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
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.
A focus on long-term outcomes and family involvement…