E58 – Designing for Healing: Creating an Adult Behavioral Health and Medical Psychology Unit
As part of the new Indiana University Hospital in downtown Indianapolis, Level 8 will feature two integrated 16-bed units: an Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and an Adult Psychiatric Medical Unit. Designed to balance safety, healing, and operational efficiency, these units support patients with complex behavioral and medical needs. The design emphasizes ligature-resistant features, passive observation, and staff wellness while fostering a therapeutic, patient-centered environment. Recognizing that behavioral health care begins at arrival, a dedicated pod in the Emergency Department enables timely assessments in a secure, compassionate setting. The Psychiatric Medical Unit adds further complexity by integrating medical equipment into a behaviorally safe environment, supporting comorbid treatment needs. Shared and private spaces promote patient autonomy, while family engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration are supported through purposeful layout decisions. Natural light, urban views, and calming materials enhance the healing atmosphere. This project sets a new benchmark for integrated behavioral health design in acute care.
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