St. Joseph’s Health plans to expand its mental health services at a new location in 2027. A ribbon cutting marked the occasion recently at the Clare Loeber Smith Center as part of a $16.9 million state grant. The expanded behavioral health center is in response to the rapid demand for mental health services. Director of Acute Care Behavioral Health Lauren Gianetti said the project will accommodate additional patient care.
“The biggest thing this does for us is it offers many more private rooms for patients," Gianetti said. So, we have currently eight private rooms in a 30 bed unit. This will give us 22 private rooms which will be huge for access.”
The new space for St. Joseph’s inpatient psychiatric care will have large windows to let in natural light and nature-inspired artwork as part of the décor. Gianetti says the hospital’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program offers many options for patients in crisis who need stabilization.
“Having designated behavioral health spaces where patients can go to get specific mental health treatments, see a psychiatrist, see a nurse practitioner, see nurses and social workers who are trained in their needs,” said Gianetti.
The hospital received another $725,000 grant for the program to enhance safety, comfort and therapeutic engagement for patients experiencing a mental health crisis.
St Joseph’s Hospital is a supporter of WAER.
