As the demand for behavioral health resources continues to rise, Palomar Health announces the groundbreaking of the Palomar Health Behavioral Health Institute on September 12, 2024. In partnership with Lifepoint Behavioral Health, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, this new facility will provide crucial care to one of the most vulnerable populations of San Diego’s community and include a dedicated treatment program for the unique needs of military and first responders.

The Palomar Health Behavioral Health Institute will provide the community with an innovative, tranquil environment that promotes a journey of healing for adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. The two-story, 84,700-square-foot hospital will include four 30-bed units, each equipped with dining areas and separate entrances and recovery spaces for adolescents. With natural lighting, outdoor recreation areas and other components that promote a healing environment throughout, the thoughtfully designed hospital sets a new standard for behavioral healthcare facilities.

With San Diego’s robust military and first responder population, the much-needed facility will also offer Help for Heroes, a treatment program designed to serve the mental health and substance abuse needs of active duty and retired military personnel, veterans, first responders and healthcare workers. This marks the first time the Help for Heroes program will be available on the West Coast.

For both adolescents and adults, this new facility is a vital resource that will offer care to San Diego County.