Tampa nonprofit plans female-staffed psychiatric hospital in Tampa

A recent patient arrived at Gracepoint, a behavioral health treatment center in Tampa, after she was assaulted by a man who broke into her home.

Another was transferred from a safe house for victims of human traffickers.

Helping patients work through trauma is part of everyday life at Gracepoint. But the nonprofit believes it can make that journey easier for some of its female patients by caring for them at an all-women staffed behavioral health hospital.

In June, the group began construction on the $16 million Mariposa Women’s Hospital on its 23-acre Tampa campus. It will serve women recovering from domestic violence, postpartum depression and other issues for those who may not be comfortable being around men.

“We have women that will come into our inpatient hospital who have experienced trauma and it’s sometimes very difficult for them to begin their healing journey in a co-ed environment,” said Susan Morgan, Gracepoint chief development and communications officer.

Treatments at the hospital will be offered regardless of ability to pay. They include psychological assessments and individual and group therapy in addition to sessions with psychiatrists and medication management. There will also be therapies such as yoga and meditation and specialized treatment for issues like depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder.

“It’s for when someone needs to be in safe setting in a hospital setting that is very secure and takes them away from nose and triggers (that occur) in everyday life,” Morgan said.

The nonprofit in June broke ground on the two-story, 32-bed hospital, which is scheduled to open next summer. Morgan said she is confident that there are sufficient numbers of qualified and experienced female doctors, nurses and support staff to make the approach work.

“It’s our goal to have it 100% staffed by women,” she said. “We’re getting calls already from women telling us they want to move there. I feel we will have success.”

The nonprofit is fundraising to cover some of the cost of the project. It is also seeking $237,5000 in support from Hillsborough County over the next four years.

The project has already received a $2 million allocation of federal funds secured by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa.

“Women have diverse needs that often require different care than men,” Castor said at the groundbreaking. “When you add in the enormous numbers of and the unfortunate cases of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, abuse over the years, women can get lost.”

Gracepoint CEO Roaya Tyson said the nonprofit has worked for 10 years to make Mariposa a reality.

“I have always believed we needed a safe place for women where they will feel seen, their voices heard and receive the care they need,” she said. “It’s the variety of treatments and the multifaceted approach that differentiates Mariposa Women’s from general psychiatric care.”