Providence Behavioral and Emotional Skills Training (BEST)
Spokane, Washington
Providence BEST (Behavioral and Emotional Skills Training) Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic provides critical mental health services for children ages 7 to 12. NAC's renovation of a medical office building on the Holy Family Hospital campus in Spokane, Washington is a welcoming, light-filled environment that supports both the children receiving care and the clinic staff.
Accommodating up to 160 children, the design distributes classroom, group activity areas, and therapy rooms along the building’s perimeter to maximize natural light and views of the sky. Our 7,200-square-foot renovation removed existing walls and raised ceilings as much as possible while concealing the HVAC. Vibrant colors and playful murals keep the environment light and joyful. A secure outdoor courtyard will provide shaded seating, a walking path, and space for play and outdoor therapy.
Safety considerations are integrated into the environment without creating an institutional feel. Simple but vital decisions about fixtures, door hardware, bathroom sinks, and furniture are made to minimize risk of self-harm or injury, while details such as a home-like kitchenette help the clinic feel warm and familiar. Flexible furnishings in group spaces allow rooms to adapt easily to different therapy approaches—whether a session involves quiet art-making or active group discussion.
The layout also supports the well-being of the clinic’s staff. A centralized core area between the care spaces brings together therapists, teachers, and healthcare providers, fostering collaboration while allowing staff to stay visually connected to the children through openings to the care room. Adjacent private offices and respite areas give staff space to regroup after challenging moments, acknowledging the demands of behavioral health work. The clinic’s design acts as a quiet partner in care for the young children while giving staff the spaces they need to do their work effectively.
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