Gov. Abbott Announces New Mental Health Facility in Uvalde

UVALDE, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott unveiled plans Monday for a $34 million behavioral health campus in Uvalde aimed at offering crucial on-site care to individuals grappling with mental health crises across 32 counties in the surrounding region. Anticipated to open its doors in the summer of 2025, construction for the groundbreaking project is set to commence this summer.

"Our communities—whether urban or rural—flourish when the people of Texas feel secure and well," stated Governor Abbott. "Texas remains steadfast in its commitment to broadening the accessibility of vital mental health resources, ensuring every Texan receives the assistance they require. Last year, I signed legislation earmarking funds for the construction of an updated behavioral health campus, dedicated to bolstering support for the Uvalde community and its neighboring counties. This forthcoming facility will furnish Texans in the throes of a mental health crisis with expert care and round-the-clock treatment. I extend my gratitude to our collaborators in the Texas Legislature and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their unwavering efforts to amplify access to both crisis intervention and preventive mental health services throughout our beloved state. Together, we're forging a brighter tomorrow for all Texans."

"Extending mental health services to rural regions stands as a pivotal objective for Texas, and we express our gratitude to Governor Abbott and the Legislature for championing this campus," remarked Cecile Erwin Young, Executive Commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services.

"The impending regional facility is poised to be a cutting-edge hub for crisis intervention and outpatient care, catering to those most in need," affirmed Tod Citron, Chief Executive Officer of Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers. "We're elated to introduce these indispensable behavioral health care services to Uvalde, benefiting our rural catchment area as well as two other local mental health authorities."

The campus will house a 16-bed crisis unit for adults, featuring 10 crisis residential beds and six extended observation unit (EOU) beds. Additionally, a dedicated youth wing will accommodate a 16-bed crisis unit tailored for children and adolescents, comprising 12 crisis residential beds and four EOU beds.

Central to its mission, the regional behavioral health care campus will prioritize crisis stabilization for individuals grappling with mental health emergencies, serving as a designated 24/7 diversion center, welcoming walk-ins and drop-offs from law enforcement agencies. A secondary building will offer a spectrum of outpatient programs.

Operated by Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers under contract with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the campus' construction is under the organization's oversight. The city of Uvalde has generously allocated seven acres at U.S. 90 and King Fisher Lane as the campus site, encompassing two buildings spanning approximately 50,000 square feet.

During the 88th Legislative Session, Governor Abbott sanctioned House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 30 into law, allocating $33.6 million for the establishment of the Uvalde Behavioral Health Campus and an additional $5 million for its inaugural year of operation, fortifying critical services for those in need.

For further information on mental health resources and crisis assistance, visit MentalHealthTX.org.