Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health

The Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, located in scenic Monterey, California, redefines the approach to outpatient care with a unique, family-centered philosophy. Owned by Montage Health and inaugurated in November 2023, this 55,600-square-foot campus embodies innovation in both design and patient care, focusing on a connection to nature and a sense of community well-being.

Design Vision: Montage Health envisioned a space that would go beyond the typical healthcare facility, blending architecture with the natural landscape. With curving glass walls, mass timber elements, terraces, aromatic gardens, and winding paths, the Ohana Center promotes an immersive connection with nature. The Hawaiian term “Ohana,” meaning “extended family,” reflects the center’s commitment to inclusion and support for families, inviting all to feel comfortable, connected, and curious within the space.

Purposeful Transparency: The center’s architecture is designed with intentional transparency to encourage openness and authenticity. Rather than concealing structural elements, the facility embraces the natural expression of its materials. Timber ceilings and columns remain exposed, reinforcing the values of transparency and honesty in both design and therapeutic practice. The straightforward, uncluttered design aims to remove any sense of stigma, providing a welcoming environment for children, adolescents, and their families.

Lighting by Kirlin: Kirlin’s LRC-06VND fixtures were selected for patient rooms and other critical spaces, offering reliable, clean illumination that complements the architectural beauty of hard lid and wood ceilings. The fixtures deliver secure, soft lighting, enhancing the center’s serene atmosphere and providing safety and visibility without disrupting the natural aesthetic.

The Ohana Center exemplifies how thoughtful design and quality lighting can transform healthcare spaces into environments that foster healing, openness, and community.

Photo Credit: Ty Cole