Phoenix VA inpatient mental healthcare unit opening today

An exclusive tour inside Phoenix VA inpatient mental healthcare unit

ABC 15 News
By: Sonu Wasu
Jan 13, 2020

"Patients might come here if God forbid, they don't want to live. They might want to try and take their life or if some of their conditions are acting up so they can't function in society," said Dr. McCarthy.

PHOENIX — The Phoenix VA is getting ready to unveil its newly renovated in-patient mental healthcare unit on Tuesday at noon.

A Veterans Affairs Department spokeswoman said the facility spent $1.27 million dollars to give the facility a facelift.

The changes highlight security features to keep veterans safe from harming themselves or others around them, but it's also meant to address the stigma surrounding mental healthcare.

Dr. Maureen McCarthy, the chief of staff at the Phoenix VA said the facility looked very "institutionalized" before. The new changes will make the facility feel more "homey" while addressing safety issues involving veterans who may be considered at risk for harming themselves.

The in-patient mental health care unit which houses 48 beds is in a highly secure section of the building, accessible through multiple locked doors.
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