Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center  

EmPATH Unit

Project Overview

The new 1,800 square foot Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) unit at Overlook Medical Center is the first of its kind in New Jersey. NK worked closely with Atlantic Health System to develop a space equipped to treat up to six Behavioral Health patients at a time. This design incorporates day lighting and an open floor plan with recliners for added comfort. Also featured is a kitchenette, patient toilet and shower, common space for group therapy and a family interview room. The use of color-changing lights, biophilia and soft tones convey a calmness that is intended to reduce anxiety and stress establishing a pleasant environment for recovery.

Behavioral Health Specialists and hospitals supporting psychiatric patients are beginning to shift towards this model as it significantly speeds up the process of getting these patients proper care in an enhanced environment, as opposed to waiting in a secure hold room in an emergency department for an extended period of time. This model shifts the focus from immediate hospitalization to immediate treatment avoiding the refinement of hospitalization, which has the potential to cause additional trauma to a patient.

Creating this EmPATH unit enables the Overlook Medical Center to properly give psychiatric evaluations, individual and group therapy and medication adjustments as needed.

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