Maugel Destefano Architects completes 14,000 s/f behavioral health clinic

Framingham, MA Maugel DeStefano Architects has completed a 14,000 s/f behavioral health clinic for Advocates, located at 1094 Worcester Rd. Advocates provides a broad range of services for people facing life challenges such as addiction, aging, autism, brain injury, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges. The renovated facility is now home to one of the largest outpatient behavioral health clinics in Massachusetts. 

Maugel DeStefano’s healthcare team worked closely with Advocates’ clinicians and executive team to transform an existing structure into a modern Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CBHC) that provides scheduled and urgent care services for youth and adults. The new clinic features 30 treatment rooms, an onsite lab and pharmacy, rooms for group therapy, a patient nourishment station, and ample support spaces to maximize staff efficiency.

Interviews with clinical staff conveyed the impact design has on the success of treatment. All interior spaces were designed with a calming color palette and soothing materials to create a comforting environment for patients. Maugel DeStefano partnered with Creative Office Resources to select furniture that was both safe and aesthetically pleasing.

The facility will also be home to a Community Crisis Stabilization (CCS) program that provides a safe space for patients to stay when in crisis. The program’s goal is to alleviate pressure on emergency room stays while trying to place a patient in the appropriate recovery program. The Framingham CCS unit will be open and staffed around the clock, seven days a week. Interior spaces, designed with a residential aesthetic to promote a sense of well-being, feature a kitchen, lounge area, six bedrooms, laundry services, and shower facilities.

“The dedicated professionals at Advocates provide exceptional behavioral health care and support to individuals, families, and the community,” said Nicole Kirouac, architect at Maugel DeStefano Architects. “We are grateful for the opportunity to design this exceptional behavioral health clinic and crisis stabilization unit. This new community resource will enable Advocates to expand their vital programs supporting people in need.”