GRAND Mental Health
Key Results
90% Reduction in Systems to Manage: Consolidating six access control systems and four camera platforms drastically reduced management complexity across multiple facilities.
Face Blur Processing Time Reduced from Hours to Seconds: The one-click face blur feature improved privacy compliance while freeing up time for staff.
Training Time Reduced from Days to Hours: Verkada’s unified platform cut training time, allowing staff to quickly adopt the system.
Background
GRAND Mental Health serves over 30,000 clients across 13 counties in Oklahoma, covering a vast area of more than 10,000 square miles. Backed by a team of 2,200 dedicated professionals, they are committed to delivering accessible and secure mental health services.
With a focus on innovative care, GRAND Mental Health continuously seeks out the best methods to improve the well-being of Oklahomans, addressing not just mental health but also physical, occupational, and social needs. Their mission is to provide immediate, integrated care in the least restrictive environment, treating the whole person and paving a better path to recovery.
The Challenge
“Having multiple systems was not only inefficient but also took valuable time away from our core mission,” explains Jeffrey Johnson, Director of Systems.
GRAND Mental Health faced significant challenges managing disparate security systems – including six different access control platforms and several camera systems. The training required to operate these legacy systems took valuable time away from staff, and the lack of integration across platforms added unnecessary complexity, prompting the need for a unified system.
The Solution
Verkada addressed these challenges by integrating cameras, access control, alarms, air quality sensors, and intercoms into a single cloud-based platform.
"With Verkada, the deployment was seamless. Training, which once took days, now takes a fraction of the time, allowing our staff to focus on what truly matters—providing care," said Johnson.
The intuitive Command software interface, along with features like face blur and AI-powered search, enables faster investigations and workflow optimization. This centralized approach significantly reduced the time spent managing systems, enabling staff to dedicate more energy to their mission of delivering comprehensive mental health services.
The Result
90% Reduction in Systems to Manage
By consolidating multiple systems into one, GRAND Mental Health eliminated the need to juggle multiple platforms. With Verkada’s Floorplans, staff can easily check camera status, doors, alarms, visitors, and indoor environments across locations.
"The floorplan feature allows us to see a bird’s-eye view of all buildings, immediately identifying any issues with doors, cameras, or alarms. This alone has saved us countless hours," shared Dylan Hover, System Administrator.
Face Blur Processing from Hours to Seconds
With the Face Blur feature, the team can quickly anonymize identities in footage, whether in live streams or archived video. This capability allows them to maintain client privacy while enabling quick access during critical incidents—especially important in their therapeutic environments. It has also made it easier to prepare footage for law enforcement and internal use while supporting patient confidentiality.
"We used to spend hours manually blurring faces. Now, it’s done with a click," said Hover.
Faster Training from Days to Hours
The intuitively designed Command platform has dramatically shortened the time required for staff training. While previous systems demanded days of training, new employees can now familiarize themselves with Verkada in just a few hours.
"With our old system, training could take a few days. Now, it’s done mostly within a day, and staff adapt quickly," added Johnson.
Centralizing Safety and Security Across 13 Counties
Remote Monitoring for Crisis Intervention
The hybrid cloud video security system plays a critical role in monitoring client interactions in 24/7 urgent care units and inpatient facilities. In the Brief Stay Therapeutic Home (BSTH), therapists can observe family dynamics as they happen, allowing them to adjust interventions as needed to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
"Verkada’s cameras help us monitor interactions so we can provide personalized interventions and drive more successful outcomes," noted Johnson.
Emergency Response with Alarms and Panic Buttons
Verkada’s alarm systems and panic buttons, integrated with nearby cameras, provide GRAND Mental Health with immediate visual context during critical incidents, such as patient escalations or active shooter situations.
"The ability to instantly share footage with emergency responders is invaluable. Paired with cameras, the panic buttons give us immediate visibility when it’s needed most," said Hover.
With just one click, staff can alert internal security, notify police, or trigger visual and audible warnings. Panic buttons can be mounted discreetly, while Verkada’s intrusion sensors and professional monitoring add further protection, reducing false alarms and enabling quicker, prioritized police response through video verification.
Revolutionizing Home-Based Therapy
Mobile Therapy with Cameras and Cellular Gateways
One of the most groundbreaking applications of Verkada’s technology at GRAND Mental Health is the mobile therapeutic option. This project involves the use of plug-and-play Verkada Cameras and Cellular Gateways that can be quickly assembled in clients’ homes. These setups allow therapists to remotely monitor and interact with patients in a familiar, comfortable environment.
"This is a revolutionary therapy option, new to the industry as a whole," says Hover. "The ability to guide clients through therapy in their own homes, using live video, has transformed the way we deliver care. It’s more organic and less intrusive, creating a better experience for our clients."
The cameras are strategically placed in common areas like living rooms and kitchens—spaces where family interactions naturally occur. This setup enables clinicians to observe and support therapy sessions, tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each family.
Operational Efficiency
Workplace Automation
Verkada’s Workplace suite has automated guest check-ins and mailroom management, freeing up front desk staff to focus on higher-priority tasks. With Verkada Guest for Healthcare, visitors can check in quickly and securely.
"What used to be a paper-based system is now fully automated, allowing staff to prioritize patient care," said Hover.
Simplified Credential and Access Management
The AD34 door reader enhances security at key facilities, offering features like near-field unlock. The integration of SCIM technology also streamlines employee onboarding and offboarding, automating access control updates based on personnel changes.
"Activating a badge used to take up to an hour. With Verkada, it’s almost instantaneous," said Hover.
Improved Communications and Environmental Monitoring
Intercom systems, installed in areas like the ketamine clinic and mailroom, offering two-way communication between staff and clients. Additionally, air quality sensors in server rooms help maintain the optimal environment for equipment, reducing downtime risk.
"The intercoms streamline communications, while air quality sensors prevent equipment failure by maintaining the right conditions," said Johnson.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mental Healthcare
Medication Management with Helix
GRAND Mental Health is looking to implement Verkada’s Helix integration for medication management. By syncing their Pharmacy Management System (PMS) with Verkada’s cameras, they’ll be able to track medication checkouts and create a secure audit trail. This will enable quick investigation of medication checkouts by pairing footage with data for visual context, supporting accuracy and accountability in their processes.
"We’re excited about the potential of Helix to improve how we track medications and maintain accurate records," said Johnson.
Expanding Mobile Therapeutic Options
The success of the mobile therapeutic option has opened doors to expanding its use, offering innovative care models for the future. GRAND Mental Health is eager to continue leveraging Verkada’s solutions to drive both patient care and operational efficiency.
"Verkada has transformed our security operations. We’re more efficient and better equipped to provide a safe and supportive environment for our clients. It’s a system that grows with you," concluded Rony Gadiwalla, CIO.
Insights at VerkadaOne
At VerkadaOne 2024, Jeffrey Johnson shared how Verkada’s solutions have become essential to GRAND's security strategy.
Watch the interview to learn more: