UnityPoint Health – Meriter’s Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) program is a regional center of excellence in mental health that serves 34 counties. With a long waiting list for placement and continuously growing demand, BWBR created a master plan and concept design for phased expansion and renovation that will eventually double CAP’s capacity to 40 beds. The primary goals are to create a welcoming and positive environment that doesn’t feel institutional, enhance safety, and upgrade existing spaces to achieve a continuity of character and quality.

The design provides a beautiful healing environment with lots of natural light for patients, along with stress-relieving places of respite for staff that are easily accessible throughout the day. Careful use of color, light, textures, and access to daylight/views to nature and outdoor activity areas creates a positive experience by reinforcing clinical programming and supporting the care team, patients, and families.

The design also incorporates a new outpatient program that serves up to 30 patients per day, including day and after school outpatient programs. The main lobby provides easy access to outpatient services, such as education, group treatment, indoor/outdoor recreation, dining, and other activities spaces while maintaining secure separation from the inpatient treatment areas.