KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Leaders gathered virtually to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new behavioral health hospital to serve the greater Knoxville community.
Covenant Health and Acadia Healthcare have teamed up for the new 90-bed acute-care psychiatric hospital that will be built at the corner of Old Weisgarber Road and Dowell Springs Boulevard. It will have the space to expand for 48 additional beds to serve up to 138 patients.
“Research tells us that mental disorders and challenges such as substance abuse, anxiety and depression can have significant effects on a person’s overall health – and helping people achieve optimal health is an essential part of our health system’s mission,” Covenant Health CEO Jim VanderSteeg said.
The $33.3 million hospital is expected to open in fall 2021. It will be used to treat patients with a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.
It will include a full gym, exercise and yoga space, and places for art and music therapy.
Behavioral health doesn't always get the focus that other areas of medicine get, but officials said it's very important and that the need is great in East Tennessee.
“We want to see every individual not only meet their potential, but exceed beyond what they believe they are capable of,” Acadia Healthcare Operations Group President Dr. Jeffrey Woods said. “Each person who enters East Tennessee Behavioral Health will be treated with dignity and respect. Our environment will be one that is welcoming and provides a refuge.”
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, and Congressman Tim Burchett attended the virtual groundbreaking, thanking the team and supporting the initiative to improve behavioral healthcare access locally.
“Mental health issues touch nearly everyone, either through personal experience or knowing someone who is struggling," Burchett said.