Franklin, Tenn.-based Acadia Healthcare and St. Louis-based Ascension are planning a joint venture to expand behavioral health capacity in Texas.
According to a Jan. 9 news release, the joint venture will focus on expanding Acadia's Cross Creek Hospital in Austin, Texas. Acadia plans to expand the hospital by 106 beds, for a total of 196.
Acadia will employ Ascension Seton's existing inpatient behavioral health staff at the expanded center, set to open in late 2024, according to the release. Ascension will continue to operate its inpatient pediatric mental health unit at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin.
The expanded hospital will be renamed "Cross Creek Hospital together with Ascension Seton," according to the release. It will also serve as a training site for students, residents and fellows at the University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School.
"This joint venture presents a unique opportunity for us to expand services to an existing location with a world-class partner," Chris Hunter, CEO of Acadia Healthcare, said in the release. "At the same time, the teaching component of the hospital is a commitment by both organizations to the future of behavioral healthcare and will provide the region with qualified clinicians for years to come."