Baptist Hospital Announces $50M Expansion for Mental Health Care

Planned renovations and new facility will add 72 beds and 120 jobs to Beaumont region

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:22am

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph showing the intricate internal structure of a hospital bed frame, rendered in a ghostly, translucent style to symbolize the expansion of mental health care services.A planned $50 million expansion at Baptist Hospital's Behavioral Health facility in Beaumont aims to significantly boost access to critical mental health services in the region.Beaumont Today

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Behavioral Health has submitted an application for Neighborhood Empowerment Zone incentives to support a $50 million renovation and expansion project at its Beaumont facility. The project includes renovations to the existing building, the addition of 72 new patient beds, construction of a new 3-story facility, and improvements to parking and infrastructure. The project is expected to create approximately 120 full-time jobs with an estimated annual payroll of $7 million, while expanding access to mental health services in the community.

Why it matters

The planned expansion at Baptist Hospital's Behavioral Health facility aims to significantly boost mental health care resources in the Beaumont region, which has historically faced challenges in providing adequate access to mental health services for residents. The project represents a major investment in the community's wellbeing and could serve as a model for other hospitals looking to enhance their mental health offerings.

The details

The renovation and expansion project at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Behavioral Health's Beaumont facility will include upgrades to the existing building, the addition of 72 new patient beds in a new 3-story structure, and improvements to parking and other infrastructure. The total estimated construction cost is $50 million, with work expected to begin in March 2026 and be completed by early 2028.

  • The project application was submitted in April 2026.
  • Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed by early 2028.

The players

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Behavioral Health

A non-profit corporation that provides inpatient and outpatient mental health care services in the Beaumont region.

Justin Doss

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

Glen Christensen

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

Bryan Chandler

Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

Garrett Craver

Designated contact person for the expansion project.

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What they’re saying

“This project will allow us to significantly expand access to critical mental health services in the Beaumont community.”

— Justin Doss, Chief Executive Officer

What’s next

The Beaumont City Council is expected to vote on authorizing the city manager to execute documents related to the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone incentives for the Baptist Hospital Behavioral Health expansion project at their meeting on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Baptist Hospital's planned $50 million investment in its Beaumont Behavioral Health facility represents a major commitment to improving mental health care access and resources in the region, which has historically faced challenges in this area. The project's focus on expanding inpatient and outpatient services, as well as creating 120 new jobs, underscores the hospital's role as a community anchor.