Rethinking Behavioral Health: The Vision Behind Compass Health’s Broadway Campus Redevelopment

A New Blueprint for Behavioral Health

Everett, WA — July 31, 2025 — As the demand for behavioral health services surges nationwide, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape in Everett, Washington. Compass Health is spearheading the Marc Healing Center, a 70,000-square-foot facility designed to revolutionize the way behavioral health care is delivered by integrating treatment, housing, and support services under one roof.

For decades, behavioral health treatment has often been isolated from general medical care, leading to significant gaps in service delivery. Patients in crisis frequently find themselves in emergency rooms or jail cells, where they may wait hours for appropriate care. The Marc Healing Center aims to change that narrative by providing immediate access to trained professionals who can evaluate and direct clients to the services they need.

A System Under Strain

Behavioral health crises have long placed immense pressure on emergency services and law enforcement. First responders, while essential to public safety, often lack the specialized training to manage complex mental health or substance use issues. This disconnect can lead to tragic outcomes, with individuals in crisis receiving inadequate care.

The Marc Healing Center addresses this issue head-on. By offering specialized treatment facilities, clients can receive timely evaluations and interventions, resulting in a more effective and compassionate care experience.

Complex Care, Complex Funding

One of the significant challenges in behavioral health is the fragmentation of services based on funding sources. Programs funded by Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, or local grants often have strict limitations on who can be treated and for how long. This fragmentation forces individuals to navigate multiple locations for care, adding stress to an already challenging situation.

The Marc Healing Center is designed to combat this issue by co-locating a spectrum of services, including outpatient and inpatient care, a pharmacy, and sobering care. This integrated approach not only simplifies access but also ensures smoother transitions between different levels of care.

Designing for a Continuum of Care

Creating a facility that supports the entire continuum of behavioral health care comes with unique design challenges. The Marc Healing Center incorporates features that prioritize safety, dignity, and therapeutic environments. Inpatient units are equipped with anti-ligature features and access to natural light, while outpatient consultation rooms focus on patient comfort and privacy.

Key design elements include:

• Secure ambulance drop-off areas to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Community and staff spaces that foster interaction and support well-being.
• Integrated pharmacy services for quick medication access.
• Short-term sobering centers designed for acute distress care.

Additionally, the center is strategically located next to Andy’s Place, which provides 82 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals facing chronic behavioral health challenges. This proximity ensures that clients have access to stable housing, reducing the risk of returning to crisis situations.

Looking Ahead

The future of behavioral health care hinges on better integration and facilities designed to meet the diverse needs of clients and communities. The Marc Healing Center exemplifies how thoughtful design can reduce fragmentation, improve response times, and foster compassionate care.

As public funding increasingly supports holistic approaches to health care, the demand for comprehensive behavioral health campuses will only grow. The lessons learned from projects like the Marc Healing Center underscore the importance of prioritizing behavioral health within our healthcare infrastructure.

Adam Smith is a Senior Project Manager at BNBuilders, specializing in complex behavioral health facilities. Mark Ronish is a project executive at BNBuilders, leading initiatives across various sectors, including behavioral healthcare.