Paradigm Treatment Austin increased its capacity from 24 to 40 beds to help meet demand for residential mental health services and also expanded its staff.
AUSTIN, Texas — A residential mental health treatment center in southwest Austin has expanded its capacity to serve more teenagers as providers work to meet demand for intensive mental health services in Central Texas.
Paradigm Treatment Austin celebrated the expansion Wednesday, marking four years at its current location and the addition of 16 beds. The center increased its capacity from 24 to 40 beds in late September. As of Wednesday morning, 36 beds were occupied.
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“We have had waitlists for 14 kids at some point when I had 24 beds, which was our big push to add more beds more rapidly,” said Dr. Veronica Vargas, Executive Director of Paradigm Treatment Austin.
The expansion also included widening the living rooms in the center’s two residential houses to give teens more room to spend time together. Staffing increased from 32 to 93 employees to provide additional support.
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, whose district includes the facility, joined Dr. Vargas in cutting the ribbon to celebrate the expansion.
“I’m really excited about this. I think it will help a lot of Texans,” Rep. Goodwin said.
Teens typically stay at Paradigm for five to six weeks, receiving intensive mental health services after trying other treatments. The program also includes family therapy once a week.
Chief Clinical Officer Dustin Wagner said the program gives teens and their families an opportunity to pause, reset and develop new ways to manage emotions.
“The goal really is to help teens reconnect with themselves, kind of slow things down, get in touch with their feelings, but then also, how do I manage those feelings in a different way through different activities, getting a break from their phones,” Wagner said.
Dr. Vargas said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing teens become more comfortable, build friendships and engage in treatment during their stay.
Wagner said the changes can be significant over the course of the program.
“They come in pretty hopeless. But from day zero, day one, to day 45, there’s a light in their eyes,” Wagner said.
Paradigm Treatment Austin currently accepts private insurance. Dr. Vargas said she hopes the center can expand to accept Medicaid in the future.
Families interested in the program can learn more and contact the center’s admissions team through the Paradigm website.