TYLER, Texas — Two East Texas institutions have come together with a Plano-based healthcare group to increase behavioral health care in the region with facilities in Tyler and Longview.
UT Tyler, UT Health East Texas and Oceans Healthcare announced the partnership on Thursday. A Tyler facility, which is expected to open in 2026, will provide individualized treatment options for children, adults and seniors. There will also be in-demand services for patients with complex needs. As for the Longview facility, the Oceans’ existing hospital in Longview that already treats similar patients will operate as part of the partnership, the announcement said.
“We are excited to participate in this joint venture with these extraordinary partners,” said UT Tyler President Dr. Julie V. Philley. “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.”
Donald Baker, UT Health East Texas market president, said the health system is honored to be part of a solution that expands inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to East Texans. This includes the addition of services for adolescents and supports the training of behavioral health providers for the region.
“This is a great example of how collaboration among all sectors of our community – public, private, government – can lead to solutions that benefit everyone, especially in addressing critical healthcare needs across our region," Baker said.
Both the Tyler and Longview facilities will also be training sites for medical students, residents and fellows of UT Tyler School of Medicine. These facilities will expand access to inpatient and outpatient care for those experiencing mental health issues and co-occurring substance use disorders.
The facility in Tyler, located at 4101 University Blvd., will undergo renovations costing about $7 million to make sure the building is suited for behavioral health patients. Smith County will give $4 million for the initiative through American Rescue Plan Act monies, which is COVID-19 economic relief federal funding.
“We have been working on improving mental health care in Smith County for years, and this is a big step for us to be able to do that,” Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said. “There is no better use of our ARPA funds than to help renovate a local facility that will provide much needed beds for mental health patients.”
Oceans Healthcare operates 10 inpatient hospitals and outpatient programs in Texas. UT Tyler and UT Health East Texas selected Oceans Healthcare as a partner because of its performance on key national quality metrics and its strategic process closely aligns with UT Tyler and UT Health East Texas.
“Like many regions, East Texas is confronting significant mental health challenges, including limited outpatient treatment options and a concerning workforce shortage, which create conditions where vulnerable individuals may not receive the care they need,” said Oceans Healthcare CEO Stuart Archer. “Partnering with UT Health East Texas, we are confident that together we can make a greater impact than we could individually. Our collaboration will enhance care options, support the development of early-career professionals, and advance our shared mission to deliver high-quality, transformative mental health care.”