Lubbock is poised to welcome a new central mental health facility, as Texas officials have commenced construction this week on the $121 million Lubbock Psychiatric Center.
A new hospital is set to address a significant need for mental health services in the South Plains, aligning with the state's larger initiatives to enhance access to care in underserved and rural areas.
On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott revealed the commencement of construction, emphasizing that this initiative is a crucial move towards providing more Texans with access to quality mental health treatment in their local communities. “This new hospital will provide residents in the South Plains with top-notch care right in their community," Abbott stated.
The governor continued, "I appreciate the efforts of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in enhancing and broadening mental health services for individuals in rural areas and throughout our wonderful state.”
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) oversees the project. The 108,430-square-foot psychiatric center, once finished, will feature 50 beds within a maximum-security environment. It is situated near U.S. Highway 84 and Peach Avenue in southeast Lubbock, right next to the John T. Montford Unit.
The facility is designed to align with contemporary mental healthcare standards, incorporating elements that prioritize recovery and safety. The campus is set to feature perimeter fencing, video surveillance, alarms, and electronic monitoring, complemented by enhanced staffing levels to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the surrounding communities.
“This represents a significant commitment to enhancing the mental health framework in Texas,” stated Scott Schalchlin, Deputy Executive Commissioner for HHSC’s Health and Specialty Care System. “Individuals at the Lubbock Psychiatric Center will benefit from the necessary care within a modern, secure facility designed to support their healing process.”
Authorities have unveiled initial designs of the facility, providing the community with a first look at the appearance of the upcoming hospital.
The psychiatric center is projected to be finished by 2027, adding to recent state efforts focused on enhancing the quality and accessibility of mental health facilities in Texas.
The facility is designed to benefit not only Lubbock but also the broader West Texas area, providing essential inpatient psychiatric services in a region that has historically faced a shortage of such resources.
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