Brattleboro Retreat upgrade to grounds ready for patient use

In keeping with its longstanding philosophy of providing patients with opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding campus, the Brattleboro Retreat is proud to announce the completion of a new 2,500 square foot courtyard available to all patients who are receiving inpatient care. The Retreat currently operates six inpatient programs that serve children, adolescents, and adults.

The new space, designed and landscaped to provide the look and feel of an English garden, offers walking paths, benches, a patio, a gazebo and numerous plantings and flower beds. Twelve foot wrought iron fencing and brick masonry provide safety and security.

“This has been an idea in the making for many years here at the Retreat,” said Dr. Rob Simpson, president and chief executive officer. “It’s another example of our commitment to providing patients with fresh air, exercise, and access to nature in their process of healing from mental illness and addiction challenges.”

The project took a little more than three months to complete. The courtyard was designed by Stevens and Associates. GPI Construction was awarded the building contract.

According to Gerri Cote, vice president, Operations, said this is the first step toward a larger goal of creating a series of secure, interlocking courtyards that will allow patients safe access to the hospital’s grounds and indoor recreation areas. “Times have certainly changed in the 175 plus years since the Retreat was founded. We recognize the importance of modernizing in order to provide state-of-the-art functionality while also honoring the hospital’s architectural past and ongoing philosophy of holistic care."

The Brattleboro Retreat, founded in 1834, is a not-for-profit, regional specialty psychiatric hospital and addictions treatment center, providing a full range of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families. Recognized as a national leader in the treatment of mental illness and addiction, the Brattleboro Retreat offers a high quality, individualized, comprehensive continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient treatment. 

BRATTLEBORO, VT (Sept.17, 2012) — Retreat