Construction has begun on a new building for Terrell State Hospital, which will provide inpatient psychiatric care to North Texans. HHSC held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the 415,000-square-foot replacement hospital, which is slated for completion in late 2027.

Current Status

In an effort to boost psychiatry and mental health services in North Texas, Governor Greg Abbott announced yesterday (Aug. 28) the start of construction on a new Terrell State Hospital building. This milestone was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

State Dedicated to Mental health services

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Legislature provided $573 million in funding for a new hospital, targeting systemic issues driving up demand. Governor Greg Abbott said, “This groundbreaking ceremony for the new state hospital in Terrell is a step forward in Texas’ ongoing efforts to expand and modernize state facilities that offer behavioral health treatment to Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Since 2017, Texas has provided more than $2.5 billion to build, renovate, and improve our state hospitals to ensure that Texans in every corner of our state have access to the quality inpatient psychiatric care they deserve. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their work on this new hospital as one of seven projects to provide better behavioral health services to those in need.”

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New Terrell State Hospital Building Has Unique Designs and Features

The new Terrell State Hospital will provide the most improved psychiatric care available in this part of Texas. The new hospital will have 250 beds: 165 non-maximum-security, 50 maximum-security, and 35 adolescent. Adult and adolescent patients will have separate living areas, and the maximum-security unit will include strict security measures to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the community.

Design of the hospital focuses on safety, secure storage and patient-centered care. Adult and adolescent patients will be housed in separate living areas to cater to their specific needs, while the maximum-security unit will implement rigorous security measures to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.

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Advanced Therapeutic Habitat

The hospital will have modern therapeutic spaces that employs evidence-based treatment practices. The patient rooms will be single-occupancy to maintain balance and security. While natural light is also supposed to help create a healing environment throughout the facility. The common activity spaces and outdoor courtyards would offer patients areas for socialization or recreation that are key to the return of health.

Commitment to Local Care

Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young talked about the mental health needs facing North Texans, saying this new facility will help address them. “Texans are better served when they have access to health care closer to home, and that is why state leaders and HHSC have invested in facilities like the Terrell State Hospital,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young. “When completed, this hospital will offer hope, healing, and recovery for some of the most vulnerable people in North Texas.”

A Legacy of Service

For almost 140 years, Terrell State Hospital has been operating in Texas as one of the primary providers for psychiatric services. The hospital first opened in July 1885 after the 18th Texas Legislature passed a bill calling for the establishment of a psychiatric hospital in North Texas. The hospital serves 31 counties. This institution has been providing high priority mental health and outpatient therapy services to the community for years.

Statewide Initiative for Mental Health Infrastructure

The Terrell State Hospital project is part of a larger statewide initiative to revamp Texas’ mental health infrastructure. Since 2017, Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature have allocated over $2.5 billion to replace, renovate, or expand state hospitals across Texas. Construction is also underway for the Texas Behavioral Health Center at UT Southwestern in Dallas. With recent grand openings held for replacement state hospitals in Austin and San Antonio. Upcoming projects include a new hospital in Wichita Falls, which broke ground in September, and additional facilities planned for Amarillo and Lubbock later this year.

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Project Factsheet

Facility: New Terrell State Hospital Building

Facility Size: 415,000 square feet

Location: Terrell, North Texas, USA

Completion Date: Expected in late 2027

Developer: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and State Government

Capacity: 250 beds

• Non-Maximum Security Beds: 165
• Maximum Security Beds: 50
• Adolescent Beds: 35

Funding: $573 million

Note:

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