Children’s Nebraska Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

FACILITY

Children's Nebraska Mental Health & Wellness Center | Omaha, NE

DESIGNERS

HDR

human eXperience

Shield Casework

MANUFACTURER

Shield Casework

CONTRACTOR

Kiewit

COMPLETION DATE

2025

SCOPE

42 Solid Surface Typical Pediatric Patient Room Suites

6 Solid Surface ADA Pediatric Patient Room Suites

About this project

The Children’s Nebraska Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, designed by HDR, redefines pediatric mental health environments through a purpose-built, human-centered architectural approach. Rather than adopting a traditional institutional model, HDR organized the facility into smaller, residentially scaled volumes that create a welcoming and non-threatening presence. The architecture prioritizes clarity, safety, and normalization—integrating ligature-resistant features, controlled sightlines, and durable materials seamlessly into a warm, nature-inspired design language. Strategic site planning separates patient populations while incorporating landscaped courtyards and abundant daylight, reinforcing a connection to nature as part of the therapeutic experience.

Inside, HDR’s design emphasizes intuitive spatial organization and emotional comfort. Decentralized care units function as small “neighborhoods,” reducing stress and improving staff-patient interaction, while patient rooms balance safety with privacy, daylight, and a sense of control. A variety of therapeutic, social, and quiet spaces support different modes of care, acknowledging that recovery is not linear. Wayfinding is embedded through simple circulation and subtle visual cues, minimizing cognitive overload. Collectively, the architecture supports both patients and caregivers, positioning the building itself as an active contributor to healing, dignity, and long-term behavioral health outcomes.

Behavioral health patient room design

In 2024, Shield Casework was selected to manufacture the custom pediatric behavioral health patient room furniture suites for Nebraska Children's. With an intent focus on durability, cleanability, and holistic care, Shield designed its products using acrylic solid surface.

The suite of furniture includes: bed, bench, desk, wardrobe cabinet, windowsill and wall panels.  Features include: full acrylic solid surface construction, lifetime warranty, roundover edges, thermoformed radius corners on bed, integral rib structure for added strength, excess material length account for one-site scribing, and access panels with tamper-resistant screws. 

In total, 48 behavioral health patient room furniture suites were delivered to Nebraska Children's Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, bringing holistic design to the patients who need it most.