The built environment plays an important role in our mental health and, similarly, the architectural design of care environments has the ability to either impair or promote psychological well-being. At MCA, effectively planning an environment of care involves bringing together an interdisciplinary, experienced team of stakeholders, including clinicians, facilities, designers, and contractors. This integrated team works collaboratively to envision, plan, and design an environment to support new models of care for the particular population. Our design process includes planning and programming, a safety/risk assessment, design charrettes, mock-ups with actual finishes and furniture, simulation/role playing, and post occupancy evaluations.

OUR PHILOSOPHY. MCA has been an integral partner in the evolution of behavioral health design in the Mid-Atlantic since 1992. Together with our clients, our team of planners and designers have developed a philosophy that is responsive to the changing dynamics and methodologies pertaining to the treatment of behavioral health patients. Responsive to leading research in patient outcomes, we believe the architecture of a building can have a positive therapeutic effect on patients’ psychiatric well-being. We seek to provide integrated open space, abundant natural light, and—where safe and appropriate, such as outpatient services—spaces of respite that offer comfort and well-being in addition to unparalleled patient security.

THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE. At MCA we use the design process as an opportunity to transform the patient care model.  We create a built environment that prevents harm and promotes healing. A therapeutic environment—absent of harsh lighting, overstimulating colors or patterns, and disorienting layouts—helps patients be more receptive to the staff-provided treatment by creating a non-threatening atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and relaxed.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN. We integrate biophilic design into our work—incorporating natural materials, natural light, and the spatial qualities of nature.  These elements create a sense of calm, safety and well-being for patients by appealing to the basic human inclination to connect with nature. We utilize lighting strategies to support natural sleep/wake cycles and impact healing and well-being.  We employ lighting color and intensity to influence physiology and reinforce patent and staff circadian patterns.  We understand that research indicates that blue light has an alerting effect, while warm light has a calming effect and that night lighting can help patients maintain circadian rhythms and is, thus, an important feature in both patient bedrooms and bathrooms.

RESEARCH BASED DESIGN. Our dedicated team works alongside experts in the field and are highly familiar with the resources available to designers. We work to understand and incorporate design elements that promote psychological well-being in hospitals to include a deinstitutionalized and well-organized setting; access to daylight, views of nature, and the outdoors; a sense of safety, security, and privacy; acoustic control; patient control over their own environment; and places for social interaction and positive distraction.

OUR BREADTH OF EXPERIENCE. Our projects include schools, crisis stabilization units, outpatient clinics, inpatient units of varying acuity levels, step residential treatment centers, group homes, and more.  MCA has completed over 500 projects—large and small—involving behavioral health elements for nearly 20 healthcare clients.  Our team stays on the cutting edge of treatment methods as behavioral health approaches have evolved.  MCA listens and responds—cultivating safe, serene settings conducive to patient rehabilitation that function seamlessly with research driven models of care.  With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, MCA has an unmatched ability to support and enhance the latest models of care.

MCA’s healthcare specialists include EDAC certified professionals and designers who utilize an extensive knowledge base to implement decisions that are rooted in credible research. We care deeply about creating positive outcomes and identifying ways to improve your care model process. By truly analyzing your project and care delivery along with integrating biophilia, LEAN methodologies, and current research, we can establish clear value added opportunities to support better care and a healthy bottom line.

As health systems merge, adapt, and transition services between inpatient and outpatient care, it is important to understand what assets you have so that those physical resources can be aligned with your strategic plan as you move forward. We will work alongside you, from the beginning, to establish the correct data and clear vision for transforming your facility to be flexible and adaptable for future needs. Our services can include recording new properties, assessing older or existing holdings, and finding opportunities for better space management and utilization leading to increased organizational gain.