Construction Begins on Youth Mental Health Facility in Redmond

Community members are invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the 9,200-square-foot project at 1 p.m. at 815 NW Canal Blvd. in Redmond. Funding for the facility comes from several major grants obtained by DCHS and St. Charles Health System, along with contributions from the facility's developer. This initiative responds to a July 2024 report by St. Charles titled “Unmet Mental Health Needs for Youth in Central Oregon,” which highlighted a severe lack of regional psychiatric services and residential beds.

Holly Harris, director of DCHS, emphasized the importance of providing care close to home for young individuals in crisis, stating that it allows them to remain connected to their family and support network. DCHS and St. Charles are collaborating with organizations such as Best Care, PacificSource Coordinated Care Organizations, Central Oregon Health Council, and Headwaters Behavioral Health to address this issue.

Molly Wells Darling, senior behavioral health director at St. Charles, expressed optimism about the positive impact this project will have for youth facing mental health challenges in the region. The facility will be constructed on a site between 45,000 and 50,000 square feet and will feature amenities including parking, a recreation yard, dining areas, classrooms, and spaces for group and family activities.

Headwaters Behavioral Health, the developer and operator for the facility, has received the necessary approvals from the City of Redmond to proceed with construction. The organization also operates a youth residential treatment facility in Idaho. Jim Sechrist, President of Operations at PNW, highlighted the importance of keeping children within their communities during treatment.

The new facility will provide care for youth recovering from acute mental health crises or grappling with long-term mental illnesses, offering personalized, evidence-based treatment. Services will include medication management, therapy, life skills training, and academic support to ensure continuity in education. Treatment duration may range from 14 days to several months, based on individual needs.

Funding for the project includes a $3 million grant from the Oregon Health Authority and over $3 million from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services lottery revenue bonds, along with additional contributions from Headwaters. DCHS will allocate federal funding, with St. Charles providing $750,000 from the Central Oregon Health Council to assist with construction costs.