Many hospital systems and medical centers are experiencing an increased need for space to treat patients with behavioral health issues. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, the demand for mental health and addiction services has increased significantly over the past year in part due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has also weighed in with 2020 data that underscores the rise in mental health crises as a result of the pandemic, particularly for young people in the 18-24 age group.
As hospitals address this need for space, they must also consider the need for isolation rooms suited for behavioral health patients. Many patients are being admitted who require care for mental health issues while they are also COVID-19 positive. The need to treat and isolate COVID-19 patients displaying behavioral disorders is now an urgent facility need for hospitals throughout the U.S. At the same time, hospitals are faced with the dual challenge of addressing this need rapidly and cost-effectively, often with limited space options in existing suites.