Hospital expands access to psychiatric treatment

Health

Sep 26

Photo courtesy of Ottawa County Probate Court

Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services announced an expansion of its inpatient unit made possible through a $3 million grant through the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) to meet the ongoing demand for mental health treatment in West Michigan. The Michigan Legislature appropriated the funding as part of the 2023 state budget.

Starting on September 29, the expansion includes adding two licensed psychiatric beds, which will provide increased access to critical mental health care for approximately an additional 100 patients per year while keeping patients close to home. The expansion is part of Holland Hospital’s ongoing response to the needs of its community, as recently evidenced in the 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), which identified mental health as a top issue in Ottawa County. According to the assessment, Ottawa-area adults reported some of the highest levels of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression since the first CHNA in 2011.

“As mental health continues to be a priority area of need for our community, we are pleased to offer expanded access to inpatient psychiatric treatment as a result of the addition of these two licensed psychiatric beds,” said Mikaela Andrea, Director of Behavioral Health Services, Holland Hospital.

Holland Hospital, the sole provider of inpatient psychiatric care in Ottawa County, is poised to meet the growing demand for mental health services as the county has seen an increase in population by over 12 percent over the past decade. As the primary inpatient psychiatric resource for Ottawa and Allegan counties, Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services has a crucial role in providing essential mental health care to the region.

Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services offers a comprehensive range of mental health care options, from inpatient to outpatient treatment. Its inpatient Behavioral Health Services provides specialized services for individuals requiring intensive treatment, including those needing psychiatric intensive care. The psychiatric intensive care unit features specially trained staff, private rooms, enhanced safety measures, and a smaller capacity to provide a calming environment for patients requiring the highest level of care.

To learn more about Holland Hospital Behavioral Health, visit hollandhospital.org/behavioral-health.