Grand Rapids Gets First Pediatric Behavioral Health Facility of Its Kind

GAINES CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. - A $50 million Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health operated by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services began accepting patients Monday, March 23, bringing 66 inpatient beds and Michigan's first pediatric psychiatric urgent care center to the Grand Rapids area.

The 136,000-square-foot facility on Pine Rest's campus in Cutlerville represents a major expansion of specialized behavioral health care for children and adolescents in Kent County.

"This is a real exciting event, to be able to show the community ... just what we together have built for our kids, our friends, our family, our neighbors and kids that we love," said Dr. Mark Eastburg, president and CEO of Pine Rest.

The center offers comprehensive services including specialty outpatient care for approximately 10,000 children annually struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse, and autism spectrum disorders. The facility features a playful, treehouse-style design intended to create a non-institutional environment where children and teens feel safe, supported, and welcomed.

Pediatric Urgent Care Addresses Critical Gap in Mental Health Services

The facility includes the state's first pediatric-specific psychiatric urgent care center, designed to reduce emergency department boarding and provide faster access to behavioral health crisis care for families.

Kelly Newland serves as clinical services manager of the urgent care portion of the facility.

"We offer a safe place for families and patients to come and be evaluated for any behavioral health crisis," said Newland. "We do a clinic needs assessment here. We offer same-day psychiatry appointments. And then, we also offer follow-ups to help bridge any gaps in care. Because, a lot of times, there are long waits to get into psychiatry or get into testing."

The urgent care model provides same-day psychiatric appointments and follow-up services designed to prevent patients from falling through the cracks of Michigan's behavioral health system.

Treehouse Design Creates Welcoming Environment for Kids and Families

The center's innovative design aims to make children and adolescents feel comfortable during what can often be a frightening experience - seeking mental health treatment. The treehouse-inspired architecture includes therapeutic elements like therapy dogs.

Dr. Gretchen Johnson serves as chief nurse and vice president of the hospital. She was accompanied by Marry Puppins, one of several therapy dogs that made appearances during the center's recent community open house.

"Animals are so therapeutic and you can really see people calm down and enjoying be able to pet a dog as a relaxing part of their day," said Johnson. "Sometimes, it's a nice reminder of home."

Family Room Provides Rest and Relaxation Space

In addition to the clinical services, Pine Rest partnered with Ronald McDonald House West Michigan to create a 1,000-square-foot Family Room designed specifically for parents and caregivers.

"I think everybody who has a child here needs a place of their own to kind of rest and relax, and kind of de-stress, and I think this room will help them do that," said Brandi Van Leeuwen, a member of the Ronald McDonald House West Michigan board of directors.

The Family Room features soft seating, work stations, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The space is designed with neutral colors and comfortable furnishings to feel more like home than a healthcare facility.

"Everything about this room should feel comforting," said Salina Bishop, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House West Michigan. "You have those neutral colors that feel soft and just balanced. And the kitchen is just one of those focal points, too, that should feel like you're in a home, not in a healthcare setting."

Bishop noted that while families don't always need overnight accommodations, they often need a place to land during long hours waiting for appointments or treatment.

"So, this could be a room for them to rest, relax, maybe shoot off a couple work emails, what have you," said Bishop.

Community Welcome and Grand Opening Event

The facility officially opened its doors to the public during a community open house on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event drew significant community turnout with families, neighbors, and friends exploring the new center.

"Families smiling and appreciating this space and welcoming it in for everyone," said Dr. Heidi Rollings, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Pine Rest.

The open house featured activities including arts and crafts, face painting, animal yoga, and healthy snack making. The building's treehouse design includes a scavenger hunt adventure that kept children and families engaged throughout the morning.

"Seeing families walk through the halls - laughing, learning, and imagining the possibilities - was a powerful reminder of why this work matters," said Pine Rest communications.

Funding and Partnerships Bring Project to Reality

The project represents a collaboration between the public sector and philanthropic organizations. Gaines Charter Township officials approved the project approximately two years ago, while Corewell Health's Helen DeVos Children's Hospital partnered with Pine Rest to develop the facility.

The David & Carol Van Andel Family Foundation donated $8 million for the pediatric center, while state funds covered more than $50 million in startup costs.

"And have an opportunity to see the center that was designed with them, for them. And really give them the opportunity to experience it in a positive light and share with others," said Heather Treib, corporate director at Pine Rest.

Part of Broader Michigan Mental Health Capacity Expansion

This opening comes as Michigan continues to expand behavioral health capacity across the state. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state health officials have been promoting increased access to mental health services.

The state has also announced plans for a $383 million Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital in Northville Township, which will add 54 beds for adults and youth when it opens later this year.

"I'm committed to expanding access to quality, affordable health care across Michigan," said Governor Whitmer. "Let's keep having their backs and working together to build a bright future for Michigan."

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel toured the upcoming Southeast Michigan facility this week.

"The increased capacity of this modern facility expands access to quality, compassionate care for more children and adults," said Hertel. "It is part of our continued efforts to ensure access to behavioral health care for Michigan families when they need it, where they need it and at the level of care they need."

Addressing Michigan's Behavioral Health Crisis

State lawmakers determined last year that Michigan's behavioral health care system is "horribly underserved" after consulting with mental health care providers, impacted families, and law enforcement personnel. Despite this recognition, a state subcommittee has yet to release a comprehensive report on recommendations for reform.

Rachel Cuschieri-Murray is a mental health advocate who helps parents navigate care for their children.

"Nobody's getting it right anywhere in the state," said Cuschieri-Murray. "Parents have to get scrappy."

While the new Pine Rest facility represents an important step forward, advocates continue to call for comprehensive reform of the state's mental health system.

Accepting Patients Starting Monday

The Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health began accepting patients on Monday, March 23, with the urgent care portion offering same-day psychiatric evaluations and treatment. The 66 inpatient beds provide additional capacity for children and adolescents requiring intensive residential treatment.

The facility will serve as a critical resource for Kent County families seeking specialized behavioral health care for their children and teens, addressing a significant gap in the region's mental health service delivery system.