Approval Granted for Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center to Launch New Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

In a pivotal move for mental health services in Vermont, the Green Mountain Care Board has unanimously approved a proposal from Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) to establish a new adolescent psychiatric unit in Bennington. This million project aims to address the pressing need for additional inpatient mental health facilities in the region, particularly for youths aged 12 to 17.

The board’s decision, made on March 19, highlights an urgent demand for increased mental health capacity within the state. In its official documentation, the board noted that “the project will improve the quality of health care and improve access by increasing the number of adolescent inpatient mental health beds available in Vermont.” This initiative seeks to address significant gaps in care for young individuals facing mental health challenges.

The proposed unit is set to occupy almost 7,000 square feet on the ground floor of an existing building at SVMC. It is designed to accommodate 12 beds and will offer a comprehensive range of therapeutic spaces including areas for group and individual therapy, sensory mitigation, and social service consultation. These facilities aim to foster a supportive environment that promotes healing and development for adolescents struggling with mental health issues.

The project is backed by .25 million in state funding, which includes million earmarked for operational expenses in its inaugural year. Thomas Dee, President and CEO of SVMC, expressed gratitude to the Green Mountain Care Board for its thorough examination and support of the endeavor. “This project represents an important expansion of adolescent mental health services for Vermont,” he stated in a product announcement.

Despite its approval, the unit’s launch is not without controversy. Some stakeholders, including Disability Rights Vermont and the Brattleboro Retreat, voiced concerns during the board’s deliberations. Disability Rights Vermont argued that the funds allocated would be better utilized to enhance community-based mental health services, such as counseling and school resources, rather than investing in additional inpatient beds. The Brattleboro Retreat raised apprehensions regarding the potential to siphon patients from its own youth inpatient program, projecting a possible annual revenue loss of up to million.

Nevertheless, the Green Mountain Care Board maintained that the critical mental health needs in Vermont necessitate this expansion. In its rationale, the board emphasized that the Retreat is well-positioned to adapt to changing demands within the mental healthcare landscape.

The timeline for the new unit’s completion remains uncertain, but a spokesperson from SVMC indicated that once the permitting process is finalized, construction is expected to take approximately eight months. As the state strives to bolster its mental health resources, this investment in adolescent care signifies an essential step toward addressing the growing demand for mental health services in Vermont.