Partnership will increase care options in the region, focus on training workforce
TYLER, Texas – The University of Texas at Tyler, UT Health East Texas and Plano-based Oceans Healthcare today announced a partnership to expand behavioral health care in East Texas, including facilities in Tyler and Longview.
The Tyler facility is expected to open in 2026 and will offer individualized treatment options for adolescents, adults and seniors. The facility will also provide in-demand services for high-acuity patients, a population of patients with complex needs. Oceans’ existing hospital in Longview, which treats similar patients, will operate as part of the partnership.
“We are excited to participate in this joint venture with these extraordinary partners,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “Thanks to the support of the UT System Board of Regents and Smith County, the renovated behavioral health facility will not only provide mental health care for patients, but it will also serve as a teaching venue for our students to receive training in this vital health profession.”
“We are honored to be part of a solution that expands inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to East Texans, including the addition of services for adolescents, and supports the training of current and future behavioral health providers for the region,” said Donald Baker, UT Health East Texas market president. “This is a great example of how collaboration among all sectors of our community – public, private, government – can lead to solutions that benefit everyone, especially in addressing critical healthcare needs across our region.”
The Tyler facility, at 4101 University Blvd., will undergo renovations with approximately $7 million in capital investments to ensure the building is designed for the unique needs of behavioral health patients.
Smith County will provide $4 million for the initiative as part of its projects supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
“We have been working on improving mental health care in Smith County for years, and this is a big step for us to be able to do that,” Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said. “There is no better use of our ARPA funds than to help renovate a local facility that will provide much needed beds for mental health patients.”
Oceans Healthcare has a long-standing commitment to serving communities across Texas. The organization currently operates 10 inpatient hospitals and outpatient programs in the state, and is experienced working with highly respected health systems and academic medical centers across the country to bring best practice operations and increase access to care.
Following a rigorous review process, UT Tyler and UT Health East Texas chose Oceans Healthcare as its partner because of its performance on key national quality metrics, including lower-than-average readmission rates and overall positive patient sentiment. Oceans strategic process closely aligns with that of UT Tyler and UT Health East Texas with a dedication to community involvement, academic growth and residency programs, and continued evaluation of future health needs in the region.
“Like many regions, East Texas is confronting significant mental health challenges, including limited outpatient treatment options and a concerning workforce shortage, which create conditions where vulnerable individuals may not receive the care they need,” said Stuart Archer, Oceans Healthcare CEO. “Partnering with UT Health East Texas, we are confident that together we can make a greater impact than we could individually. Our collaboration will enhance care options, support the development of early-career professionals, and advance our shared mission to deliver high-quality, transformative mental health care.”
The organizations share a mission to deliver high-quality care and advocate for those most in need of what is often life-saving behavioral health treatment. The partnership will also place important focus on training the next generation of behavioral health providers. Both facilities will serve as training sites for medical students, residents and fellows of UT Tyler School of Medicine.
The facilities will operate under the name UT Health East Texas Behavioral Health and expand access to inpatient and outpatient care for those experiencing mental health challenges and co-occurring substance use disorders.
