New technologies, incorporating families, innovative models and trauma-informed care will be some of the trends shaping youth behavioral health in 2025, according to Jim Serratt, CEO of Parkside Psychiatric Hospital and Clinic.
Based in Tulsa, Okla., Parkside Psychiatric Hospital provides inpatient care for youth between ages 5 and 17, and a young adult inpatient program for individuals up to age 30. The system also offers outpatient treatments.
Mr. Serratt sat down with Becker's to explain the top challenges and opportunities for youth mental healthcare in 2025.
1. Integrating technology into care
Incorporating innovative technologies into care will be a top priority for behavioral health leaders in 2025, Mr. Serratt said. At Parkside, the hospital is using telehealth to conduct family therapy sessions, and could eventually use telehealth platforms to provide patients with specialist consultants from around the country, Mr. Serratt said.
Wearable technology for patient monitoring and AI-assisted documentation are other areas of opportunity for the year, he said.
"My feeling is that in behavioral health, we'll figure out a way to monitor patients closer with less physical intervention," Mr. Serratt said.
3. A move toward trauma-informed care
In 2025, behavioral health providers will place more emphasis on trauma-informed care models, Mr. Serratt said.
Hospitals will look to innovate their care environments, adding elements like natural light and greenery designed to reduce stress. Parkside is working to develop a nutritional healing program to complement each patient's treatment, he said.
"I believe we'll integrate that more into inpatient settings where we can emphasize things like safety, trust and empowerment for our young patients. We get them for such a short period of time, so it's important to set those standards in the outpatient environment.
At Parkside, the hospital is also focused on adding cultural competence training to better serve patients and reducing disparities to access.
Family-centered care will be another top trend for the year, he said.
"It's going to be pushed by insurance companies, as well as states, I believe, simply because there's more money coming through the federal government into schools. Schools have to be one of our gateways when we talk about inpatient care," he said.
3. Workforce challenges and opportunities
Provider shortages that have plagued behavioral health won't be disappearing in 2025.
Parkside has focused on partnerships with academic institutions and ensuring professionals are able to use the full scope of their license — but the most effective workforce solution has been investing in benefits for employees, Mr. Serratt said.
"We've got to show [employees] how much we care about them," he said. "Without them, we don't have a business, and we can't take care of people unless we have people to do that. I'm hoping that's a trend in 2025 that really comes to the forefront."