University of New Mexico Behavioral Health Center

Ensuring crisis care needs are met by design

This new behavioral health crisis center, designed by Davis Partnership Architects and McClain + Yu Architecture & Design, is located adjacent to the UNMH Psychiatric Center and offers outpatient and voluntary short-term residential stabilization services to patients. Davis Partnership and McClain + Yu designed a comprehensive facility that considers the varying user flows for each program and how it impacts the overall campus development.

The facility serves three primary functions:

    The Behavioral Health Crisis Center provides stabilization of behavior health crisis as outpatient stabilization or short-term residential stabilization on a voluntary basis for clients seeking treatment.

    The Peer Living Room enables certified peer support workers and peer volunteers to provide services such as: crisis de-escalation, short-term goal setting, safety plan development, teaching coping skills, connecting with community and hospital resources, medical and behavioral health system navigation, job search and employment preparation, and supportive coaching all within a drop-in setting.

    The Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) Facility is the only 4-hour a day, 7-days a week Psychiatric Emergency Room in New Mexico. Clients who present with an acuity level that cannot be accommodated in Urgent Care, such as those at risk to self-and/or others are referred to PES.

Clear entry access and identification for individuals in crisis is crucial and is prioritized in the planning of the facility with an entry point for walk-in crisis and a separate entry for public safety referrals that is discreet and private.  The public main lobby entry serves individuals going to the PLR and outpatient/ administrative offices.

Behavioral health services and facilities are becoming crucial to ensure our communities can respond appropriately. Learn more about how the state of New Mexico is tackling the issue and how Davis Partnership is helping from KOB4 in Albuquerque.

The consultant team included Bridgers & Paxton, High Mesa Consulting Group, and Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers, among others. The project was built by HB Construction.

Project Scope

  • Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Wayfinding & Experiential
  • Lighting
  • Healthcare

Award Winning Project

2024 Associated Builders & Contractors New Mexico Merit Award: Government Over $20 Million Category

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