To address the rapidly growing need for mental health services across South Central Pennsylvania, WellSpan Health, the region’s most comprehensive behavioral health organization, today celebrated the completion of expansion renovations to WellSpan Philhaven – Mt. Gretna’s Inpatient Unit that will increase the number of patients able to receive care at the more than 200-acre main campus. A ribbon cutting, open house and recruitment fair were held to allow members of the community to see the newly renovated space and learn more about the care provided, as well as opportunities for employment at the facility.
“Since opening its doors 70 years ago, WellSpan Philhaven has been committed to providing our community with access to high-quality behavioral healthcare,” said Dr. Shannon Gordon, vice president, WellSpan Behavioral Health. “Our goal is to ensure that same quality of care is here for our community well into the future. This newly renovated space will enhance the experience of our patients and allow our care team to provide mental health treatment to more residents close to home here in South Central Pennsylvania.”
Roughly $7 million was invested in the renovations, which include expanding the adult inpatient unit and relocating some outpatient offices at the campus. The project expands capacity at the hospital by 22 inpatient beds, bringing the total number of beds at WellSpan Philhaven – Mt. Gretna to 140.
The campus added 15 beds during the last expansion in 2019. Over the past three years, WellSpan has expanded the number of inpatient beds at Mt. Gretna by almost 40 percent. This latest renovation is part of a $30 million commitment that also includes behavioral health services renovations at the WellSpan York Hospital campus in York County.
“Over the years, we at WellSpan Health have seen firsthand the need to expand access to behavioral health care, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Kenneth Rogers, vice president and chief medical officer, WellSpan Behavioral Health. “In 2022, WellSpan saw a 30 percent increase in behavioral health patients compared to 2021. That is why we have and will continue to invest into growing and expanding our behavioral health services.”
More than 20 programs and services are available to adult, pediatric, and adolescent patients at the Mt. Gretna campus. WellSpan’s Behavioral Health team helps patients address mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and more. The rural setting of the facility includes walking trails nestled within a picturesque forest, and is adjacent to an operating farm to instill a calming experience for patients. To learn more about WellSpan Philhaven – Mt. Gretna, click here.
“Every year, WellSpan Behavioral Health services across the region serve 64,000 patients with behavioral health needs across WellSpan’s six counties,” said Mantha Kotsalos, vice president, inpatient services, WellSpan Behavioral Health. “These investments will allow us to continue to provide high quality mental health treatment to more patients here in South Central Pennsylvania.”
To help provide Behavioral Health services and meet growing needs, WellSpan Health has open positions for professionals to join our team. Opportunities are available in various settings and locations across WellSpan’s service area. To learn more about opportunities to join the WellSpan team, visit joinwellspan.org/behavioral-health.
