A group of freestanding behavioral health systems have formed the Texas Association of Behavioral Health Systems.
The organization's mission is to help Texas lawmakers improve access to care in the state, including increasing Medicaid rates for freestanding psychiatric facilities and expanding the outpatient mental health services available through Medicaid, according to a July 16 news release.
The founding members of the association include Franklin, Tenn.-based Acadia Healthcare, Plano, Texas-based Oceans Healthcare, Brentwood, Tenn.-based Lifepoint Health, Corona, Calif.-based Signature Healthcare Services, Red Bank, N.J.-based SUN Behavioral Health, Franklin, Tenn.-based Summit BHC, Harlingen, Texas-based Palm Behavioral Health and King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services.
The companies operate more than 65 freestanding behavioral health centers in Texas according to the release.
Texas was ranked last in access to mental health services in the U.S. by Mental Health America in 2023.
The state recently announced $1.5 billion in funding to build new psychiatric units, and expand existing facilities.