US-based healthcare systems ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare have broken ground on a 144-bed behavioural health hospital in Greenville, North Carolina.

The facility aims to address mental health challenges among patients in North Carolina and allow them to be treated.

It will provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment for individuals of all ages.

The behavioural health hospital will address acute mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring disorders.

In addition, the facility will function as a teaching hospital to address the shortage of behavioural healthcare professionals in the area.

It will have a particular focus on child and adolescent care and feature 24 dedicated inpatient beds, which are claimed to be the first of their kind in ECU Health’s 29-county service area.

North Carolina department of health and human services secretary Kody Kinsley said: “Too many people, including children, in North Carolina get stuck in emergency departments when they urgently need short-term and high-quality behavioural health care.

“This new hospital will create lasting change in this region by making behavioural health services easier to access when and where they are needed.”

ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare will jointly own and operate the facility, which is expected to open in early 2025.

The project's general contracting responsibilities have been undertaken by the Thomas Construction Group, while Stengel Hill Architecture is serving as the architect.

Acadia Healthcare CEO Chris Hunter said: “We are so proud to be affiliated with ECU Health, working together to address the strong need in this area and building upon their legacy and commitment to behavioural health services.

“This hospital will be a strong member of the Greenville community, collaborating with all organisations, hospitals and first responders.

“It will be a beacon of hope for patients and families in eastern North Carolina.”