefully evaluate material selection and ligature risk. Our focus is to design environments which promote patient wellness while also optimizing for safety, security and visibility.

Flexibility is also a critical factor in effective behavioral health design. The new Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare facility incorporates universal units which will be designed to accommodate multiple forensic unit designations for enhanced flexibility. Each room was designed to meet the most rigorous requirements for behavioral health patient care.

As part of our standard design process, the Hasenstab Architects team works closely with each client to identify design requirements that must be met when the facility opens its doors. We also take the time to ask clients about how their needs may change in the future. As a result, our behavioral health designs often establish the foundation for future enhancements. The new Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare facility was planned to accommodate a future addition for a “high security” forensic unit.