River Oaks Treatment Center Dedicates Mental Health Program on World Bipolar Day

New 18-bed inpatient facility aims to expand access to specialized care in Florida

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:46pm

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River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview, Florida has opened a new 18-bed inpatient mental health facility, dedicating the program on World Bipolar Day. The expansion reflects the growing need for comprehensive mental health services in the state, which lags behind the nation in access to care. The new program offers evidence-based treatment for conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

Why it matters

Mental health care access remains limited in Florida, with over 200 federally designated shortage areas. Untreated mental illness can lead to serious negative outcomes, including an increased risk of suicide. The new inpatient program at River Oaks aims to provide timely, intensive care to help people stabilize earlier and avoid reaching a crisis point.

The details

The 18-bed mental health facility at River Oaks Treatment Center offers evidence-based treatment for individuals with primary mental health diagnoses, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. The program is designed to provide more support than outpatient therapy for those who need it, helping people begin healing sooner and avoid hospitalization.

  • The ribbon-cutting and dedication event was held on World Bipolar Day, March 30, 2026.

The players

River Oaks Treatment Center

A treatment center located in Riverview, Florida that serves the Tampa area and individuals nationwide with evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment.

Chris Bailey

The Executive Director of River Oaks Treatment Center.

Dr. Lawrence Weinsten

The Chief Medical Officer of American Addiction Centers, the parent company of River Oaks Treatment Center.

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What they’re saying

“Mental health care access remains far too limited in Florida and across the country, especially for individuals who need more support than outpatient therapy but aren't yet in crisis. Too often, people are left waiting until their condition escalates to the point of hospitalization. Our inpatient mental health unit is designed to change that, providing timely, intensive care that helps people stabilize earlier, begin healing sooner, and avoid reaching a breaking point.”

— Chris Bailey, Executive Director

“For more than a decade, River Oaks Treatment Center has been a trusted provider of addiction and co-occurring disorder care. This expansion of services reflects our commitment to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Those struggling with mental illness deserve specialized and dignified care. The program is already changing lives, and we look forward to helping even more individuals find stability, heal, and move forward in their lives.”

— Dr. Lawrence Weinsten, Chief Medical Officer of American Addiction Centers

What’s next

The new inpatient mental health program at River Oaks Treatment Center is now open and accepting patients.

The takeaway

The opening of River Oaks' new 18-bed inpatient mental health facility highlights the critical need for expanded access to specialized care in Florida, where mental health shortage areas are prevalent. By providing timely, intensive treatment, the program aims to help people stabilize earlier and avoid reaching a crisis point, addressing a significant gap in the state's mental healthcare system.