East Alabama Health recently celebrated the grand opening of its new $44 million mental health facility, East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) North, on Dec. 17. Located on the North Campus of East Alabama Health, this new facility aims to meet the growing demand for both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, reflecting the community’s increasing mental health needs.
The 54,000-square-foot facility was constructed by Bailey-Harris Construction of Auburn and includes specialized units designed for adults, adolescents, and children seeking inpatient psychiatric care. Additionally, the new space expands East Alabama Psychiatric Services (EAPS), which provides outpatient mental health care. The outpatient service is set to begin on Dec. 22, while the inpatient units will open in mid-January.
“Mental health care is an essential part of overall wellness, and meeting that need in our community has long been a priority,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health. “From the design to the construction, every detail of this facility reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional care while preserving the dignity and respect every patient deserves.”
The opening ceremony featured local hospital leadership, government and agency officials, elected leaders, and other community partners who played significant roles in making the project a reality.
Alabama has long faced a shortage of psychiatric beds, and the need for more mental health care options is urgent. Studies show that one in five Alabamians has experienced a mental health episode. With the opening of EAMC North, the facility will increase the number of inpatient psychiatry beds from 28 to 40, a much-needed addition to the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
“We are severely lacking in mental health beds, so this facility is a critical step in improving access for people in need of psychiatric care,” said Kimberly Boswell, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. “When I saw this beautiful facility, I was completely blown away by the quality of care it will provide.”
The adult inpatient units at the facility are divided into male and female wings, each featuring its own common areas and outdoor courtyards, with 10 beds for each gender. The facility also includes a short-term unit for children and adolescents and a long-term adolescent unit, which is the only one of its kind in Alabama. The long-term unit features an onsite school, East Alabama Academy, which provides education up to a high school diploma, and a hands-on learning kitchen that helps patients develop life skills.
EAMC North was made possible by extensive community collaboration. East Alabama Health officials began working with local residents and various government partners as early as 2022 to secure funding and support for the project. The opening represents a milestone in the region’s commitment to addressing mental health care gaps.
“I was blessed to have served as a first responder before entering politics, and I have seen firsthand that this issue is not partisan—mental health affects everyone,” said Alabama State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (District 79). “This facility will change lives for many people and families in our community.”
Throughout the facility’s design, psychiatry staff played a vital role in ensuring the space would meet patient needs. Common areas are bright and airy, with large windows and dedicated spaces for therapy, activities, and family visits. These thoughtful design elements ensure that both patients and families experience a welcoming environment conducive to healing.
The facility’s opening is not only a step forward in expanding mental health care but also in training future psychiatric professionals. East Alabama Health has added six mental health providers since 2023, including five psychiatrists and one clinical psychologist. Additionally, the health system launched a Psychiatry Residency Program in July 2025, aimed at training and retaining the next generation of psychiatrists in the region.
Dr. Austin Luker, medical director and psychiatrist at EAPS, shared his excitement about the facility’s potential: “I’ve seen the incredible vision of our hospital leadership become a reality. We’ve recruited a fantastic team of psychiatrists, and our residency program is well on its way to training skilled future providers.”
The new location of EAPS offers a modern, progressive design with over 15 provider offices. These private, quiet spaces are ideal for therapy sessions, medication management, and follow-up care, ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive support they need.
As the facility prepares to welcome its first patients, East Alabama Health’s commitment to meeting the mental health needs of the community is clear. This state-of-the-art facility is set to provide much-needed care to individuals across the region while also creating new opportunities for mental health professionals to grow and contribute to the field.
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