Straith Hospital opens Michigan’s first inpatient unit for children on the autism spectrum

Because traditional emergency departments are not equipped to provide comprehensive behavioral assessments or address underlying medical and behavioral needs, families can struggle to access coordinated care that goes beyond short-term stabilization.

Now, Straith Hospital has opened Straith Behavioral Health, Michigan’s first inpatient unit especially designed for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum with significant behavioral support needs. The program aims to reduce reliance on crisis services while helping children remain closer to home and to their families.

Key takeaways

• Straith Hospital opened Straith Behavioral Health on Feb. 9, 2026, marking Michigan’s first inpatient behavioral health unit specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum.
• The 12-bed facility provides 24/7 medically integrated care, combining applied behavior analysis, psychiatric services, medical care and family support under one roof.
• The program was created to address long waitlists, emergency room reliance and out-of-state placements for children with significant behavioral support needs.

• A $19.1 million grant from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association helped make the program possible, alongside partnerships with organizations including The Autism Alliance of Michigan and several universities

A newly completed room inside the expanded facility. Photo credit/Straith Hospital

What Straith Behavioral Health offers

This 16,630-square-foot facility is especially designed to provide safe, compassionate and medically integrated care in one location. The 12-bed inpatient program offers families 24/7 support, bringing together applied behavior analysis, psychiatric services, medical care, nursing and social work under one roof. In addition to inpatient treatment, the program includes a comprehensive outpatient day program operating six to eight hours per day, five days a week, helping ensure continuity of care as children transition between levels of support.

Dr. Karoline Kenville speaks during the opening event for the new wing. Photo credit/Straith Hospital

A focus on long-term outcomes and family involvement

Dr. Karoline Kenville, executive director of Straith Behavioral Health, says the program is focused on long-term outcomes and caregiver involvement from the first day of treatment. “Our goal is to improve children’s quality of life and build meaningful, functional skills that support long-term success,” she says. “From the point of admission, our team works intentionally toward discharge – focusing on continuity of care and transition plans that support each child’s return to home, school and community settings.”

One of the multipurpose rooms included in the new wing. Photo credit/Straith Hospital

Designed for safety, stability and skill-building

On Feb. 9, 2026, Straith Behavioral Health officially opened its doors in Southfield, welcoming families to a newly constructed space designed specifically for pediatric behavioral health care. The facility offers a range of medical services, including psychological and psychiatric evaluations, medication management, feeding and nutritional support, as well as dental and pediatric care. Therapeutic services include applied behavioral analysis, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, social work services, family training and school consultation.

The environment is structured to reduce unnecessary stimulation and support safety, predictability and engagement, with specialized treatment and observation rooms that allow clinicians to assess behavior in real time and adjust care as needed. Straith Behavioral Health’s multidisciplinary team uses data-informed applied behavior analysis to better understand underlying causes of behaviors and help children build adaptive skills.

A look at one of the rooms in the new clinic space. Photo credit/Straith Hospital

Expanding access to care close to home

Brad Bescoe, CEO of Straith Hospital, says the program helps bridge gaps in Michicgan’s pediatric behavioral health system by offering families a more comprehensive level of care within the state. “We are proud to help empower families and foster an environment where children living with these challenges can thrive, reach their full potential and remain closer to home,” Bescoe shares.

The program was made possible through a $19.1 million grant from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association in 2023. Straith Behavioral Health also collaborates with partners including the Autism Alliance of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University and Rutgers University.

Families interested in learning more about admission criteria or how to apply can visit Straith Behavioral Health online for more information.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/FW09sxR