Texas to begin construction on 7 new psychiatric hospital projects this year [Video]

Texas will begin building seven new state psychiatric hospital projects this year as it continues to attempt to address the mental health crisis.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission projects are funded by $1.5 billion, which lawmakers approved in 2023 to expand, renovate, and build new facilities across the state. The agency owns and operates nine state hospitals and one residential treatment center for youth.

Gov. Greg Abbott detailed the plans in a press release Thursday.

“Last year, I signed a law to provide crucial funding to expand and build new, modern mental health facilities throughout Texas,” Abbott said. “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.”

A majority of these funds will be used to construct the new Panhandle State Hospital in Amarillo and the Lubbock Psychiatric Center, as well as a 250-bed replacement …