Behavioral Health Services at LECOM Medical Center & Behavioral Health Pavilion in Erie, PA
Behavioral health challenges can arise suddenly or gradually. In these moments, individuals and families deserve help that meets the moment—timely, compassionate, care delivered with dignity.
LECOM Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Pavilion provides a full range of inpatient psychiatric services for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, with 85 licensed psychiatric beds (30 for patients under age 17; 55 for patients ages 17 and older). Since opening in 2001, the Behavioral Health Pavilion has become the region’s largest inpatient provider. In 2020, LECOM Institute for Behavioral Health expanded access to outpatient psychiatric assessment and medication management for all ages. Together, these services create a coordinated system of care designed to meet behavioral health needs across the lifespan.
Distinguishing Features of LECOM Behavioral Health
Comprehensive Continuum of Care
As part of LECOM Behavioral Health, individuals have access to one of the region’s most extensive continuums of care. Patients may transition between inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services without interruption, providing consistent support and reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Specialized Units for Each Life Stage
Three dedicated inpatient units support the unique needs of:
• Children and adolescents
• Adults
• Older adults
Each unit is structured around the developmental, emotional, and clinical needs of the population it serves.
Accessible and Inclusive Environment
The Behavioral Health Pavilion was designed to support individuals of all abilities. Treatment is provided in a manner that prioritizes dignity, safety, and individualized care.
Only Regional Inpatient Behavioral Health Provider for Children and Adolescents
The Behavioral Health Pavilion is the region’s only inpatient psychiatric hospital designed and staffed to care for children and teens, offering treatment environments tailored to youth.
Evidence-Based Treatment Beyond Medication
For individuals who do not respond well to medication alone, additional evidence-based interventions—including Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—are available and delivered by experienced providers.
Clinical Expertise and Academic Excellence
LECOM Medical Center serves as a teaching hospital for medical students, residents, and fellows under the supervision of attending psychiatrists. This academic environment ensures that patient care reflects current best practices and clinical standards.
Additional Program Highlights
• Adult Partial Hospitalization Program
• Short-Term Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (pRTF) for children and adolescents
• 24/7 in-house psychiatric coverage
• Safety-enhanced treatment environment
• Coordinated physical and behavioral health evaluations in the Emergency Department
Quality of Care and Patient Experience
Every day, individuals and families come to the Behavioral Health Pavilion during some of their most difficult moments. Their feedback offers a clear picture of what care at LECOM looks and feels like:
People feel heard.
Most patients shared that staff (97%) and physicians (96%) listened carefully and addressed their needs.
Care is clearly explained.
93% reported that their care was communicated in a way they could understand.
Patients are full partners in their treatment.
Nearly all respondents felt they had a voice in their treatment planning (94%) and discharge planning (96%).
Medication education provides confidence.
96% of individuals left feeling knowledgeable about how to take their prescribed medications safely and effectively.
Therapeutic programs resonate.
Group sessions and daily activities were viewed as helpful and engaging by 91% of participants.
Families trust the care.
In a third-party Mental Health Association survey, 100% of families said they were satisfied with the care their child received, and 94% of all patients surveyed expressed satisfaction with services.
Well-being improves after treatment.
87% of individuals reported an improvement in their overall quality of life following treatment.
Together, these findings show that LECOM’s behavioral health services offer a supportive, collaborative, and understanding environment—an essential foundation for delivering help that meets the moment.
Understanding the Inpatient Experience
Individuals and families who would like to learn more about admission, treatment, and discharge planning can view a step-by-step overview here:
What Happens When Someone Is Admitted
Emergency Support
Urgent behavioral health needs can be addressed at any time through the following resources:
- LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion Emergency Room at 5515 Peach St., Erie, PA 16509: Available 24/7 for assessment
- Crisis Services: (814) 456-2014
For life-threatening situations, call 911.
For immediate emotional support through the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial 988.
Behavioral health concerns can affect anyone. When support is needed, LECOM Behavioral Health offers help that meets the moment—with specialized, compassionate care for every age, ability, and level of need.