The VA Long Beach Healthcare System celebrated the completion of its new mental health facilities on Thursday, Aug. 28, which expands its services for local veterans.

Located on the campus of the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, the Mental Health Outpatient Building 600 and Mental Health Inpatient Building 800 represent a transformative expansion in mental health care at VA Long Beach, officials said.

The two facilities add more than 160,000 square feet, expanding the total space by 75%, and will consolidate services from various locations around the campus. Officials said they hope this makes it easier for veterans – especially those in crisis – to find the appropriate clinic or care space.

VA Long Beach serves the health care needs of more than 64,000 veterans in and around Long Beach, and helps over 20,000 veterans with mental health services during the year. Staff and patient populations have seen significant growth over the years, so these renovations were essential, according to VA spokesperson Alyssa Rivas.

There are now 15 more inpatient beds, and moving into the new buildings will enable more efficient care that was specially designed for mental health treatment. The older buildings are due for demolition due to obsolescence and because of the need for extensive, costly upgrades.

This comprehensive upgrade not only increases capacity, officials said, but also improves the veteran experience, boosts staff satisfaction, and promotes better mental health outcomes.

VA Long Beach provides consultation, evaluation and treatment for a range of issues that may impact mental health or emotional well-being of veterans. The confidential outpatient services include individual and group therapy for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression; marriage and relationship problems; post-traumatic stress disorder; anxiety, addictive behaviors, and personality disorders; and aggressive or self-harming behaviors.

Now with 45 inpatient beds, 41 will be single-occupancy rooms, in contrast to the four-bed patient rooms used for most of the current beds. The private rooms will also have a restroom and shower, Rivas said.

The expanded facilities will also feature increased neuromodulation services, modernized IT infrastructure, and dedicated spaces – such as a women’s health program – all designed to deliver state-of-the-art care. Enhanced amenities include natural light, quiet zones, outdoor wellness areas and accessible entrances.

The first patient date for the outpatient building is Sept. 8, along with the urgent mental health clinic, which will be located in the inpatient building. The first patient day for inpatient mental health will be shortly after, Rivas said.

Construction of the two facilities began in early 2019 and cost approximately $175 million, and was completed in mid-August.

Veterans in crisis can contact the Veteran Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. It is now necessary to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.