UT Southwestern Medical Center is set to open the first state acute care behavioral health hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, known as the Texas Behavioral Health Center. The facility will begin accepting patients in summer 2026, marking a significant expansion in mental health services for the region.
In partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), UT Southwestern has led the planning, design, and construction of the 505,000-square-foot hospital. This initiative is part of Texas’s broader strategy to enhance inpatient psychiatric services across the state. Following comprehensive discussions at the state level, UT Southwestern has been selected to operate this innovative facility.
“Texas has benefited greatly from the vision and commitment of our Legislature and its leaders, who have made significant investments in programs and facilities across the state to address behavioral health needs,” stated Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern Medical Center. He emphasized that the collaboration between UT Southwestern, HHSC, and community stakeholders aims to improve access to care and patient outcomes statewide.
Facility Details and Services
When fully operational, the Texas Behavioral Health Center will provide 292 beds, accommodating both civil and forensic patients, including adults and children. Hicham Ibrahim, M.D., M.B.A., who will serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the state hospital, noted plans to introduce innovative care models over time, such as interventional psychiatry. These new services are intended to expand access and improve outcomes for patients across North Texas and the broader state.
UT Southwestern’s extensive experience in behavioral health care is a critical asset for the new facility. The institution’s faculty and care teams already deliver evidence-based, patient-centered behavioral health services across various hospital systems. By integrating pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and neuromodulation treatments, the center aims to address the specialized medical needs of its patient population effectively.
The new center will be strategically located in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District, at the intersection of Medical District Drive and Harry Hines Boulevard. It is situated near several major hospitals, including William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Parkland Memorial Hospital, and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Notably, Children’s Health has contributed $261 million to support the construction of the pediatric unit, which will operate alongside the adult units.
Community Impact and Future Goals
“This new hospital will allow us to respond to the evolving mental health needs of our community,” said Kala Bailey, M.D., M.B.A., Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs of Psychiatry. She will also serve as the Interim Chief Medical Officer for the new center. Dr. Bailey highlighted the importance of being prepared to provide comprehensive, inpatient mental health services as the population of the DFW area continues to grow.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is recognized as one of the nation’s leading academic medical institutions. Its faculty members have received six Nobel Prizes and include numerous members of prestigious scientific organizations. With a full-time faculty exceeding 3,200, UT Southwestern is dedicated to translating research into clinical practice, ensuring high-quality care for more than 140,000 hospitalized patients and overseeing nearly 5.1 million outpatient visits annually.
The opening of the Texas Behavioral Health Center represents a crucial step forward in addressing the mental health needs of the Dallas-Fort Worth community. By leveraging its extensive experience and resources, UT Southwestern is poised to set a new standard in behavioral health care, ultimately improving the lives of many Texans.
