VHC Health will build a new mental health and rehab facility in Arlington, hospital executives said Tuesday, relieving pressure as a growing need for inpatient care and shortage of available beds squeeze Northern Virginia and the state, The Washington Post reports.
As envisioned, the $80 million facility, which is still subject to state and county approval, would house five outpatient behavioral health programs and at least 112 beds at the site near the Glencarlyn neighborhood, including 24 for substance abuse recovery.
“We are really enthusiastic about the options that this is going to bring forward in the community to address the shortage of mental health beds in particular,” Arlington County Board member Katie Cristol (D) said in a joint interview Tuesday with hospital officials announcing the news.
The announcement comes as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has proposed expanding investment in the state’s strained behavioral health system, which serves as a public safety net for people in need of care. Read more.
