Name: Designing Adolescent Psychiatric Hospitals for Healing and Safety: Evidence-Based Strategies to Benefit Patients and Staff - 2 CE hours
Start: 2026-07-14T14:40:00-0500
End: 2026-07-14T16:30:00-0500

Designing Adolescent Psychiatric Hospitals for Healing and Safety: Evidence-Based Strategies to Benefit Patients and Staff - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

301 B

Objectives:

Evidence-Based Design Creates Dual Healing Environments: Architectural design isn't one-way—it simultaneously improves patient recovery AND staff well-being/safety
Adolescents Have Unique Developmental Design Needs: Adolescents (12-18) differ fundamentally from children and adults in psychiatric settings—they need autonomy, peer socialization, and control opportunities
Actionable Design Strategies Are Implementable Now: You don't need a complete new building—evidence-based strategies apply to both new designs AND renovations

Abstract:
This presentation explores the critical architectural design qualities that support both adolescent patients and staff in psychiatric hospital settings, based on evidence from literature review and field interviews with clinicians and care teams across three state hospitals. Key findings will be shared on how elements such as atmosphere, lighting, natural environments, flexibility, wayfinding, and safety can shape spaces that balance autonomy with supervision, create a homelike and supportive campus, and promote well-being, recovery, and workplace satisfaction. Attendees will learn about specific design strategies, ranging from open and adaptable floor plans to biophilic features and staff respite areas, that address the unique developmental, therapeutic, and operational requirements of adolescent psychiatric care. The session will offer actionable insights for mental health professionals, designers, and administrators seeking to build and renovate adolescent psychiatric hospitals that advance trauma-informed, person-centered healing environments.

Speakers

Neda Norouzi, PhD

Associate Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio

Dr. Neda Norouzi is an accomplished Associate Professor at the UTSA School of Architecture and Planning, specializing in healthcare facilities planning, mental health environments, and universal design. With dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Urban Regional Planning, and... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
301 B

Breakout session

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Claritycon2026

Neda Norouzi, PhD

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