Understanding and Supporting Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health at Warfel
At Warfel Construction, we believe maintaining a keen understanding of behavioral health is central to our mission of delivering unparalleled service to our current and potential “Clients for Life”. In a world where the need for behavioral health facilities is accelerating, we are driven by our dedication to supporting our community and establishing spaces that offer vital care to those battling the stigma of behavioral health.
Our Director of Healthcare Construction, Robert Allen, PE, CHC, is a key contributor to this mission. He recently shared his thoughts on an impactful article published in the November/December 2023 edition of the Journal of Healthcare Management by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Insights from Robert Allen PE, CHC, Director of Healthcare Construction:
In the ACHE’s latest edition of their Journal of Healthcare Management (Volume 68, No. 6), an article titled “Banishing the Lifelong Harm of Childhood Trauma: A Treatable, Preventable Crisis” (pages 384-389), caught his attention. Allen, a father himself, resonated with the emphasis on children – our world’s most precious resource and treasure.
The article begins with a profound quote from child psychologist, Haim Ginott, Ph.D., stating, “Children are like wet cement…Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” It goes on to reveal startling statistics about children in the US diagnosed with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and teens who experience pervasive sadness. It further discusses the prevalent stressors contributing to these distressing scenarios. Tragically, many of these cases remain untreated, not solely due to inaccessible care but often because the fear and shame associated with being labeled with mental illness force them to struggle silently.
Nevertheless, the article brings hope, asserting that, “those damaging impressions do not have to be permanent.” The piece highlights the positive outcomes of well-designed school and family programs and shares insights into how our health systems can alleviate the child behavioral health crisis.
The behavioral health crisis in the U.S., as the article explains and as observed in our everyday lives, is a pressing issue. It has even been declared an epidemic by various authorities including the US Surgeon General. Millions are in dire need of help, and a safe space to receive that care.
Warfel Construction’s Dedication to Behavioral Health Solutions
Warfel is deeply committed to finding behavioral health solutions for our community. Over recent years, we have constructed spaces for behavioral health providers amounting to over 700 inpatient beds and encompassing over 500,000 square feet. These spaces have provided adults and children access to outpatient and inpatient care, assessment, counseling, treatment, and clinical therapies.
One of our ongoing projects, the Southwood Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh, is a testament to our commitment. The existing facility, housing 74 pediatric behavioral health beds, unfortunately, had to turn away 2,000 children last year due to a lack of patient rooms. In response to this heartbreaking situation, we are constructing a new three-story hospital on their campus, scheduled for completion by July 2024. The finished hospital will house 182 beds for children and adolescents requiring inpatient psychiatric care, thus directly addressing the urgent need for pediatric behavioral health care.
At Warfel Construction, we believe in constructing more than just buildings. We’re passionately building a better, healthier future for our community and are proud to support child & adolescent behavioral health.
About Warfel Construction
Established in 1911, Warfel Construction provides general construction and construction management services to clients through Pennsylvania, Virginia, and surrounding states. Learn more about our healthcare portfolio.