Improving the Behavioral & Mental Health Continuum of Care

The Behavioral Health & Wellness Center strengthens the region’s continuum of care for children and families seeking behavioral and mental health support. Located in Omaha, the center responds to a growing need for early intervention, comprehensive treatment and safe, therapeutic spaces for young patients. By partnering with Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, HDR helped create an environment that expands access to care and supports the hospital’s mission to improve long-term outcomes for youth.

Designing a Seamless Continuum of Care

The center was shaped by close collaboration with Kiewit, the Mental Health Innovation Foundation, CBRE and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. The team developed an operationally efficient, economically sustainable solution that elevates patient experience, clinical delivery and staff well-being. Natural light, views to nature and calming materials create a welcoming environment for children of all ages. Program elements are organized to support smooth transitions across levels of care, ensuring families can access the right services at the right time without disruption.

Key design features include:

• Integrated outpatient, inpatient and assessment services that streamline movement through care.
• Units designed to balance clear staff sightlines with patient dignity and privacy.
• Circulation strategies that reduce crowding and lower the risk of agitation or aggression.
• Back-of-house access routes that increase efficiency and minimize disruption.
• Staff-focused amenities including respite rooms, mother’s rooms and meditation spaces.

Raising the Standard

The Behavioral Health & Wellness Center expands essential behavioral and mental health services for the region while creating a supportive, healing environment for children, teens and families. By uniting multiple programs under one roof and designing for safety, dignity and efficiency, the center sets a new standard for how pediatric behavioral health environments can strengthen the continuum of care and improve long-term patient outcomes.