University of Evansville

To address crucial mental health challenges in the community, the University of Evansville set out to transform an outdated bank building near campus into the UE Mental Health & Wellness Clinic and Emily M. Young Assessment Center. The clinic provides a variety of mental health services – such as psychotherapy, children’s play therapy, and assessments – to the greater Evansville community and is also a training site for University of Evansville students pursing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and those training to become physician assistants.

The design challenge centered on preserving the building’s original aesthetic while reimagining it as a modern wellness clinic. The exterior renovation involved replacing doors and windows, modifying the overhang and updating the building's façade with sleek, metal panels and accent canopies. The former bank’s drive-through lanes and signage were removed. The parking layout was redesigned to include a wider sidewalk, additional landscaping, and enhanced separation from the bustling street, improving both functionality and visual appeal.

Inside, the focus was on maximizing space to create a welcoming, therapeutic environment. The narrow, dated floor plan was transformed into an efficient layout featuring eight therapy rooms, two assessment rooms, a group therapy space, a children’s therapy room, and staff offices. Careful attention was paid to balancing functionality with comfort. Using the university’s branding colors and natural materials like wood and concrete, the design team created an inviting interior that feels both professional and warm.

The clinic’s design successfully combines aesthetic appeal with practicality, creating a space that fosters healing and growth. Large windows bring in natural light, while streamlined finishes and simple furnishings promote calmness and focus. Every detail, from the layout to the materials, was chosen to support the clinic’s purpose as a place of care and connection.

Since opening, the clinic has already become a trusted mental health resource and is also inspiring future generations of practitioners.