Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Launches New Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit

The unit will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of child- and adolescent-trained psychiatrists, aiming to stabilize patients before transitioning them to ongoing outpatient and community-based support services. Phil Feisal, chief operating officer of the Hospital Group at Spartanburg Regional, emphasized that this initiative reflects the community's commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes, stating, "This new unit represents Spartanburg Regional's commitment to that vision. By expanding access to inpatient psychiatric care close to home, we are investing in healthier futures for young people."

Dr. John Mauch, medical director of inpatient services for behavioral health, noted the significant impact that addressing adolescent mental health can have on families and communities. He said, "By helping young people build healthier, more resilient futures, we can change lives across generations and strengthen the communities we serve."

Historically, many adolescents in need of inpatient psychiatric care have been transferred outside the service area, making this unit crucial for local families. It will not only serve Spartanburg County but also support patients from neighboring Cherokee and Union counties, improving local access to care. Chanda Flynn, RN, MSN, system director of behavioral health services, pointed out the challenges families have faced in finding nearby services, saying, "By bringing these services closer to home, we are expanding access to mental health treatment and strengthening support for youth and families across our community."

The new unit is a key part of ongoing community efforts aimed at enhancing mental health care availability and promoting better health outcomes for children and families in the Upstate. In June, various nonprofits, philanthropists, municipalities, and healthcare organizations launched the Vital Spartanburg initiative to create a strategy for addressing mental health issues, focusing on improving coordination and care efforts within the community. The establishment of this unit signifies a significant investment aligned with the priorities identified through this initiative.