October 11, 2024 in Research

by: Hannah Scott

SHIELD: Behavioral Health Solutions That Work

When it comes to behavioral health patient spaces, your rooms can’t be just okay. They need to hit safety benchmarks, hold up to the demands of everyday use and look good doing it. We also know that behavioral health is a bit of the wild west. Standards are evolving, expectations are high and everyone’s trying to figure out what really works.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone. At SHIELD, we specialize in making patient room solid surface products and storage solutions that solve these exact challenges. And we’re here to walk you through the process every step of the way, guiding you towards a solution that works for both your space and your patients.

And here's the best part: we aren't millworkers. That means you're not starting from scratch. We know this industry inside and out, and we've worked in some of the toughest healthcare environments out there - ERs, ORs and more. We've got the experience, the products and the expertise to help you create a space that works.

Safety Without Sacrifice

In behavioral health, safety isn’t just a box to tick - it’s a huge focus. When patients arrive in a state of crisis, the space needs to support both their safety and their treatment. That’s where we come in.

Our solid surface products are specifically built to keep your patients safe: ligature-resistant, cleanable and designed to withstand the roughest treatment. But this doesn’t mean you have to skimp on design. Our products combine form and function, offering you a space as sleek as it is safe.

“Patients presenting in crisis at behavioral health facilities arrive in a heightened sense of vulnerability. As stewards of the built environment, it’s our responsibility to extend comfort, safety and support to them through the design of the facility,” said Rachael Farrell, Director of Mental and Behavioral health design at HKS.

Safety is our priority, but aesthetics aren’t an afterthought.

No More Institutional Spaces

Nobody wants to step into a room that feels cold and clinical. We believe design plays a key role in patient recovery - and that means creating spaces that feel like they were meant for people.

Designers are always chasing that perfect balance between comfort and durability, and our products bridge that gap. We give you a modern, professional look without compromising the strength needed to withstand everyday use. When patients feel at ease in their environment, care flows smoother, which is a win for everyone. 

“We’re trying to develop a residential-looking familiarity,” says David Vincent, Studio Practice leader at HKS. “For people staying as inpatients, the home environment is the best we can try to give them.”

Durability That Doesn't Quit

We know that in behavioral health, the demands can be relentless. You need patient room pieces that can handle wear and tear without losing their shine.

Our solid surface products are built for durability. Scuffs and scratches? A breeze to repair. These surfaces are made to last, which means you won’t be dealing with constant replacements. For healthcare teams, this translates to less maintenance and more time focusing on the people who matter - your patients. For designers, it means adding long-term value to a facility.

“If we can convey to the client that they’re getting other problems solved with our products - like long-term durability - the value becomes crystal clear,” Vincent adds.

Consistency & Scalability

Designing a handful of rooms is one thing - designing entire wings is a whole different beast. Thankfully, with SHIELD consistency doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Our process gets you repeatable, scalable solutions that ensure your entire facility stays cohesive, no matter how many rooms you’re outfitting. Our products are ready to go across multiple spaces, without sacrificing the look or function. This keeps the flow seamless for both staff and patients, while making life a lot easier for you as a designer.

“We’re always aiming for a process where prefab can offer ease of replication and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality,” says Farrell.

You're Not Starting From Scratch

You’re busy. Whether you’re designing the space or working in it, starting from zero isn’t an option. That’s why working with SHIELD means not having to reinvent the wheel.

Unlike millworkers, we’ve been building solutions specifically for healthcare for years. We’re not just here to slap together some pieces - we’re here to create products that fit the unique challenges of healthcare spaces. We know the pain points, and we’ve already solved them. Let’s get you the solution you need, faster and with fewer headaches.

The Future of Behavioral Health

Behavioral health spaces are setting the standard for future healthcare design, with an emphasis on comfort, safety and smart functionality. At SHIELD, we’re not just following trends - we’re leading the charge with products that solve real problems, and we’re always on step ahead of what’s coming next.

Whether it’s ensuring durability, scalability or providing solutions that feel as good as they look, we’re ready to help you create the next generation of behavioral health spaces. So, let’s build something that lasts.

Ready to start? Let’s make something great together.

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