Texas Health Commission Unveils $305 Million Replacement Hospital in Austin State Hospital
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission celebrated the grand opening of a new $305 million replacement hospital at Austin State Hospital. Serving over 75 counties in Central Texas, the hospital focuses on stabilizing acute psychiatric illnesses for patients who then transition to community-based care.
“Texas continues working to increase access to behavioral health treatment for citizens across the state,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “This new facility will provide innovative inpatient psychiatric care that will improve the quality of behavioral health care in the greater Austin area. This grand opening connects the history of the oldest state hospital to our state’s future through renovations that ensure Austin State Hospital continues to serve Texans for generations to come.”
The modern 381,687-square-foot facility features 240 single-person rooms prioritizing privacy and security, with common areas and outdoor spaces promoting recovery.
“HHSC is very excited about the new opportunities this state-of-the-art facility will bring,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young. “Staff will be able to provide compassionate inpatient psychiatric treatment in a modern facility that matches their innovative practices.”
Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin collaborated on the project, with input from over 100 mental health advocates and organizations.
“Today marks an impactful step forward in our collaborative efforts to transform mental health care for Central Texans most in need,” said Claudia Lucchinetti, M.D., dean of Dell Medical School and senior vice president for medical affairs at UT Austin. “It is a privilege to be part of this collaboration of community partners to design and build an environment that enables comprehensive, person-centered care for patients in Austin and beyond.”
Since 2017, Texas leaders have invested more than $2.5 billion to replace, renovate and rebuild state hospitals across the state. In April, HHSC hosted a grand opening for the San Antonio State Hospital. In addition, construction is complete at Kerrville and Rusk state hospitals and the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center recently celebrated its two year anniversary.
Austin State Hospital has been in operation since 1861 and is the oldest psychiatric hospital in Texas. Construction on the new facility began in October 2019.
