UT Southwestern Medical Center is set to operate the Texas Behavioral Health Center, the first acute care behavioral health hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This facility will begin admitting patients in summer 2025, enhancing access to mental health services in a region that has seen increasing demand.
Facility Overview and Services
Located in the Southwestern Medical District of Dallas, the new hospital spans nearly 505,000 square feet and will offer 292 beds dedicated to both adult and pediatric patients. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding inpatient psychiatric services across Texas, as outlined by the state’s Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of UT Southwestern Medical Center, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Texas has benefited greatly from the vision and commitment of our Legislature and its leaders, who have made significant investments in programs and facilities to address behavioral health needs.” He expressed UT Southwestern’s readiness to operate this state-of-the-art facility, which aims to improve patient outcomes and increase access to care.
Dr. Hicham Ibrahim, Professor of Psychiatry, will serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the hospital. He noted that the center plans to introduce innovative care models, including interventional psychiatry, which will enhance the continuum of behavioral health services available in North Texas.
Community Impact and Support
The establishment of the Texas Behavioral Health Center reflects a commitment to meeting the evolving mental health needs of the community. Dr. Kala Bailey, Interim Chief Medical Officer and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, highlighted the hospital’s role in providing comprehensive inpatient mental health services. “As the DFW population continues to grow, we will be ready to provide much-needed access,” she said. This facility aims to set a new standard for behavioral health care in the region.
Significantly, the pediatric unit of the hospital received a substantial boost from Children’s Health, which contributed $261 million to support its construction. This collaboration demonstrates a unified approach to enhancing mental health services for children and adolescents.
UT Southwestern Medical Center boasts extensive experience in delivering evidence-based, patient-centered behavioral health care across various settings. The institution integrates pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and neuromodulation treatments, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
As the Texas Behavioral Health Center prepares to begin operations, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaboration among UT Southwestern, HHSC, and community partners to achieve shared goals of improving mental health outcomes across the state. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the increasing demand for mental health services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond.
