HHSC, UT Southwestern Medical Center Celebrate Opening of New Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas

AUSTIN -The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and UT Southwestern Medical Center hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the Texas Behavioral Health Center in Dallas.

"Texans will always believe in care for each other," Gov. Greg Abbott said. "This state-of-the-art hospital will serve as a beacon of hope for those who need quality behavioral treatment. Through this increase in accessible mental health care resources, Texans will receive the best care for generations to come."

Gov. Abbott and the Texas Legislature approved funding for the design and construction of the Texas Behavioral Health Center. Additionally, Children's Health donated funding to construct a pediatric wing.

"As lieutenant governor, I have prioritized billions of dollars in investments for our state hospital network," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. "It's the biggest investment in mental health care in Texas history. Today's ribbon-cutting ceremony in Dallas, marking the opening of the Texas Behavioral Health Center operated by UT Southwestern, reflects my ongoing commitment to ensuring Texans have access to critical mental health care across the state."

Once fully operational, the inpatient psychiatric hospital will have 292 beds, with 200 for adults and up to 92 reserved for pediatric patients. Admissions are scheduled to begin this summer.

"HHSC is thankful to Gov. Abbott and the state legislature for their ongoing commitment to building a stronger mental health care system in Texas," HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said. "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."

HHSC partnered with UT Southwestern to design and build the new facility. UT Southwestern will also operate it.

"Meeting the growing behavioral health needs of Texans requires not only greater access to care but also continued innovation in how that care is delivered," said Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., president of UT Southwestern. "The Texas Behavioral Health Center brings together comprehensive treatment services, new models of care and training across the behavioral health disciplines to support better outcomes for patients and families. UT Southwestern is honored to partner with HHSC in advancing this important resource for our state."

The 456,265-square-foot facility offers a variety of therapeutic, recreational and social spaces that prepare patients for life outside the hospital. The patient complex has a beauty salon, café, gym, greenhouse and chapel. The hospital uses natural lighting throughout patient rooms and common areas, and secure outdoor spaces support comfort, reflection and well-being.

"This dedication has been a long time coming," state Sen. Royce West said. "For the better part of the last decade or more, lawmakers, local elected officials, and community leaders from Dallas and surrounding counties have worked to make this facility a reality. With the opening of the Texas Behavioral Health Center, Dallas will now have a public state-of-the-art mental health hospital that will serve residents' needs for years to come."

Since 2017, Gov. Abbott and the Texas Legislature have invested more than $2.5 billion to replace, renovate and build state hospitals across Texas. These projects are part of a comprehensive plan to modernize facilities and expand access to inpatient psychiatric care.

"The opening of the Texas Behavioral Health Center marks a significant milestone for North Texas," state Rep. Toni Rose said. "For too long, the demand for inpatient behavioral health care has exceeded available capacity. This facility will expand access to care for children and adults, support families in crisis, and strengthen our region's health care system. I am proud to have led the effort to secure this transformative investment. Today, we celebrate a facility that will bring care, support and hope to families across North Texas."

Images and video of the Texas Behavioral Health Center are available here. For more information about state hospital construction projects throughout the state, visit the Changes to the State Hospital System page on the HHS website.