DALLAS — State officials, healthcare leaders and lawmakers gathered Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the Texas Behavioral Health Center in Dallas, a new state-funded psychiatric hospital designed to expand access to mental health care across North Texas.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and UT Southwestern Medical Center hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility, which is expected to begin admitting patients later this summer.
Governor Greg Abbott said the hospital represents a major investment in mental health services for Texans.
"Texans will always believe in care for each other," Abbott said. "This state-of-the-art hospital will serve as a beacon of hope for those who need quality behavioral treatment."
The Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott approved funding for the design and construction of the hospital. Children's Health also contributed funding to build a pediatric wing.
Once fully operational, the facility will provide 292 inpatient psychiatric beds, including 200 beds for adults and up to 92 beds dedicated to children and adolescents.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said the opening reflects years of state investment in mental health services.
"As lieutenant governor, I have prioritized billions of dollars in investments for our state hospital network," Patrick said. "It's the biggest investment in mental health care in Texas history."
The 456,265-square-foot facility was developed through a partnership between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and UT Southwestern Medical Center, which will operate the hospital.
According to officials, the hospital was designed to support both treatment and recovery. The campus includes therapeutic, recreational and social spaces, as well as a beauty salon, café, gymnasium, greenhouse and chapel. Natural lighting is incorporated throughout patient rooms and common areas, and secure outdoor spaces provide areas for reflection and wellness.
HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said the hospital reflects the state's commitment to expanding access to high-quality mental health care.
"This modern hospital reflects our commitment to putting patients and families first by expanding access to compassionate, high-quality care and creating a place where healing and recovery can begin," Muth said.
UT Southwestern President Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky said the center combines treatment, education and innovation to address the growing behavioral health needs of Texans.
Local lawmakers also praised the opening of the facility. State Sen. Royce West noted that community leaders and elected officials had worked for years to bring the project to Dallas, while State Rep. Toni Rose called the hospital a transformative investment that will provide care, support and hope for families throughout North Texas.
Since 2017, Texas has invested more than $2.5 billion in projects to replace, renovate and construct state hospitals as part of a broader effort to modernize mental health facilities and expand access to inpatient psychiatric care across the state.
Admissions at the Texas Behavioral Health Center are expected to begin later this summer.
