Redmond breaks ground on new youth mental health treatment center

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Health Authority and community partners broke ground Tuesday, Sept. 29, on a 16-bed residential mental health treatment facility in Redmond, Oregon. The site will provide crisis care close to home for youth ages 12 to 17 in Central Oregon.

The project receives funding support in part from $3 million in state general fund dollars provided through House Bill 5024. Additional funding comes from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the Central Oregon Health Council, federal appropriations and facility developer Headwaters Behavioral Health.

The Redmond project adds 16 beds to Oregon's existing pool of children's psychiatric residential treatment beds. Two other facilities funded through House Bill 5024 include Community Counseling Solutions' STARS project in Boardman and Madrona Recovery Center in Tigard, which currently provide a combined 36 beds. Once the Redmond location opens, the total capacity available across these facilities will increase to more than 50 beds statewide.

The need for youth mental health services in the region was outlined in a July 2024 report by St. Charles Health System, titled “Unmet Mental Health Needs for Youth in Central Oregon.” The study documented ongoing shortages of psychiatric beds, crisis placements and regional treatment options, which routinely left young patients waiting for extended periods in emergency departments. Molly Wells-Darling, senior behavioral health director at St. Charles Health System, said the new facility addresses an issue local officials have sought to resolve for years. “This facility represents something our community has talked about, hoped for and worked toward for many years,” Wells-Darling said. “When a young person is in crisis they deserve to have the right care at the right time at the right place, as close to home as possible.”

State health officials emphasized that the site will expand local access to specialized care. Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director for the Oregon Health Authority, highlighted the state's investment in regional mental health infrastructure. “OHA is proud to support a project that brings critical mental health treatment closer to home for young people and families in Central Oregon,” Clarke said. “This facility reflects Oregon's commitment to building a behavioral health system where youth in our state can receive compassionate care when they need it most.”

The 9,200-square-foot facility will offer evidence-based services including therapy, medication management, life skills training and academic support. Youth admitted to the facility will stay anywhere from 14 days to several months, depending on their individual treatment needs.

Headwaters Behavioral Health obtained project approval from the City of Redmond and will handle operations at the facility. The organization also operates a youth residential treatment center in Idaho.

The facility is expected to open in late 2027.