Texas aims to increase access to inpatient mental healthcare via seven new state hospital projects announced by Gov. Gregg Abbott June 20.
These efforts are supported by $1.5 billion in funding approved by the state last year. The initiatives include the construction of two new psychiatric hospitals, replacement of two existing hospitals and the expansion of three other behavioral health facilities in the state. Construction on many projects is slated to start later this year.
A breakdown of the seven projects:
- Panhandle State Hospital in Amarillo will be a $159 million hospital with 75 beds.
- Lubbock Psychiatric Center will be a $121 million facility with a 50-bed maximum-security unit.
- Terrell State Hospital will receive $573 million to build a 250-bed replacement hospital.
- North Texas State Hospital–Wichita Falls will receive $452 million to build a 200-bed replacement hospital.
- Rio Grande State Center in Harlingen will undergo a $120 million expansion, adding a 50-bed maximum-security unit.
- San Antonio State Hospital will add a $15 million, 40-bed maximum-security unit.
- El Paso Psychiatric Center will receive $50 million to expand the current facility by 50 beds.
"Texas continues working to increase access to critical behavioral health treatments for Texans in every corner of our state," Mr. Abbott said in a new release. "These new state hospital projects will help ensure that Texans experiencing a mental health issue have access to mental health professionals and high-quality treatments to address their needs."