Wellstone

WellStone Emergency Services: A Sanctuary for Crisis Care

I recently had the opportunity to photograph WellStone Emergency Services (WES), a transformative 24/7 care facility in Huntsville, AL, dedicated to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorder crises. With a mission rooted in the Recovery Model, WES empowers people to pursue improved health, wellness, and independence. The facility provides triage, observation, and inpatient care in a warm, retreat-like environment designed to uphold the dignity and privacy of each client.

From separate waiting areas for adults and children to trauma-informed design elements in the 23-hour observation unit and the 16-bed inpatient wing, every detail supports a healing experience. Natural finishes, calming materials, and views of tiered gardens create an atmosphere of hope and safety—making WES a powerful example of what compassionate, accessible mental healthcare can look like.

Credits:

• Architecture: Chapman Sisson Architects
• Furniture: turnerboone