On Tuesday, September 24, the Smith County Commissioners Court voted to approve the allocation of $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. This funding will support the renovation of the former behavioral health center located at 4101 University Blvd., transforming it into a licensed behavioral health hospital equipped with new inpatient beds.
The approved beneficiary agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing mental health services in Smith County. The renovated facility is expected to increase the availability of both inpatient and outpatient programs for mental health crisis care.
“I am extremely excited to see this project moving forward,” said Smith County Judge Neal Franklin. “What began as a simple conversation about the need for improved mental health service delivery in Smith County has now developed into a partnership between Smith County and the UT Health System. The beneficiary agreement we approved today represents $4 million of ARPA funding to remodel the 7-bed Behavioral Health Center located adjacent to the UT Tyler campus. My thanks go out to all who played a role in this huge step for mental health in our community.”
In August, UT Tyler, UT Health East Texas, and Oceans Healthcare announced a partnership to enhance behavioral health care, which includes the Tyler facility set to open in 2026. The new facility will offer individualized treatment options for adolescents, adults, and seniors, with ten dedicated crisis beds available for immediate care.
“We are excited to participate in this joint venture with these extraordinary partners,” stated UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “Thanks to the support of the UT System Board of Regents and Smith County, the renovated behavioral health facility will not only provide mental health care for patients, but it will also serve as a teaching venue for our students to receive training in this vital health profession.”
The renovation project will involve approximately $7 million in capital investments to ensure that the facility meets the unique needs of behavioral health patients.
