Transforming Pediatric Mental Health Care: Inside the Innovative Design of Montage Health Ohana Center by NBBJ

An increasing number of children suffer from mental health issues, a problem compounded by treatment that typically takes place in facilities that isolate rather than heal. The design of the Montage Health Ohana Center applies the latest in neuroscience research to provide an inclusive, healing environment for pediatric patients, families and caregivers. The mind and body are inextricably linked. So NBBJ Fellow Dr. John Medina and Montage Health staff collaborated to design the Ohana Center to support executive function—providing choice and a sense of control over one’s environment—as well as immune system health and caregiver well-being. To do so, the project uses prefabrication and cross-laminated timber (CLT), accentuates the site’s natural landscape, emphasizes treatment through medicine and the building itself, and serves as a prototype for future behavioral health facilities.