Comal County officials announced that construction is underway on a new 16,000‑square‑foot mental‑health facility in New Braunfels. The project, budgeted at $8.75 million, will house a Mental Health Extended Observation Unit (EOU) and a Crisis Residential Unit (CRU) to serve residents experiencing behavioral‑health emergencies.
Project details and funding
The facility, located at 3115 W. San Antonio St., is being financed through the American Rescue Plan Act. Project Manager Jaclyn Andrada told Community Impact that construction began in September 2024 and is slated for completion in May 2027.
How the EOU and CRU will help the community
The EOU will provide short‑term observation, assessment, and stabilization for individuals in mental‑health crisis, offering a safer alternative to crowded emergency departments that often lack specialized behavioral‑health resources. The CRU will deliver a structured, supportive environment for short‑term residential crisis stabilization, giving patients additional time and care to transition to longer‑term treatment or community support.
Local officials express support
Comal County Court at Law No. 3 Judge Deborah Wigington praised the project, saying it will give the county the ability to conduct assessments, crisis intake, stabilization, and treatment for residents in need. “The support for this project by the commissioners court and the community as a whole shows the commitment of Comal County to providing for the needs of those struggling with unmet mental‑health needs,” Wigington said in a statement.
What this means for families and first responders
By creating a dedicated space for crisis care, the county aims to reduce the burden on emergency‑room staff and improve outcomes for families facing sudden mental‑health emergencies. Faster, specialized intervention can help keep loved ones safe while giving first responders clearer pathways for referral.
Looking ahead
Construction is progressing on schedule, with the county expecting the facility to open its doors in mid‑2027. Community leaders anticipate that the EOU and CRU will become essential components of Comal County’s broader effort to strengthen mental‑health services and support families throughout the region.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
