The behavioral health care field continues to evolve, with providers across the country opening new clinics and preparing to expand services for a wide range of patients. Recent developments highlight a growing commitment to meeting the mental and behavioral health needs of communities, from older adults in Colorado to individuals struggling with eating disorders in Minnesota and children with autism in Maine.
This wave of new facilities and groundbreakings demonstrates how health care providers are addressing gaps in care, expanding access, and responding to increasing demand for specialized services.
Banner Health Opens New Colorado Unit
Phoenix-based Banner Health, a nonprofit health system, has taken a significant step in expanding its behavioral health services with the opening of a new facility in Loveland, Colorado.
The 17-bed outpatient unit, located on the second floor of McKee Medical Center, is designed to serve adults ages 55 and older. By focusing on seniors, Banner Health is recognizing an often-overlooked population in behavioral health care. Older adults face unique challenges, including late-life depression, cognitive decline, social isolation, and the emotional impact of chronic illness. Yet behavioral health services tailored to their needs remain limited in many parts of the country.
Banner Health’s decision to open a dedicated unit for seniors is a timely response to the aging U.S. population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of adults aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060. With age often comes increased vulnerability to mental health issues, but stigma and lack of access often prevent older adults from receiving necessary care.
Banner Health operates 28 facilities across six states, and the Loveland opening illustrates the system’s ongoing investment in behavioral health. By embedding the unit within McKee Medical Center, Banner also ensures that patients can access other hospital services, supporting a more holistic approach to care.
Melrose Center Expands in Minnesota
In Minnesota, another notable development comes from Melrose Center, a provider specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Melrose has officially opened its own clinic in Burnsville, just south of Minneapolis.
The new Burnsville facility marks an expansion of Melrose’s ability to serve patients closer to where they live. Previously, the center had two therapists operating out of Park Nicollet Behavioral Health Clinic. Now, with its own clinic, Melrose can offer a broader range of services under one roof while maintaining its affiliation with HealthPartners, the Bloomington-based health care provider and insurer.
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are serious mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, though they are particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults. These disorders can have life-threatening consequences if untreated, making specialized facilities like Melrose Center essential in the broader behavioral health landscape.
The expansion into Burnsville was made possible thanks to a grant from philanthropist Ken Melrose, retired CEO of Toro. His contribution underscores the critical role philanthropy plays in expanding behavioral health access, especially for conditions that historically have not received as much funding or public attention as other health concerns.
With five total clinics, Melrose Center is becoming a key resource in the Twin Cities area. By expanding its presence, the organization is not only increasing accessibility but also reducing stigma by normalizing treatment in community settings.
Rogers Behavioral Health Plans New Facility in Wisconsin
Looking ahead, Rogers Behavioral Health is preparing to expand in its home state of Wisconsin. The Oconomowoc-based provider has announced plans to break ground on a new outpatient treatment center in Sheboygan this spring.
Backed by a $4 million grant from an anonymous donor, the new 10,000-square-foot facility will treat both adults and adolescents experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This expansion reflects Rogers’ expertise in treating mood and anxiety disorders and highlights the increasing demand for outpatient services, which are often more flexible and accessible than inpatient treatment.
Rogers already operates facilities in eight other states, making it a recognized leader in behavioral health. The Sheboygan expansion is part of a broader national trend of bringing specialized mental health care closer to communities, particularly in underserved regions. The center is expected to open in late 2020 or early 2021.
Maine Behavioral Healthcare to Build New Autism Center
Maine Behavioral Healthcare, a branch of MaineHealth, has also announced a major project: the construction of a new autism services center in Portland.
The new $14.7 million Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders will be more than triple the size of the organization’s existing South Portland facility. Scheduled to open in 2021, the 28,000-square-foot building will expand services significantly — not only for children, but also for adults.
This expansion is particularly important because many autism treatment programs focus primarily on children, leaving adults with autism underserved. By extending services to adults, Maine Behavioral Healthcare is addressing a critical gap and supporting individuals across the lifespan.
The new center will also serve as a hub for research, education, and collaboration, positioning Maine as a leader in autism services. Meanwhile, the current South Portland facility will be repurposed within the MaineHealth network to provide other behavioral health services, further strengthening the state’s overall care infrastructure.
A Broader Trend in Behavioral Health Expansion
The openings and planned projects by Banner Health, Melrose Center, Rogers Behavioral Health, and Maine Behavioral Healthcare all point to a broader movement in the behavioral health field. Across the U.S., providers are:
- Targeting underserved populations such as older adults and individuals with autism.
- Expanding outpatient services to make treatment more accessible and community-based.
- Investing in specialized care for conditions like eating disorders, autism, anxiety, and depression.
- Leveraging philanthropy and grants to fund growth and innovation.
These developments reflect growing recognition that mental and behavioral health is as critical as physical health — and that access to care must be expanded to meet rising demand.
The Road Ahead
While these expansions are encouraging, challenges remain. Stigma continues to prevent many individuals from seeking care, and workforce shortages in behavioral health make it difficult for providers to keep up with demand. Funding is another hurdle, as behavioral health programs often receive less financial support than other areas of health care.
Nevertheless, the projects in Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine are a testament to progress. Each new facility or expansion represents not just bricks and mortar, but hope for individuals and families navigating the challenges of mental and behavioral health conditions.
As more providers follow suit, the future of behavioral health care in the U.S. may look brighter — with greater accessibility, more specialized services, and a commitment to treating the whole person across all stages of life.
