NORFOLK, Va. - CHKD is hoping to fill a critical need for children going through a mental health crisis.
On Friday, the hospital celebrated its new multi-million inpatient care facility in Norfolk. News 3 was able to get a sneak peek inside.
The 14-story, $224 million Children's Pavilion provides prevention treatment, intensive day programs, research, and follow-up care to address mental health needs.
The new and innovative inpatient care facility was built to address the critical need for wraparound mental health services for children. The type of care offered shifts away from the traditional service-driven approach while breaking the stigma.
"Sometimes you see mental health facilities are hidden away, tucked behind trees down winding roads because there’s so much stigma that’s been associated with receiving mental health treatment," said Senior Vice President of CHKD, Amy Sampson. "We wanted to break away those barriers to start chipping away at the stigma that’s associated with mental health treatment and put this beautiful building right in the heart of Norfolk with these incredible views."
Inside the hospital, you'll find 60 inpatient beds, an indoor and outdoor recreation center, and even a music therapy room and recording studio.
The rooftop on the 14th floor features a basketball court, a soccer field with turf and a four-square court. The Pavilion’s top floor is a safe place, enclosed with netting, for children to play in the in the fresh air and sunlight.
Everything from the vibrant colors to the artwork is designed to create a calming and soothing environment to help patients heal.
Each floor is designed to help children feel comfortable and open up.
“As soon as you pick up a basketball and start dribbling, as soon as you kick around a soccer ball, that’s just an invitation to deepen the conversation,” said Jack Warburton, the VP of mental health services at CHKD.
400 people will eventually be working at the mental health facility.
Sampson said the inpatient hospital addresses an extraordinary need for children and teens who need both medical treatment and mental health services, such as diabetes or an eating disorder, or cancer and depression.
“If they need to be in a psych-med facility or have a neuro-developmental and psych condition at the same time, there is nowhere in Virginia where they can go for this kind of care,” she said.
The first 12 inpatient beds will open on October 11. All 60 private rooms will be open by the middle of next year.
Outpatient services in the Children's Pavilion started in April.
