Only recently has mental health been a topic of conversation. As the mental health landscape changed, so have the physical environments. More attention has been on healthcare design and what those environments feel like to the patients and visitors walking into them. The waiting room in a behavioral facility can either give a sense of ease, or discomfort, so hospitals are rethinking their approach to these spaces.
Instead of opting for a more sterile approach to waiting rooms, healthcare facilities are improving the lighting, and furniture, and even altering the way sound is carried. Humanizing a space allows for environments to be more welcoming to all types of people. One facility may see patients who are working towards recovering from an eating disorder, while another facility focuses on the behavioral issues of a child. The needs of the space change, and so should the physical environment.
It can be overwhelming for someone who is seeking treatment at a facility. If they need to stay for an extended period, the environment should be calm and inviting instead of intimidating. While cleanliness and sanitation are vital, it is equally essential to have furniture that is conducive to that but also comfortable.
As it becomes more common for mental health to be discussed and improved upon, there will naturally be a demand for furnishing and designing these spaces. The goal is to help people get to a better place therapeutically and figure out how to improve their environments.