Riley Children’s Health opens Medical-Behavioral Unit, Indiana’s first pediatric med-psych unit

Riley Children’s Health will soon open the doors to its Medical-Behavioral Health Unit, Indiana’s first pediatric medical-psychiatric unit and among the first in the nation. The new unit was supported by generous donors to Riley Children’s Foundation through the Every Child Deserves Riley campaign, which has identified behavioral health as one of its highest priorities.

“Every child deserves access to the specialized, compassionate care they need to heal and thrive,” Riley Children’s Health President David Biggerstaff said. “This innovative space expands access to comprehensive behavioral health services for youth across Indiana, ensuring more young people with complex medical and mental health needs can receive coordinated, expert care close to home.”

Physician Leslie Hulvershorn and Department Chair Doug Graham. (Photo courtesy Riley Children’s Foundation)

Expanding access to specialized care for children, the 11-bed unit is expected to serve approximately 325 patients each year, providing nutritional rehabilitation for severe eating disorders, medical stabilization, and support for patients with conditions that require both medical and behavioral health care. Designed to promote healing beyond clinical treatment, the unit includes dedicated spaces such as a classroom, sensory room, recreation room, and Shuman Commons for arts therapy, helping create a more comprehensive patient experience.

Administrative Director Rachael Fisher. (Photo courtesy Riley Children’s Foundation)

Generous donor support through Riley Children’s Foundation has made many of these spaces possible, reflecting the community’s strong commitment to advancing pediatric behavioral health care as a key priority for Riley. This physical facility complements Riley’s existing Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health program, which reaches more than 80,000 children and adolescents across 81 primary care practices across Indiana.

“This unit is a powerful reflection of what our community can make possible,” Riley Children’s Foundation President Courtney Roberts said. “We are incredibly proud that donor support is helping provide children a safe, welcoming place to receive comprehensive care.”

According to a NAMI study, 74,000 Indiana adolescents have serious thoughts of suicide each year, and 114,000 Indiana adolescents experience a major depressive episode each year. Riley’s new Behavioral Health Unit will provide timely resources and access to care, while simultaneously curbing emergency department visits for mental health crises and providing wraparound services to patients and their families.

Photo courtesy Riley Children’s Foundation