The KidsPeace Psychiatric Hospital has recently opened a new 16-bed unit at its Orefield campus, Lehigh Co.

The unit opened in mid-January to help care for children and adolescents suffering from acute psychiatric conditions.

“KidsPeace Hospital is a leader in providing the highest quality evidence based services for area and regional children. The decision to expand the hospital was done out of need. With the increasing number of clients, this expansion project extends our reach to more children, adolescents, and families in crisis” says Dr. C.J. Davis, executive director of hospital services.

Davis joined KidsPeace in June of 2011. He brings 10 years of senior management experience in a variety of behavioral healthcare settings.

The new hospital unit has increased the number of beds available from 80 to 96 and created 20 new jobs in the Lehigh Valley.

The KidsPeace Psychiatric Hospital is one of the largest free-standing child and adolescent psychiatric hospitals in the United States.

KidsPeace says this one-of-a kind facility is dedicated solely to addressing and healing the unique mental and behavioral health care needs of kids and young adults experiencing severe crises.