Construction set to begin this summer on youth psychiatric facility in Redmond – a first for the region
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Construction is expected to begin this summer on the first child psychiatric facility in Central Oregon, a crucial addition that will keep many youth in the area for inpatient treatment and not have to travel far from their family and friends.
Deschutes County commissioners got an update on the project Monday from county Health Services Director Holly Harris.
About $8 million in state and federal funding has been secured to begin the project, a 15-bed facility to be located in Redmond, adjacent to a 16-bed secure residential treatment facility for adults, due for completion later this year along Canal Boulevard, Harris said. The location is near St. Charles Redmond and county Behavioral Health clinic.
The primary population for the facility will be youth ages 12-17 in need of “sub-acute” care, but in a secure setting, Harris explained. The typical range of stay will be around 30 days, although a “crisis respite” option will be provided on a 24-to 48-hour basis.
“Central Oregon lacks appropriate short-term psychiatric and crisis placement options for youth, leaving hospitals – especially emergency departments – to manage acute behavioral health needs, with limited pathways to timely care,” Harris said in an issue summary.
“As a result, youth are often transported to the Portland metro area or out of state for in-patient treatment, separating them from family and community supports,” she explained.
The project involves several community partners, from BestCare treatment services to St. Charles, PacificSource, the Central Oregon Health Council and others.
Jackson House is the parent company of Headwaters Behavioral Health, which would be the tenant and operator of the program, as it will be for the adult facility.
The treatment facility will be less restrictive than a hospital setting, offering 24-7 care and treatment that includes medication management and group, individual and family therapy. Renderings also show a basketball court, common area and cafeteria, among other services.
“Our goal is to reintegrate them back” into the community, Harris said.
While Harris explained that there’s still a lot of details to work through, commissioners Phil Chang and Tony DeBone expressed excitement about the progress seen so far on the much-needed facility.
Harris said the next significant step is to secure the services of a child psychiatrist.
“Those are tough to come by,” she said.
