Behavioral Health in Hampton Roads

Learn more about our behavioral health unit

A behavioral health unit is a specialized hospital department that provides care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders or crisis situations. Our goal is to help stabilize symptoms, ensure safety and support recovery.

The patient population within our Behavioral Health Unit includes Adult Acute Inpatient Mental Health Patients.

Patients who may benefit include those who, are experiencing a mental health crisis, have thoughts of harming themselves or others, need medication stabilization or close monitoring or have not improved with outpatient care.

Behavioral Health RNs perform ongoing patient assessments, administer and monitor medications and use therapeutic communication and de‑escalation techniques.

Nurses collaborate closely with psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, social workers and psychoeducational specialists while maintaining a structured and therapeutic care environment.

For RN's an active RN license and BLS certification are required. CPI certification is required within 90 days of hire.

Yes. Patient safety is our top priority. Our Behavioral Health Department is a secure unit, designed with safety features and staffed by trained professionals 24/7 to provide a secure, supportive environment. Safety protocols, observation standards and team support are central to daily operations.

Prior behavioral health experience is not always required. Nurses with bedside experience from other specialties are encouraged to apply if they have an interest in mental health nursing.

Behavioral health experience is preferred but not mandatory.
We welcome both experienced behavioral health nurses and those transitioning from other specialties who have an interest in mental health and patient-centered care. Bedside RN experience is preferred, but we are always open to considering RNs with other type of experience or new grad professionals within previous healthcare experience.

New Grads with previous Behavioral Health professional experience are preferred over new grads lacking related experience. New grad acceptance is limited due to training purposes.

All new hires complete a structured orientation program with hands‑on training and one‑on‑one preceptor support. Orientation includes unit workflows, safety and observation protocols, behavioral health interventions, de‑escalation techniques and medication management and documentation.

Orientation length depends on experience level. New to practice nurses complete a 12‑week orientation, nurses new to behavioral health complete an 8‑week orientation and experienced nurses complete a 6‑week orientation.

Behavioral Health registered nurses have opportunities to advance into charge nurse and leadership roles, cross‑train within behavioral health services, participate in committees or quality initiatives and pursue psychiatric‑mental health nursing certifications.

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