Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Amid A Statewide Shortage, A Psychiatric Unit For Teens Opens In Tacoma

MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital

Leaders of a Tacoma-based health system have launched a new unit for teenagers in psychiatric crisis, calling it a more peaceful alternative to the emergency room. 

The 27-bed Mary Bridge Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit opened its doors Tuesday at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. 

Angie Naylor, the unit's director, said the new space helps fill a gap in Washington state, which previously had just 100 hospital beds for adolescents undergoing psychiatric treatment. Until Tuesday, Pierce County had none.

That meant most teenagers in psychiatric crisis had one option: the emergency room. Naylor said it can be a loud, bright, chaotic experience that risks tainting their view of mental health care.

"People that come in in crisis don't have a quiet healing space to go to," she said. "This unit is designed with healing in mind." 

The space features private rooms, social areas, and natural light. The staff of about 45 psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and others are trained in treating people suffering from trauma and preventing suicide among adolescents.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in Washington state.

A September study said young people in Pierce County reported feeling depressed at slightly higher rates than the national average. County leaders are weighing a sales tax to help fund mental health and substance abuse services. 

Tacoma General's new unit is for patients aged 13 through 17 experiencing psychosis, suicidal thoughts, an acute episode of depression or anxiety, or another behavioral health crisis. Stays are expected to last about five to 10 days.

Naylor, a psychiatric nurse, said therapies "will focus on development and skill-building, how to interact with peers and families, how to be successful in schools."

MultiCare Health System operates five hospitals in the Puget Sound region, including Tacoma General and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. 

Will James is a former KNKX reporter and was part of the special projects team, reporting and producing podcasts such as Outsiders and The Walk Home.