About the Project

In both Missouri and Kansas City there is an unmet need for behavioral health services. University Health’s facilities are unable to serve all individuals needing short-term acute psychiatric care. The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has hundreds of Missourians with mental illness in jail waiting to be admitted. These individuals have been ordered by Missouri criminal courts to DMH for competency restoration and treatment. The number of these individuals is expected to continue growing.

The State of Missouri will design and construct an estimated 300,000 square foot psychiatric hospital to support at least 200 psychiatric hospital beds for individuals with mental illness. The state will partner with University Health to operate this facility. The State of Missouri has $300 million appropriated for the design and construction of this facility.