
New York City is experiencing a significant demand for behavioral health care to tackle its mental health crisis. With one in five residents experiencing a mental health disorder, anxiety and depression, the demand for specialized care is critical. Particularly the Lower East Side of Manhattan is grappling with high rates of homelessness and substance abuse further highlights this need within the community. With a goal toward fostering a healthier community, Mount Sinai envisioned a first-of-its-kind behavioral health hospital collocating comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services, breaking the cycle of untreated mental health issues.
To improve access, a comprehensive one-stop care delivery model has been implemented. This integrated approach centralizes a wide range of mental and behavioral health services within a single facility, managed through a central registration unit that streamlines intake and clinical evaluation processes. The intake and evaluation unit’s proximity to the entrance minimizes walking distances and reduces wait times, ensuring efficient patient flow. Additionally, a warm and welcoming entrance, featuring comfortable seating, natural lighting, and soft colors, alleviates anxiety and reduces the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health treatment. The design approach emphasizes community engagement by integrating a primary care clinic and a specialized geriatric care unit to address the specific needs of the local senior population.
Before (Adandoned Building) | After (Outpatient Clinic)
Building Spaces Reutilized Before | After
The building, abandoned since 2014, was not in a habitable condition due to neglect, broken windows, structural damage, and the absence of essential services. Existing building, compromised by leaky exterior walls, single-pane windows, and hazardous materials, required major intervention to convert to an outpatient clinic. Outpatient clinic is designed to foster a safe therapeutic environment, incorporating biophilic elements such as natural patterns, wall graphics, and thoughtful lighting. Elevator lobby is filled with natural light and exterior views, creating a calming environment that helps relieve anxiety. Graphic featuring natural scenery with integrated wayfinding, creates a positive distraction.
Interior & Common Room Images
Common areas foster therapeutic environments with spacious corridors, cozy waiting areas, and vibrant activity lounges, promoting a sense of community and encouraging social interaction. A hospital lobby with warm, welcoming entrance, comfortable seating, natural lighting, and soft colors alleviates anxiety, reducing stigma of behavioral health treatment. Integrated concierge desk and sleek design highlight elevator lobby and unit entrances, creating a cohesive and calming environment for visitors and patients. Patients are welcomed by a spacious lobby filled with bright, soft light and a high ceiling. The welcoming reception and intake desk, a sleek and modern desk designed to remove barriers and promote interaction, immediately put visitors at ease. The overall atmosphere was one of care and efficiency, making patients feel at ease from the very beginning. The inpatient psychiatric unit features dining and activity spaces under direct nurse station observation, with wide corridors enhancing visibility and social interaction, leading to various therapeutic activities. Soft lighting, ergonomic seating, and engaging decor contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that patients feel safe and supported while participating in activities that aid in their recovery and overall well-being.
Additional Amenities Images
Amenity spaces aim to positively impact patients’ mental well-being, fostering calmness and positivity. They provide an atmosphere of openness and serenity with natural lighting and calming decorations. Additionally, these spaces feature adaptable communal areas that incorporate technology for therapeutic activities, engaging patients, and providing entertainment while prioritizing ease of use and safety. The courtyard garden provides therapeutic benefits, serving as a peaceful outdoor haven for relaxation and therapy. Lush greenery, winding path, benches, and sensory elements like fragrant flowers create a calm atmosphere. Patients find solace in nature, while staff use the space for healing activities, bridging nature’s restorative power with holistic patient care. Integrated Outpatient Clinic | Pediatric Waiting area is designed to be child-friendly and calming, with bright colors, comfortable seating, and engaging activities. Bright colored furniture and playful light fixtures create a stress-free environment. Wall graphics featuring natural scenes were designed to help children feel relaxed before their appointments.
Personal Residence Images
Patient rooms are designed to foster a therapeutic, safe, and comfortable setting, equipped with high ceilings, expansive windows, full-height toilet doors, and walls angled to enhance visibility. The Extended Observation Bed unit is meticulously designed to ensure safety and comfort for patients at risk of self-harm. The environment maintains seamless design continuity with the inpatient unit, facilitating smooth transitions to lower acuity care on the same floor. The integrated inpatient rehab and detox unit’s soothing environment, with natural lighting and calming colors, enhances comfort. Patients find solace in spacious communal areas and thoughtfully designed living spaces, fostering privacy and community support, empowering individuals on their recovery journeys.