The brookline center for community mental health.
brookline, ma

The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health provides mental health services for children and adults and families. BCCMH saw an opportunity to transform a under-utilized backyard space into an space for outdoor therapy sessions within a natural environment. In only 3,000 square feet, the design deftly provides four semi-private spaces within a serene garden setting transforming a challenging site with a 7-foot elevation change, an unstable brick wall, and privacy concerns into a fully accessible green oasis.

The garden space features semi-private therapy nooks, a nook specifically for children’s sessions, a multipurpose play court used by child group therapy, and a tranquil outdoor retreat where staff can unwind and rejuvenate. Every element of the design was guided by a single goal: to support healing and well-being through thoughtful, compassionate design.

The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health is also the first local community mental health center in Massachusetts to build a designated outdoor space for mental health services, setting a new standard for innovative, nature-based mental health services in the community.

*Phase 1 of the project completed as studioMLA Architects prior to acquisition by Ashley McGraw Architects