Real therapeutic psych hospitals
Mental health hospitals should be designed to feel welcoming, calming and therapeutic — places where people feel safe seeking help. The goal should be for patients to leave saying, “I would absolutely come back if I ever needed help again,” or even, “I don’t want to leave because I finally feel safe and supported.”
We should also rethink the language we use. We call them hospitals because they provide healthcare, just like any other medical hospital. The words we choose matter and can influence how people perceive mental health treatment.
Psychiatric hospitals should include sensory rooms with immersive nature, ocean and space projections that create a peaceful environment. Oversized beanbag chairs, specially designed rocking chairs, and other comforting furniture can help reduce anxiety while promoting relaxation and emotional regulation.
Every patient room should have a smart TV with access to educational content, and common areas should have community smart TVs where people can watch movies and shows together. Research suggests that watching familiar, nostalgic or predictable programs can help regulate the nervous system by providing a sense of comfort, safety and emotional stability.
We have made progress in mental healthcare, but there is still so much more to do. I am ready to dedicate my time, energy and voice to helping create the compassionate, dignified and innovative system of care that I believe every person experiencing a psychological crisis deserves.