AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — The Panhandle State Hospital had its final steel beam placed this week, marking a pivotal construction milestone for the region’s first state-sanctioned inpatient mental health hospital.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced the hospital’s completion progress on Friday, saying the $159 million facility is expected to be finished by fall 2027.
This hospital is meant to provide inpatient psychiatric care for the Texas Panhandle’s 26-county region. It will have 75 beds, 50 of which must be forensic beds for people involved in the Texas criminal justice system.
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HHSC said the 164,475-square-foot facility will feature “state-of-the-art therapeutic spaces,” noting it will include outdoor areas and natural light throughout the building.
The hospital expects to employ 360 full-time staff, with hiring projected to start next summer.
“The completion of this phase of the project marks a pivotal achievement in ensuring Texans have access to the mental health resources they deserve,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide patients with a dedicated space to receive top-notch care from trusted providers.”