Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion
There is an extraordinary need – in central Ohio and across the country – for more behavioral health services and research to help children and adolescents.
The Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion at Nationwide Children’s Hospital represents an effort to address that need. Thanks to a transformational $50 million gift from Big Lots and their Foundation, we constructed America’s largest center dedicated exclusively to child and adolescent behavioral and mental health on a pediatric medical campus.
Featuring inpatient services, intensive outpatient services, a Psychiatric Crisis Department and research all under one roof, this integrated pediatric behavioral health approach serves as a model for other health care systems across the nation.
An Inside Look at the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion
The Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion is nine stories and 386,000 square feet. It uniquely integrates acute behavioral health services with intensive outpatient programs.
It’s transformational. It’s innovative. It’s stigma-breaking.
The Pavilion prioritizes patient safety in a colorful, friendly environment for those dealing with severe behavioral health concerns. Take a look at what's included in the Pavilion below.
Patients and Families: Different services and departments will move into the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion at different times. For more information or to confirm your appointment location, please contact your provider.
Lower Floor
- Cafeteria
- Gift Shop
- Conference/Training Rooms
First Floor
- Psychiatric Crisis Department with Extended Observation Suite
- Critical Assessment and Treatment Clinic
- Sanctuary
Second Floor
Third Floor
Fifth Floor
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Ronald McDonald Family Room
- Courtyards
Seventh Floor
- Inpatient Units
Eighth Floor
- Inpatient Units
Ninth Floor
- Gym
- Outdoor Play Deck

A Look Inside: Stigma-Breaking Features
The goal of the design of the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion is to offer an experience that breaks stigmas.
The Pavilion’s look and feel mirrors that of the main hospital, offering hope, optimism and ensuring a consistent experience for patients across their care journey.
Placing the Pavilion centrally on our downtown campus speaks to Nationwide Children’s commitment to connecting mental and physical health, viewing them as equally important.
Family-centered care is a priority. Outdoor courtyards, a sanctuary and the Ronald McDonald Family Room offer respite to families.
Because exercise is important for mental health, a gym, fitness room and rooftop play deck allow patients to run and play.
Psychiatric Crisis Department
The cornerstone of the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion is the Psychiatric Crisis Department.
Featuring 24/7 psychiatric crisis care, it’s like an emergency room, but for children experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis.
Every feature of the Psychiatric Crisis Department is specifically designed to help kids in a crisis. The Psychiatric Crisis Department has an Extended Observation Suite and other features that allow ample time for assessment. This ensures the best treatment plan is identified for each patient.
Learn More
Inside the New Psychiatric Crisis Department: Messages of Support From Across America
10,000 people from across the country contributed their creativity for a mosaic mural that offers messages of hope and support to patients and families awaiting care at the Psychiatric Crisis Department.
An Unprecedented Community Commitment
The Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion was made possible through a collaborative effort with community-based providers.
We’ve come together to find innovative new ways to help meet a growing demand for behavioral health services. Collectively, our community has made great strides in expanding inpatient and outpatient services.
The Pavilion is a great leap forward, but it couldn’t have been done without the leadership and forethought of our partners.

Central Ohio Partners Joining Together to Transform Children’s Mental Health
Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)
(614) 224-1057
(614) 844-3800
(614) 882-9338
Directions for Youth & Families
(614) 294-2661
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
(614) 475-6440
Franklin County Children’s Services
(614) 229-7100
Franklin County Family and Children First Council
(614) 407-9040
(888) 522-9174
(614) 443-5454
(614) 294-5553
Integrated Services for Behavioral Health
(800) 321-8293
(614) 445-8131
Mental Health America of Franklin County
(614) 221-1441
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ohio
(800) 686-2646
National Alliance on Mental Illness for Franklin County (NAMI)
(614) 501-6264
National Youth Advocate Program
(877) 692-7226
North Community Counseling Centers
(614) 261-3196
Ohio State University Harding Hospital
(614) 293-8000
(614) 223-1650
(614) 664-3595
(614) 824-KIDS (5437)
(614) 889-5722 (Dublin)
(614) 457-7876 (Mill Run)
(740) 428-0428 (Lewis Center)
(614) 600-2708 (Northeast)
(614) 384-7798
United Methodist Children’s Home
(614) 885-5020