Dallas, Texas, December 27, 2025
UT Southwestern Medical Center has been reinstated as the operator of the Texas Behavioral Health Center, DFW’s first state acute care behavioral health hospital. Slated to offer 292 beds for adult and pediatric patients, the 505,000-square-foot facility is set to start patient care this summer, advancing mental health services in the region. Led by interim CEO Dr. Hicham Ibrahim, the center introduces new models of care and aims to enhance community mental health access and outcomes.
Dallas, Texas – UT Southwestern Returns as DFW’s State Hospital Operator
UT Southwestern Medical Center has been selected to operate the new Texas Behavioral Health Center, marking its return as the operator of Dallas-Fort Worth’s first state acute care behavioral health hospital. The facility is set to begin patient care this summer.
Facility Details
The Texas Behavioral Health Center, located in the Southwestern Medical District, is a 505,000-square-foot hospital designed to provide comprehensive mental health services. When fully operational, it will offer 292 beds for adult and pediatric patients, including civil and forensic beds. The hospital features landscaped courtyards and an open-air balcony to promote a healing environment. The pediatric unit received significant support from Children’s Health, which donated $261 million for its construction.
Leadership and Services
Dr. Hicham Ibrahim, a UT Southwestern executive, will serve as the interim CEO of the state hospital. Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the introduction of new models of care, such as interventional psychiatry, aimed at expanding access, improving outcomes, and strengthening the continuum of behavioral health care for North Texas and the state.
Background
Initially, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) planned to operate the hospital independently, leading to UT Southwestern’s removal from the operational role. However, following a request for information process and subsequent deliberations, UT Southwestern has now been entrusted with operating the facility. This decision reflects the confidence of state leaders and the community in UT Southwestern’s capabilities.
The hospital is part of the state’s $1.2 billion expansion of mental health services and facilities over the past few years. It aims to address the evolving mental health needs of the Dallas-Fort Worth community and set a new standard for behavioral health care in the region.
Related Developments
UT Southwestern continues to lead in healthcare excellence, having been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth for the ninth consecutive year. The institution also ranks among the nation’s top hospitals in 12 specialties, the most of any hospital in Texas.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Texas Behavioral Health Center under the leadership of UT Southwestern represents a significant enhancement of mental health services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As the facility prepares to open, it is set to play a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of the community. This initiative stands as a testament to local investment in healthcare and the resilience of Texas’s healthcare providers. Community engagement and support are vital as Dallas moves toward a future with improved access to mental health care.
FAQs
What is the Texas Behavioral Health Center?
The Texas Behavioral Health Center is a 505,000-square-foot hospital located in the Southwestern Medical District of Dallas, designed to provide comprehensive mental health services. When fully operational, it will offer 292 beds for adult and pediatric patients, including civil and forensic beds.
Who is leading the Texas Behavioral Health Center?
Dr. Hicham Ibrahim, a UT Southwestern executive, will serve as the interim CEO of the state hospital. He emphasized the introduction of new models of care, such as interventional psychiatry, aimed at expanding access and improving outcomes.
What is the background of UT Southwestern’s involvement with the hospital?
Initially, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) planned to operate the hospital independently, leading to UT Southwestern’s removal from the operational role. However, following a request for information process and subsequent deliberations, UT Southwestern has now been entrusted with operating the facility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Texas Behavioral Health Center |
| Location | Southwestern Medical District, Dallas, Texas |
| Size | 505,000 square feet |
| Total Beds | 292 (adult and pediatric) |
| Leadership | Dr. Hicham Ibrahim (Interim CEO) |
| Opening Date | Summer 2026 |
| Key Features | Landscaped courtyards, open-air balcony, civil and forensic beds |
| Support | Children’s Health donated $261 million for the pediatric unit |
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