Construction has begun on a $36 million replacement and expansion of The University of New Mexico Hospital Children’s Psychiatric Center (CPC) that will increase the number of beds available for New Mexico’s most vulnerable children and adolescents and allow providers to practice modern psychiatric treatments. Funding for this project was made possible when voters approved a Higher Education General Obligation Bond in 2022.
“Today marks a transformative step forward for our most vulnerable children and adolescents in New Mexico. The new Children’s Psychiatric Center is a beacon of hope, ensuring that every child facing a mental health crisis has access to modern care in a safe, supportive environment. This investment in our future reflects our commitment to prioritizing mental health and well-being for all New Mexicans.”
The turning over of dirt marks the beginning of an estimated two-year construction process, and progress towards a goal more than 10 years in the making aimed at providing better behavioral health care options and increased access for children in need across the state.
“This project may appear to be another building for some, but to so many, this project represents parents knowing they have a safe place to take their children or teens during a mental health crisis. It means that New Mexico’s children will have modern and welcoming space where they will receive compassionate care utilizing the latest and most effective treatments.”
Nearly 50 years ago, the CPC was built as a series of cottages on the premise that children stayed in the facility for a year or more, but that is no longer the model of best practice. Patients today stay at the CPC for an average of 10-11 days.
“When the original facilities were built, the model of care was significantly different. We are grateful that New Mexico’s voters gave us the opportunity to improve the environment of care we’re providing.”
Quick Facts About the Project
- The new 32,500 sq. ft. CPC is designed to be able to go up to 52 beds, however it will have 36 available beds initially.
- New CPC will include a 4 bed unit to handle extremely complex high acuity patients, which is a feature UNM Hospital has never had previously.
- Inpatient care will be consolidated into one building, instead of four cottages.
- Three cottages will remain open and operational during construction, temporarily reducing inpatient capacity from 36 to 27.
- New campus exterior will include three patient courtyards with play equipment and increased privacy for the patients.
- Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
The CPC has been the state’s only children’s emergency psychiatric unit available regardless of a family’s ability to pay. At any given time, 50% of the CPC’s patients are from outside the Albuquerque area.
Moving into a single inpatient facility is expected to reduce patient safety incidents, provide a code compliant environment with modern elements, increase operational efficiency, and lower campus operating costs.
The needs of young patients across the state have grown in recent years and are expected to continue growing. Mauricio Tohen, MD, DrPH, MBA, Chair of the UNM School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, said the CPC has a responsibility to grow as well, to meet those needs.
“What's more important than our children?” Tohen said. “They are our future, and unfortunately, many psychiatric conditions start early on. So, the sooner you address them, the better the outcome is going to be.”
Tohen said we are in a middle of an epidemic of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. Contributing factors include increased isolation during the COVID pandemic, and substance use disorders. The CPC is for patients who cannot function on their own and need to be in a hospital with observation, medication, group counseling, individual counseling, access to a variety of therapies, and even school.
In addition to improving inpatient care, Tohen said the upcoming changes to the CPC will allow providers to better care for outpatients as well.
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call 911. For the Suicide and Crisis Hotline, call 988.
Click here for additional information on psychiatric resources at UNM Health.